German Studies and Theatre BA (Hons)

Lancaster’s joint German Studies and Theatre degree is taught by the Department of Languages and Cultures in conjunction with Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA). The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 ranks German Studies 1st and Drama, Dance and Cinematics joint 5th 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 backgrounds in a global context. In Theatre, you’ll learn about innovative 20th and 21st century theatre and performance through an exciting and varied mix of practical and academic approaches.

Your first year comprises an exploration of the German language and its cultural context as well as an introduction to theatre’s key concepts and practical tools that culminates in a performance project. 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 modules such as ‘Performing the Avant-Garde’, ‘Modern Dance’ and ‘British Theatre and the State of the Nation (1945-2000)’.

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.

Some of our graduates go on to find jobs within theatre - as performers, directors, writers, technicians and administrators - and in associated fields, such as journalism, the media, publishing and advertising. Others work within areas concerned with the social applications of theatre and drama, such as teaching, social work, community arts, drama, and dance therapy.

Many graduates continue their studies at Lancaster, making the most of our postgraduate research facilities. We offer Masters degrees in Translation, Languages and Cultures, Theatre Studies, as well as in Arts Management.