German History Language Culture and History

Overview of the Program: German History, Language, Culture, and Society

The University College London offers a comprehensive program dedicated to the study of German history, language, culture, and society. Designed for students interested in gaining a deep understanding of Germany's complex past, vibrant present, and dynamic cultural landscape, this program combines rigorous historical analysis with language proficiency and cultural insights. Throughout the course, students will explore key themes such as the development of modern German identity, political transformations, social movements, artistic and literary contributions, and Germany’s role in broader European and global contexts.

The curriculum includes modules that cover a wide range of topics, from the medieval period through the modern era, emphasizing critical thinking and historiographical debates. Language modules aim to develop advanced proficiency in German, encompassing both written and spoken skills, enabling students to engage directly with primary sources and original cultural texts. Cultural studies components introduce students to German literature, philosophy, music, film, and art, providing a holistic understanding of Germany’s cultural heritage.

Students will also examine contemporary issues including migration, globalization, political change, and Germany’s position within the European Union. The program offers opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research projects, and, where applicable, study abroad options to enhance linguistic and cultural immersion. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, journalism, international relations, cultural institutions, or further postgraduate study.

UCL's experienced faculty members, many of whom are experts in German history and culture, guide students through a multifaceted exploration of Germany’s past and present. The program encourages critical engagement, scholarly research, and the acquisition of language skills necessary for understanding the nuances of German society. With its blend of historical inquiry and cultural analysis, this program provides a unique pathway to mastering German studies in a global context, preparing students for professional and academic success in an interconnected world.

The MA offers students the opportunity to explore a range of aspects of German history, and gives students a grounding in one of the principal areas of modern history, essential for an understanding of contemporary Europe and its past. Text-based language teaching is available for students wishing to develop their linguistic skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme offers two pathways: taught and research.

Taught: one core module (30 credits), three optional modules (90 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). Research: one core module (30 credits), two taught modules (60 credits), and a research dissertation (90 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, one core module (30 credits), three optional modules (90 credits), full-time nine months or part-time two years, is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate, one core module (30 credits), one optional module (30 credits), full-time three months, part-time six months, is offered.

Core module

The core Language, Culture and History module permits research into two areas of major contemporary interest, such as:

• Trauma
• Memory
• Visual Culture
• Queer(y)ing Sexuality

Optional modules

Students take a choice of optional modules on topics such as the following:

• Theoretical Issues in History and Literature
• Parzival
• Reading Modern Novels
• Staging the Past: German Historical Drama since 1770
• Writing and Rewriting Marchen and other Fantastic Tales
• Language, Power and Ideology
• Translation From and into German Language; Advanced Translation
• Discussion and Essay in German Language; Intensive Essay Writing
• German Literature and Psychology

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words (taught pathway) or 18,000 words (research pathway).

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Formal teaching occurs in the first two terms and the third term is devoted to revision sessions, examinations and detailed supervision of the dissertation project. Student performance is assessed through coursework essays, a dissertation, and unseen written examinations.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A knowledge of German at least equivalent to UK A level standard is required.

Several funding options are possible for applicants including: Arts & Humanities Faculty Awards, UCL Scholarships for UK/EU & Overseas Students and UCL German Alumni Scholarship.

For details of scholarships available to MA students in SELCS, please refer to the MA Scholarships webpage.

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.

Jean Orr Scholarship

Value:

£7,000 (1 year)

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

The BA in German, History, Language, Culture, and History at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of Germany's rich historical and cultural heritage, alongside proficiency in the German language. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of German history from early modern times to contemporary periods, emphasizing the social, political, and cultural developments that have shaped Germany over the centuries. Students develop advanced language skills through immersive coursework and practical use, enabling them to engage critically with original texts and sources in German.

The program also emphasizes cultural awareness by examining German literature, philosophy, art, and media, fostering a broad appreciation for Germany's contributions to global culture. The history component covers major events such as the Reformation, the World Wars, the Cold War, and the reunification of Germany, offering insights into how these periods influence modern German society. Students will gain research skills through specific modules that introduce approaches to historical analysis, utilizing primary sources and historiography.

Beyond classroom learning, the program encourages engagement with German-speaking communities and institutions, including possible Erasmus exchange opportunities, fostering practical language use and cultural exchange. The interdisciplinary nature of the course prepares graduates for careers in international relations, journalism, academia, translation, and cultural management. Core modules typically include German language proficiency, introduction to German studies, history of modern Germany, and cultural studies, complemented by optional modules that allow students to tailor their learning according to their interests, such as contemporary German politics or German film and media.

Assessment methods comprise essays, presentations, language tests, and a final dissertation integrating language, history, and cultural studies. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only fluent in German but also possess a nuanced understanding of Germany’s historical trajectory and cultural landscape, ready to engage in international careers or pursue further academic research. Students also benefit from UCL’s extensive resources, including access to archives, libraries, and research centers specializing in European studies, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Overall, this program prepares students to critically analyze German historical and cultural issues within a global context, equipping them with the skills necessary for effective cross-cultural communication and scholarly inquiry.