German and History BA

Course overview

German and History is a joint degree, equally weighted between both disciplines and studied in both departments. You will graduate from this course as both a specialist historian and a highly qualified linguist with advanced intercultural skills. You will also have a deep understanding of Germany’s past and present, and a multifaceted knowledge of the study of history.

A German and History degree will allow you to combine two specialisms. Firstly, you will be able to develop and refine your skills as a linguist through a programme of modules exploring the German language and the culture, history and politics of Germany and the German-speaking world. Alongside this, you will pursue your interests in history, with core and optional modules on topics including the history of the Renaissance, the modern history of Britain, France and Russia, and the history of the non-European world.

Alongside the German language modules, you can profit from the many synergies that exist between the two departments. You may have the opportunity to study a range of topics relating to post-1918 German culture (the Weimar Republic, National Socialism, and German society and culture since 1945), or aspects of culture from the 18th and 19th centuries, covering the epochs of Enlightenment, Romanticism, Revolution, and tracing the rise of Empire, modernity and capitalism.

Your studies in History will additionally enable to you to explore the history of the European and non-European worlds. History at Warwick asks you to look critically at the motivations, context and characters behind the events that define world history from the Renaissance to the present day. Our far-reaching approach allows you to explore historical topics in depth from around the globe. The department’s expertise spans the British Isles, continental Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin and North America.

Your second or third year is normally spent abroad, either as a language assistant, working, or studying at one of our partner universities. This is an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the linguistic and cultural contexts where German is spoken, enhance your language skills and build international connections. In your final year, you can choose to write a dissertation on a topic from German or History, or one that brings together your interests in the two.

You will have access to outstanding facilities and resources. This includes flexible collaborative and individual learning spaces, as well as a vast selection of print, digital and multimedia learning materials.

You will finish your degree as a proficient, internationally mobile linguist with a deep understanding of key issues and developments in Germany’s past and present, and an advanced knowledge of global histories.

Study abroad

The Year Abroad is a distinctive and invaluable part of any degree in Modern Languages, as it enables you to further refine your skills through linguistic and cultural immersion. If you are unable to spend a year abroad, you may transfer to a three-year degree. In such cases, you will be required to complete further language reinforcement work. You will also be encouraged to spend time abroad in other ways, during vacation times.

You will usually spend your year abroad doing one of three things:

• Working as a language assistant teaching English in a primary or secondary school
• Studying full-time at a partner university in your chosen country
• Completing a work placement

The year abroad options are flexible. Find out more about flexible Year Abroad options.Link opens in a new window

We welcome applications for our International Foundation and Undergraduate courses from applicants from Jordan.

High School qualification is not considered for entry. We would require completion of an approved international foundation programme, such as the Warwick International Foundation Programme. Alternatively IB, A Levels, or other European or North American system will also be considered.

If you need any advice or guidance on the qualifications above, our Middle East and North Africa Team are here to help. Contact them at mena@warwick.ac.uk.

See our Jordan Country Information page for guidance, contacts and upcoming events in your country.

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

This course requires: Band B

Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.

Your career

A languages degree will equip you with skills applicable to a wide variety of different jobs and career paths. Our students often go on to careers using their languages after graduation. They also develop transferrable communicative and analytical skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Graduates from Modern Language courses have gone on to work for employers including:

• Amazon
• British Airways
• Civil Service
• Grayce Consulting
• HM Revenue and Customs
• HSBC
• Ipsos Mori
• Lidl
• NBC Universal
• Save the Children International
• The Department for International Trade

They have pursued careers such as:

• Business and financial project management professionals
• Chartered and certified accountants
• Financial accounts managers
• Human resources and industrial relations officers
• Management consultants and business analysts
• Public services associate professionals
• Teachers and other educational professionals

Helping you find the right career

Our School has a dedicated, professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events to boost your employability. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• What are you doing after Warwick? Career planning for final year language students
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• Completing effective CVs and Application Forms for students from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures
• Reflecting on Your Year Abroad
• Languages Alumni Evening

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.