German and Politics, MA (Hons)

German is among the world's top 20 languages, spoken as a first language by more people in Europe than any other. Germany stands as a key economic and political force in the European Union, making the combination of German and Politics an ideal joint honours programme. Students develop professional skills in German across four years, including a year abroad, encompassing reading, listening, writing, translating, speaking, and presenting. The curriculum also explores German-language literature, film, and theatre within historical and political contexts, from the 18th century to today, addressing issues like the Holocaust, migration, and minority cultures. Beginners start with German 1A, while those with prior experience take German 1B, culminating in advanced linguistic, critical, and analytical skills for a dissertation.Politics examines the theory and practice of governance, including how institutions create rules, the distribution of power, and the pursuit of a just society. At the University of Edinburgh, this programme draws on expert research to analyse conflicts over power, participation, and resources at local, national, and international levels, while considering the ethics of political action. As a vibrant capital city, Edinburgh offers an enriching environment for studying language and politics, with a flexible structure allowing optional courses in the first two years and specialisation thereafter. Graduates gain a valued blend of cultural education and specialist expertise, enhanced by a full year abroad.