Course summary

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 (PPR). 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 German-speaking countries in more depth, as well as selecting modules which are international in scope and promote a comparative understanding of Europe and beyond. 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 university or conduct a work placement. In your final year, you consolidate your German language skills, and study specialist culture and comparative modules. In the second and final years you will be able to choose from a broad range of philosophy modules. Beginners Languages Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.