German and Philosophy MA (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: German Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code RV25 Award MA (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location Central Area Start date September 2026 School School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study abroad Mandatory Placement No Open days and events Overview About the degree programme German thought has had a profound impact on philosophy, culture and science. Many of the most influential European thinkers have come from the German-speaking world, from Arendt to Hegel, Leibnitz to Wittgenstein.GermanAcross all four years of our programme, including a year abroad in Year 3, your studies will give you the chance to gain professional skills in all aspects of German, including:reading and listeningwriting and translatingspeaking and presentingAs well as language learning, you will also explore German-language literature, film and theatre. You will study these in the context of historical and political developments, from the eighteenth century to contemporary times.On this programme, you will take one of the following as your first language course:German 1A - for beginnersGerman 1B - for students with more experience of learning the languageBy your final year, you will have developed the linguistic, critical and analytical skills to the standard of completing a dissertation or long essay.PhilosophyStudying philosophy will:allow you to think about some of the great philosophical questions in a clear, disciplined and systematic mannerintroduce you to the thinking of some of the great philosophers of the past and presentilluminate the connections between diverse areas of human experiencemake you more aware of the assumptions that form the basis of your beliefs Why EdinburghAs a world-leading historic, festival and capital city, Edinburgh is the ideal place to study a modern language in its cultural context.We have a strong historic connection to Philosophy, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among our former students, and the subject has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583.German has been taught here since 1894, making it one of the first European languages to be offered at the University.We are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.Graduating with a degree in German and Philosophy from Edinburgh gives you the combination of language and humanities skills, and the international perspective, valued by employers worldwide. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 studying abroad, gaining lived experience of German-speaking culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics, periods, or approaches to German and Philosophy. How a joint degree programme works You will study both German and Philosophy to degree level, as well as taking optional courses in Years 1 and 2.German is based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) and Philosophy in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS) on the same campus.Your teaching will take place in and around the main LLC and PPLS buildings in the University's Central Area.On your Year Abroad (Year 3), you'll complete coursework for both sides of the programme. Programme rankings 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages3rd in the UK in the broad subject area of Arts & HumanitiesRankings from QS World Rankings by Subject 2025 Programme benefits Learn in a historic, capital city where German has been taught for over a century.Study over four years, including one abroad.Become fluent in a language.Try out different subjects in your first two years.Join societies related to what you are studying.Delve into fantastic libraries and collections. Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. 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Additional costs As long as international travel is possible, you will spend Year 3 abroad. The costs you have to pay will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally refund you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved.You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Year 1 GermanIf you have not studied German before, you will take German 1A, an intensive language course. If your entry qualification for German is a Scottish Higher, A level, or equivalent, you will take German 1B. This course covers language as well as literature and culture from 1770 CE to the present day. On our German 1B course, you will also have the chance to interview a German-speaking professional working in Edinburgh or Glasgow. This will give you the opportunity to:practise professional communication discover the value of languages in the workplace gain insights into possible career optionsRead 'Conversation to career starter' - our feature on the German interviewPhilosophyIn Year 1 and 2, you will take a range of courses that introduce you to a variety of the main areas of philosophy. In Year 1, you will take courses in some or all of the following areas:ethicsthe history of philosophy (Western and non-Western traditions)logicphilosophy of scienceOption coursesYou will complete your Year 1 studies with an option course chosen from a wide range offered by the University.Options include, but are not limited to, courses in:linguistics and language sciencesbusiness, economics and informaticspolitics, social policy, social anthropology and international relationsart and architectural historyhistory, classics and archaeology Celtic and Scottish ethnologyphilosophy, divinity and law Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 2 GermanYou will further develop your oral language skills. You will also practise translation, grammar, and writing different types of texts in German. You will continue to study German-language literature and culture, choosing at least two courses from a range of options. These are likely to include:Researching Disability in German Literature and Society Culture, Modernity and the City in the Weimar Republic Reading Antisemitism in Modern German Literature The Contemporary Short Story in German Screening Sex: Gender, Sexuality, and Identity on the German Screen and Beyond Migration in German-Language Discourse German Colonialism: History, Memory, ControversyPhilosophyYou will take courses in areas such as: epistemology metaphysics philosophy of language philosophy of mind Option coursesAs in Year 1, you will complete your studies with at least one option course.Courses to choose from include a great selection in European languages and cultures that explore literature, film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.Typical option courses include:Cultural Responses to WarMigration, Exile, DiasporaCrime and Detection in LiteratureGender and CultureThe Coming-of-Age NarrativeIntroduction to European CinemaDynamics of Language and PowerLanguages Beyond UniversityAlternatively, you can opt to learn the fundamentals of Dutch, or choose from a range of courses covering different aspects of linguistics. Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 3 (study abroad mandatory) You will spend Year 3 abroad, deepening your knowledge of German by speaking it daily and immersing yourself in local cultures.Living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.How much time will I spend abroad?You will spend a minimum of 30 weeks abroad in Germany or a country where German is spoken.You might be able to divide your time between two destinations, but to give you a balanced experience, you will spend at least eight weeks in each place. How you further divide your time abroad is typically based on whether you study, work or combine the two.Where can I go?Transforming classroom learning into a lived experience, you will study or work in a German-speaking country.We currently have exchange places with partner universities in:BerlinAugsburgHamburgHeidelbergTübingenFreiburgLeipzigMainzViennaIt may also be possible to work in a wider range of countries in which German is spoken. If you are considering working abroad, the first step is to start thinking about where you would like to go. Visa requirements and application processes vary between countries, so it is a good idea to find out what documentation you will need and whether you are eligible to get it.Study or work?When you are abroad, you can generally choose to either:study in one or two destinationswork in one or two destinationsstudy in one destination and work in anotherIf you choose to study, you will take classes at one or two of the universities where we have available exchange opportunities. This means that you will spend either:two semesters at a single institutionone semester at two different institutions (in different destinations)A work placement abroad is another way to gain an international perspective, build professional networks and prepare you for your career after university.Once you have checked if you are eligible to work abroad, and have talked through your plans with us, you might choose to do one or more placements. For example, you could:arrange to work or volunteer with a private company or charityapply to an established placement scheme, such as the British Council’s English Language Assistants programmeWhatever you decide to do, your time abroad is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. It adds an international dimension to your studies, showing future employers that you are open to new ideas and experiences.Coursework while abroadWe will aim to ensure your experience abroad is as beneficial as possible to your final year, as well as to your wider language learning and cultural awareness.Depending on availability, you will take courses in philosophy at your host institution. If this is not possible, you will take an online course that covers major themes in philosophical methodology. This course will help you critically analyse and engage with literature by key philosophers and present your arguments clearly, including in essays and short assignments.Regardless of whether you study or work abroad, you will take an e-learning course in German to prepare you for your Year 4 language courses. This course will count as part of your Year 3 marks, alongside any coursework arranged by your host university (if studying abroad).Depending on your Year Abroad activities, you also begin preparing for your dissertation while abroad, guided by your dissertation supervisor. Keeping in touchWhile you are abroad as part of your programme, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your time away. Additionally, each language has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:Student Wellbeing ServiceStudent CounsellingStudent Disability and Learning SupportUniversity emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)Wellbeing and safetyYour wellbeing and safety abroad is our first priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted, for example following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we will offer you alternative ways to engage with your studies. These will be tailored towards supporting you to meet your learning outcomes and to prepare for your final year. Year 4 You will take advanced German language classes covering:spoken German essay and précis writing German-to-English translation of literary and journalistic textsIn addition to these core courses, you will also choose from a range of specialist, honours-level courses in both German and Philosophy. For German, these include courses in German-language:literature film theatre societyBuilding on all the knowledge and skills you have developed over four years, including in independent research, you will complete a dissertation or long essay in German. Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Study abroad You will spend Year 3 abroad (a minimum of 30 weeks) in a German-speaking country, usually Germany or Austria. This is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. Our graduates have told us how much the Year Abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills.We know that you are likely to have lots of questions about your Year Abroad. We have gone into lots of detail about where you can go and what you can do under ‘Year 3’ above. You can also find out more through the University's Study and Work Away Service.What are my options for going abroad? Teaching and assessment Teaching University is a place to plan your own goals under expert guidance, study independently and in groups, and reflect upon your learning throughout your degree.Our approach to learning and teaching is active, inclusive and question-driven, so it may be different to your experiences at school. It will help you gain the skills for life after university, and we will guide you through the steps from one phase to the next.Depending on the size of your year group, and which option courses you take, your classes will typically fall into three categories:lecturestutorialsseminarsAs well as classes, to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.We make extensive use of our audio and visual resources, and you will also be encouraged to use online materials.LecturesLectures are taken by all students on a course, typically at the same time. They are delivered as interactive presentations which may involve audio-visual material.Lectures are given by an experienced academic. They are designed to guide you through the background, questions and debates related to the topic you are studying.In Years 1 and 2, Philosophy courses are taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials.TutorialsTutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. So, tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture.Language tutorials give you the opportunity to develop your linguistic skills in a range of real-world tasks under the supervision of an experienced language teacher.These classes typically cover skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking - all of which involve learning and applying grammar.SeminarsSeminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. Again, they are designed to encourage and enable your active participation in learning.On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in your honours years. For example, in Year 4, Philosophy courses are taught through a mixture of seminars and tutorials. Assessment You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block.Coursework will take a range of forms to give you the opportunity to practice different skills. For example, you may be asked to:write an essay, review, blog post, opinion piece or learning journalrespond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close readinggive a short talk or presentationrecord a podcast or videodesign a poster or presentation Exams will include oral exams to test your spoken language skills.Depending on where you go and what you do during your Year Abroad, Year 3 may include being assessed, in part, by a host university.In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation or long essay. Support for your studies As well as the teaching staff and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD). Peer support schemes bring together students across year groups to help each other with specific study skills, topics or themes. Where you will study Study location When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, or in one of the University’s many social and support spaces.The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space. Academic facilities Libraries and collectionsThe Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media. Resources include around 95,000 books and 5,425 journals in German.The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:more than 400,000 rare bookssix kilometres of archives and manuscriptsthousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objectsThe Centre's treasures include the Karin McPherson Collection, a unique resource for students interested in the literature and culture of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Running to some 1,000 volumes, the Collection presents a complete overview of the GDR’s literary (and sometimes broader) culture from 1949 to 1989, including internationally renowned and lesser-known writers.Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, computing labs and dedicated study spaces in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. Our collections and library holdings in the subject are extensive. Career paths and further study Career paths Skills and experienceCombining a language with philosophy to degree level demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas - what employers value as intercultural competence.On this joint honours programme, you will develop linguistic and critical skills. You will also gain a nuanced understanding of diverse cultures and societies throughout history.Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility. The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to:understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and conceptsmanage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projectswork independently and as part of a groupOpportunities across sectorsHumanities programmes are an excellent primer for a range of careers, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative. Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to work in:business, finance, commerce and techcommunications, marketing, advertising and public relationseducation, outreach, advocacy and trainingjournalism, broadcasting and medialeisure, tourism and travelpolitics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and lawpublishing, culture, heritage and the artsresearch, development, consultancy and venture accelerationtranslating and interpretingLocal and global opportunitiesWith increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.If you are keen to work abroad, it is good to know that more people speak German as their first language than any other in Europe.German is an official language of seven European countries and provinces. It also plays an important role in communications in many other countries, particularly in central and eastern Europe.German is the third most popular language taught worldwide. German speakers are highly sought after by UK employers, particularly those with links to the German economy, the fourth largest in the world. Careers Service Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.Through the University's excellent Careers Service, you can:get careers advice tailored towards German and Philosophybook one-to-one appointments and practice interviewsaccess a range of online resourcesattend events and themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festivalget help finding work while you study and for around two years after you graduateThe Careers Service is also a partner in Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from recent graduates of programmes in literatures, languages and cultures.Visit the Careers Service website Further study The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.At the University, we typically offer:Masters by Research programmes in:GermanPhilosophytaught masters programmes in:Philosophy, including online programmesComparative LiteratureIntermedialityTranslation StudiesAny of these programmes is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification. Graduate profiles Be inspired by our alumni in literatures, languages and cultures Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh What our students say I think what makes Edinburgh special is that there is so much to do whatever your interests are! Whether you enjoy hiking, relaxing in a café, socialising with friends, or literally anything else, you will never run out of options here. Minju Kim LLC graduate (2024) In her final year studying languages at Edinburgh, Minju served as the Undergraduate Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Together with Programme Representatives for German and Philosophy, Undergraduate Representatives are your voice in the university - sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA). Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and clubs, including the German Society and Edinburgh PhilSoc - the Philosophy Society. EUSA also promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.Founded in 1871, Edinburgh PhilSoc is the University's oldest continuously running student society and is the largest and most active philosophy society in the UK.From acting to dancing, making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, student-led groups offer lots of ways to explore your subjects, interests and talents socially.If you love to write, our online creative writing magazine Babble is the place to publish your:prosepoetrydramanon-fictionBabble goes out twice a year and includes work written in German and eight other European languages. You can get involved in the editorial committee, and launch nights typically include readings and performances.Recent extra-curricular activities in German include:student-produced plays and performances student-made film version of the fairytale 'Aschenputtel'German bake-offSocietiesSports clubs The city of Edinburgh Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections.The city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional, and its world cinema scene is particularly strong.Many national collections are located close to the University's Central Area, making them easy to access between classes. Highlights include the National Library of Scotland, which has outstanding German holdings.We have excellent links with the German Consulate, which is based in Edinburgh, and with the Goethe-Institut in Glasgow.Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events