German and Scandinavian Studies

This unique joint honours programme is your opportunity to study the languages and cultures of two neighbouring and influential parts of modern Europe.

Over one third of Europeans speak German as their first language, while the languages of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.

Through intensive language study, including a year abroad, you will have the opportunity to acquire advanced spoken and written skills in both German and a Scandinavian language - either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish. No previous knowledge of any of the languages is needed.

In addition to your language classes, you will explore aspects of German-language and Scandinavian culture. Courses cover literature, cinema, history, society, politics, and languages in themed and comparative contexts.

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study languages in their cultural context.

We are the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate programmes with joint honours in Scandinavian Studies. We are the proud home of the Northern Scholars Scheme which fosters co-operation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.

As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are also unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

Studying over four years enables you to choose courses that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs. It gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence valued in a range of careers around the globe.