German Studies and Philosophy BA (Hons)

Lancaster’s joint German Studies and Philosophy degree is taught by the Department of Languages and Cultures in conjunction with the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 has ranked German Studies 1st in the UK.

Your German Studies programme gives you the opportunity to acquire high-level language skills and gain a thorough understanding of the country’s historical, cultural, social and political background in a global context. In Philosophy, we will help you to cultivate your own critical perspective on philosophical problems and questions, and develop a range of methods for analysing, critically engaging with, and discussing such problems.

Your first year comprises an exploration of the German language and its cultural context as well as an introduction to some of the central problems in philosophy and the theories produced in response to them. Alongside this, you will study a minor subject that complements your degree.

Building on your language skills in Year 2, you will study the culture, politics and history of Germany and Austria in more depth, as well as selecting modules which are international in scope and promote a comparative understanding of Europe and beyond. You will combine these with Philosophy modules such as, ‘Epistemology’, ‘Ethics: Theory and Practice’, and ‘Metaphysics’.

Spending your third year abroad in a German-speaking country gives you the opportunity to develop your language proficiency while deepening your intercultural sensitivity. You can study at a partner institution or conduct a work placement.

Careers

As well as language and subject-related skills, a degree in languages can help you to develop rich interpersonal, intercultural, cognitive and transferable skills that can be utilised across a variety of careers such as accountancy, IT, business development, civil service, events management, finance, journalism, publishing, research and sales, as well as teaching and translating both in the UK and abroad. Your studies in Philosophy will also hone analytical, logical and communication skills valued by diverse employers.

Many graduates continue their studies at Lancaster, making the most of our postgraduate research facilities. We offer Masters degrees in Philosophy, Translation, and Languages and Cultures, as well as a range of PhD research degrees.