Chinese and German, MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme enables students to explore two prominent languages—Mandarin Chinese and German—within the historical, literary, and societal frameworks of their respective countries. China, as one of the world's oldest civilisations, offers profound cultural depth, while German-speaking regions have exerted significant global influence. German is the most widely spoken first language in Europe and ranks among the top 20 globally, crucial for business and politics. Mandarin Chinese, the second most spoken language worldwide, serves as a vital entry point to a major economic and political powerhouse, where understanding regional and cultural nuances is essential.At Edinburgh—the only Scottish university offering both single and joint honours in Chinese—students with little to no prior knowledge are welcomed, alongside those with some experience. The curriculum builds advanced proficiency in both languages, alongside in-depth studies of history, literature, culture, politics, and international relations across China (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) and German-speaking contexts from the 18th century to today. A year abroad in China, Taiwan, or a German-speaking country enhances immersion, culminating in high-level language skills and cultural awareness highly valued by employers globally.