European Studies with German

European Studies with German at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary degree that explores the political, economic, cultural, and social aspects of Europe, with a particular focus on the German-speaking regions. This programme is designed for students who are interested in gaining a deep understanding of European integration, cross-cultural communication, and the role of Germany within the European Union and beyond. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that combines insights from politics, history, international relations, and language studies. The German language component provides students with advanced linguistic skills, enabling them to communicate effectively in professional and academic settings. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to develop practical skills such as critical analysis, research, and intercultural competence, which are highly valued in international careers. The programme also offers options for work placements and study abroad opportunities, allowing students to immerse themselves in German-speaking environments and enhance their language proficiency. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for careers in diplomacy, international business, journalism, public policy, and cultural exchange programmes. The University of Essex's strong links with European institutions and organizations provide students with valuable networking opportunities and access to expert lecturers who are active in their respective fields. With a combination of rigorous academic training and practical experiences, European Studies with German prepares students to become informed, engaged, and effective professionals in an increasingly interconnected Europe.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Europe: Myth and Idea;
One full year module or two half modules from the European options list;
One language option;
One full year or two half modules from outside option list OR Intensive Language module

Year 2

One language option;
two European options; and
one outside option or one language option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

One language option;
two European options; and
one outside option or a project

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• If you are interested in studying European studies with a modern language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact Undergraduate Admissions prior to making your application.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

European Studies with German at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of European political, cultural, and economic issues, combined with language skills in German. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in the history, politics, and society of Europe, along with practical language proficiency to enhance students' employability in international contexts. Students study core modules covering European integration, contemporary European politics, and cultural history, alongside language modules aimed at developing advanced German communication skills. The program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international business, journalism, or further academic research.

The curriculum integrates language learning with regional studies, allowing students to gain insights into European and German cultures, political systems, and social paradigms. Practical language modules include reading, writing, listening, and speaking components, with opportunities for immersive experiences such as Erasmus exchanges, placements, or internships. The program is suitable for students interested in understanding European issues from multiple perspectives, and who wish to develop bilingual abilities in English and German. The university provides a supportive learning environment with access to diverse academic resources, language laboratories, and dedicated tutorship.

Graduates of the program often go on to work in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, or continue their studies at postgraduate level. The combination of region-specific knowledge and language skills makes them highly competitive in the global job market. The University of Essex’s European Studies with German program also encourages participation in conferences and seminars, fostering networking opportunities with professionals and academics in the field. Overall, the course aims to produce well-rounded, culturally sensitive graduates capable of operating effectively in European and global contexts.