History and German BA (Hons)

University of Bristol

This course combines the broad historical knowledge and well-developed research skills gained in a history degree with the in-depth cultural awareness and advanced linguistic skills that come from studying German, the second most important language for European business besides English. These skills allow you to gain direct access to the cultural production, intellectual history, and political debates from German-speaking countries.

You will join two departments with researchers working in various fields and will be encouraged to develop expertise and research skills relevant to both disciplines while also considering the relationships between them. Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff incorporate new research into their classes.

You will follow a structured language course in German and explore the rich culture and history of German-speaking countries and communities, choosing from a range of units in literature, film, history, thought, politics, linguistics and visual culture. Your third year will be spent abroad where you will have the opportunity to explore historical issues in the distinct cultural and social context of a German-speaking country while studying or working.

You will have the chance to explore the intersections between history and German independently through a historically-minded dissertation in your fourth year, where you will be required to use some sources written in German. The combined knowledge of history, language and culture will mean you are uniquely placed to foster and to lead intercultural communication across national boundaries.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.

Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills, which will make you attractive to future employers in the globalised workplace and in the sector of your choice.

German can be studied from beginner’s level and post-A level (or equivalent). All modern languages students have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafés, student newspapers, and talent shows.