German and Politics (MA)
Introduction
German and Politics at Aberdeen adds to your highly-developed skills in a modern European language and culture with an in-depth exploration of national, European and global politics, putting you at the forefront of contemporary world issues. You will be taught by highly-regarded experts regularly commenting in the media on events unfolding in the world today. You will gain the perfect foundation for a wide range of careers in Europe, politics, media and many other fields and professions.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- R2L2
You will gain a solid grounding in the German language whatever your level, in a programme with the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in the last national Teaching Quality Assessment.
You will also develop a broad understanding of culture in the German-speaking world, with courses in social, historical and cultural aspects of these countries and encounter the world of German artistic expression in the form of literature, film and art, together with a deeper understanding of Germany’s complex history.
In Politics, you will be right at the front of debate on current world events – including Britain’s relationship with its European neighbours and movements of regionalisation within the UK.
You will explore voting behaviour, different political systems, making and implementing policy, nationalism, concepts of democracy, and ever-present concerns of conflict and peace. You can also take advantage of unique options made possible by the research pedigree of our academic team with a strong track record in publishing international papers and articles.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
Advanced - for post-Higher candidates and those who have studied German for more than 4 years
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
-
This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Getting Started at the 51cg (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- German Language 1 (GM1050)
-
15 Credit Points
This interactive, skill-based course is designed for students with prior knowledge of German. It builds on previously acquired German communication skills to further develop students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in German. Additionally, the course provides a deeper understanding of various cultural aspects of German-speaking countries.
Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course.
Upon registration for this course, you are asked to complete a short online language placement to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability.
• Students who have no experience of German register for GM1054: German for Beginners 1• Students who have studied German to National 5/GCSE level (or equivalent) typically register for GM1054: German for Beginners 1• Students who have studied German to Higher (or equivalent) register for GM1050 German Language 1
- German Language 2 (GM1550)
-
15 Credit Points
The course is designed for students who successfully completed GM1050 (semester 1)The course builds on previously acquired German communication skills to further develop students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in German. Additionally, the course provides a deeper understanding of various cultural aspects of German-speaking countries.
Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course
- Residence Abroad Preparation for Mlti Students (LA10RP)
-
This course is restricted to MLTI (Modern Languages / Translation and Interpreting) students.
This course is for students preparing their residence abroad, as part of their degree requirements on Modern Languages (Mode A and Mode B) or Translation and Interpreting programmes. This course carries no credits in itself, but provides essential support and guidance as MLTI students organise their residence abroad to meet their degree requirements.
Year 1: Optional Courses
GERMAN ADVANCED – for post-Higher candidates and those who have studied German for more than 4 years:
EITHER
Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052)
Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
OR
The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)
Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
Plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.
- Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
-
15 Credit Points
Politics and International Relations impacts on all parts of our lives, with more specifically it being the study of ideas, events, institutions and choice. Studying these provides us with both knowledge of the world and also how it operates and functions. It also changes our perception of our surroundings and makes us aware of an ever changing global context. This course will introduce students to concepts and ideas that form the basis for the study of these disciplines while simultaneously also helping us understand our own place within a global context.
- The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)
-
15 Credit Points
Focusing on major cities in Europe and the Americas, this course unit uses a range of texts, including films, poetry and fiction, to investigate urban spaces as sites of promise, power and loss. Representations of global cities, and experiences of urban dwellers, highlight themes such as empire, identity, leisure, labour and love. Set amid glittering facades and gritty back streets, the texts studied in this course explore the many meanings of the urban experience across place and time. These urban encounters also provide a way of understanding key social, political and cultural moments in the past and present.
- Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
-
15 Credit Points
Politics is the study of multiple forms of power that impacts our lives and the world we live in. It shapes how people and groups cooperate or clash with each other. In this course, we will explore the ideas, institutions, complex histories, global dynamics, and systems that shape politics and international relations. Students will learn key concepts and theories of the discipline, and develop their skills in understanding and analysing global politics.
- Year 2
-
Year 2: Compulsory Courses
Term 2 to be spent in a German Speaking Country
- Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
-
30 Credit Points
Ideas and ideologies are core to teaching, learning and research in Politics and International Relations. Theoretical developments are at the forefront of academic debates within the discipline, demonstrated by the appearance of a number of new approaches as more traditional theories have struggled to account for an ever changing world. This course will introduce students to these with profound questions and struggles over identity, belonging, justice and rights underpinning these theoretical debates.
- German Language 3 (GM2042)
-
15 Credit Points
This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German.
- Year 3
-
Year 3: Compulsory Courses
- Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084)
-
30 Credit Points
This course provides you with an understanding of the research process, research design, and a variety of popular research methods to enable you to systematically conduct scientific research on the phenomena concerning Politics and/or International Relations (PIR). You will gain practical skills to apply these methods independently, especially looking forward to your final undergraduate dissertation.
Year 3: Optional Courses
One Term 2 level 3 Politics and International Relations course:
- Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084)
-
30 Credit Points
This course provides you with an understanding of the research process, research design, and a variety of popular research methods to enable you to systematically conduct scientific research on the phenomena concerning Politics and/or International Relations (PIR). You will gain practical skills to apply these methods independently, especially looking forward to your final undergraduate dissertation.
- Year 4
-
Year 4: Compulsory Courses
- German Language Study for Senior Honours (GM4099)
-
30 Credit Points
Building on the skills gained during the Junior Honours language course and before, this module expands and refines German language expertise in writing, reading, speaking and listening, to an advanced level, for their final exit written and oral exam in German.
Year 4: Optional Courses
EITHER:
German Dissertation (Joint Honours) (GM4052)
PLUS
One Term 1 level 4 Politics and International Relations course:
Contemporary French Politics: Race, Religion and Social Change B (LA401G)
Science, Technology and International Relations (IR4034)
War and Peace in International Relations (IR4036)
International Political Psychology (PI4086)
Scottish Politics (PI4091)One Term 2 level 4 Politics and International Relations course:
Comparative Constitutional Systems (AT4557)
Extreme Right in Western Europe (PI4560)
Maritime Security (IR4535)
Political Islam: Islamist Ideologies and Practices (PI4573)
International Migration and Europe (PI4579)
Gender and Politics (PI4584)
Northern Ireland: Small, Dirty War (PI4588)
Corruption and Good Governance (PI4589)
US Presidents (PI4590)Plus further credit points from level 4 courses in German to gain a total of 60 credits in the discipline
OR:
Dissertation (Politics) (PI4071)
PLUS
One Term 2 level 4 Politics and International Relations course
Plus further credit points from level 4 courses in German to gain a total of 60 credits in the discipline
- Dissertation (PI4071)
-
30 Credit Points
This course affords students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and research skills in the broad field of Politics & International Relations to an individual piece of research, focusing on a topic selected by the student and approved by the Dissertation supervisor. Over the course of the project, with guidance from a supervising member of staff, the student will conduct a literature review of relevant material, select appropriate research methods, gather data where necessary, analyse data, and write a final analysis in the form of the Dissertation. Particular emphasis will be given to helping students develop their own skills.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study German and Politics?
Why German
- A vibrant international community on campus and across the region, with many German-speaking students, staff and activities to get involved in and practise your language skills.
- German Society open to all students interested in German and the German-speaking countries, organising drama performances and other events such as Kaffee and Kuchen, a German Stammtisch, film showings, and visits by German speakers and writers.
- German Drama Group providing a great opportunity to produce an annual play, widen your language skills and meet other German students studying in Aberdeen. Previous years included works of 20th century dramatists Dürrenmatt, Borchert and Horvath.
- Opportunities to study the rich literature and culture of Austria and Switzerland in addition to Germany.
- A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the popular annual WayWORD festival, welcoming international figures, experts, authors and scientists to campus.
- Your period abroad as a language assistant or visiting student - we have exchange scholarships with the Universities of Zurich, Kiel and Greifswald, and Erasmus partners including Leipzig, Cologne, Bonn, Trier and Graz in Austria.
- The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with fabulous study facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and an extensive German collection to inspire your studies.
Why Politics and International Relations
- A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy.
- Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
- Staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy, energy politics, European integration and regionalism, human rights and development issues, interest groups, nationalism, conflict resolution and more.
- Opportunities to take advantage of spending your second year studying abroad, in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America.
- The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining a top-class study environment with state-of-the-art technology, and extensive reference collections for your studies.
- A packed campus programme of events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May festival, engaging prominent influencers, interest groups and public in debating major political issues such as Scottish independence and EU membership.
- All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change, and emerging democracy.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the 51cg.
General Entry Requirements
- 2027 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM in related subjects.
Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
30 points including 5, 4, 4 at HL.
SL in English is also required.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our .
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
- £20,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £20,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,800
-
The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,800
-
The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Home Students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £1,820
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
- £1,820
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
-
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
- £10,050
-
The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £9,790
-
The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The 51cg is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.
Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the 51cg to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the 51cg
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
Information 51cg Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
51cg
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX