Course summary

This programme enables you to study two world languages in the context of the histories, literatures and societies of the countries in which they're spoken. China is one of the world's earliest civilisations, while German-speaking cultures have long had a profound international influence. In Europe, more people speak German as their native language than any other, and the language ranks in the World Top 20, being particularly important for business and politics. Likewise, Chinese is your gateway to a major economic and political global power - one whose scale makes an understanding of regional and cultural differences essential. Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland to offer both single and joint honours undergraduate honours programmes in Chinese, enabling you to learn modern standard Chinese in the context of Chinese history, literature, culture, politics and international relations - past and present. Likewise, you'll learn the German language while studying literature, film and theatre, all within the context of historical and political developments from the eighteenth century to contemporary times. Both subjects will develop your skills in translation, reading, writing and oral communication, including through a year abroad in either China or Taiwan and in a German-speaking country.