About us

• German at Exeter is a well-established centre of excellence in teaching and research
• We regularly perform well in national league tables and were ranked 5th for German in the National Student Survey (2011)*
• 2nd for Teaching for German in the National Student Survey (2011)**
• In the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) 85% of our research was classified as of international quality

We teach the full range of Undergraduate, MA, MRes, MPhil, and PhD students, and we contribute teaching to the Department of Modern Languages Masters in Translation. Our graduates go on to successful careers in a wide range of professions. Recent graduates have found employment in areas such as management, the culture industry, education, translation, law, and insurance. Others have progressed to postgraduate study.

Undergraduate study in German involves a combination of core language learning and the study of challenging and fascinating research areas that give an insight into German and Austrian culture and thought. In language work, there is a clear progression from post-A Level to a level of German that will allow you to work in a German-speaking context or pursue further study. Our range of optional modules cover particularly diverse subjects, from the religious tensions that tore Germany and Europe apart in the sixteenth century to the unique role played by the city of Berlin in 20th-century political and cultural history, from classic works by Schiller or Kleist to contemporary museum exhibitions. The material is studied through a variety of media: film, literary texts, the visual arts, and historical documents.  

Student numbers in German at Exeter are large enough to make for a lively and diverse student community, which supports activities such as a Stammtisch, trips to Germany, and a student magazine, but small enough that we know our students well and can respond quickly to their needs.