German Studies and International Relations Lancaster University

Thinking internationally: on our German Studies and International Relations course you’ll develop expertise in the German language alongside in-depth cultural knowledge, practical experience and a unique understanding of global dynamics.

Explore global challenges, foreign policy, security threats, and international cooperation and rivalry, while gaining valuable insights into the German-speaking world and beyond. You’ll be taught by top experts in the field and graduate with critical thinking skills, practical expertise, and the ability to evaluate different perspectives on the most pressing contemporary affairs.

Why choose German Studies and International Relations at Lancaster?

• Develop a critical insight into an ever-changing global landscape and the complexities of international politics

• Explore important global issues and how they affect the German-speaking world such as environmental challenges and climate change, politics, health and human rights

• Follow a progressional ladder on an internationally recognised language scale entering either from beginners or intermediate level and progressing to proficiency

• Learn how to ask difficult questions with confidence, whilst building on transferable skills such as debating, presentation skills and writing policy briefs

• Apply for one of our annual internships, giving you the chance to work with external organisations on live projects

• Consolidate your expertise in German and International Relations by working or studying in a German-speaking country

What areas of International Relations does the course include?

• Studying International Relations alongside German you will extend the scope of your understanding of global issues beyond the German-speaking world. You’ll consider questions such as:

• How do AI and cyber technologies change our understanding of politics, security and war?

• How are emerging powers altering the global order?

• Can international institutions address global poverty and environmental crises?

• How is the continued rise of China reshaping the global balance of power?

• Is the Global South an invention of the North?

Taught by influential, inspiring academics who shape policy at global and local levels, International Relations at Lancaster will give you the skills necessary to address these questions and tackle some of the most urgent challenges of our times. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations from leading experts in the field and acquire the necessary skills for a career in local and international politics.

How is German Studies taught at Lancaster?

Your journey to language proficiency and exploring the German-speaking world starts here. Studying German at Lancaster you will acquire high-level language skills and gain an internationally recognised qualification modelled on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.

You’ll enter the course either as a complete beginner in German or with some initial competency. Whatever level you begin with, you will progress to becoming proficient in the language. Spending your third year abroad in a German-speaking country makes a major contribution to your command of the language, while deepening your intercultural sensitivity. You can study at a partner university or conduct a work placement.

Your language learning will be further enriched by cultural studies, covering visual media, literature, art, and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal contexts of the German-speaking world.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. This should include grade B in German, or if this is to be studied from beginners' level, you should have AS grade B or A level grade B in another foreign language, or GCSE grade 7/A in a foreign language.

Access to HE Diploma

Our typical entry requirement would be 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have appropriate evidence of language ability.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D. This should include grade B in German, or if this is to be studied from beginners' level, you should have AS grade B or A level grade B in another foreign language, or GCSE grade 7/A in a foreign language.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. This should include 6 in HL German or other appropriate evidence of language learning ability.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability.

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C. A GCSE grade 7/A in a relevant language may meet the subject requirement for this programme, if not studied to A level or equivalent.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.