German / International Relations BA (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

International relations today is about understanding and tackling global challenges. As a student on this degree scheme at Aberystwyth University, you will be perfectly placed to gain a deeper understanding of what those challenges are and what opportunities and obstacles shape how we manage them. The German component of this course will enable you to discover language, culture, literature and art whilst at the same time developing your linguistic competencies in the German language. This degree scheme provides an ideal combination of intensive language training whilst at the same time exploring the big questions and concepts of our time- such as power, conflict, security democracy, inequality, ethics, rights, justice, gender, development and political participation.

Why study International Relations and German at Aberystwyth University?

• There is a wide range of expertise available within the Department of Modern Languages and this is reflected in the module choices we offer. Students could choose modules on linguistics (both modern and historical); dialectical (the study of different forms of German, past and present); literature and current affairs.
• All students on this course will spend their third year living independently in a German-speaking country. You could choose to study at University, work as a language assistant or other forms of work placements.
• The Department of International Politics offers you the opportunity to explore modules which include Global challenges, Politics in the 21st Century, War, Strategy and Intelligence, Capitalism, Intelligence and International Security to name a few.
• As a student in the Department of International Politics, you will study in the world's first department of international politics that was founded after the First World War to help the world understand the world.
• During the first year, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to German studies and related research skills, in tutorial form.
• The Department of International Politics provides many opportunities of extra curricular activities during the duration of the course. A highlight of the course for many students is the renowned Crisis Games which is a three day role playing exercise in political, economics and diplomatic manoeuvre, developing negotiation and communication, critical thinking team work and problem solving skills.
• Modern Language graduates are statistically among the most employable graduates. In the 2017 Destination of Leavers for Higher Education report published in 2018 demonstrated that a degree in Modern Languages provides a clear pathway to employment or further study. For our department, 95% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months after graduating (HESA 2018). Our purposeful teaching ensures that you will have a smooth transition from campus to career.

- This degree is available to beginners and advanced language students. Beginners will follow an intensive course in the first year.