German and Spanish

Specialise in a unique combination of languages which will give you both access to rich literary, historical and cultural traditions and global business opportunities.

Spoken in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, German is crucial for understanding the economic powerhouses of Europe renowned for contributions to technology, engineering, and international business. Spanish, with its extensive reach across Spain, Latin America, and the U.S., is pivotal for engaging with diverse markets, cultures, and global affairs.

Enhance the skills and knowledge gained through this degree at Birmingham through our Year Abroad, where you'll study and work at one of our global partner institutions.

Delve further into your language studies by choosing from a diverse range of modules, which may include:

Epic and Romance

Writing identities in the German-speaking world

Spanish Exile Culture

US Latino Culture: Spanish Caribbean

Sex, Seduction and Submission: gender in German literature from 1900 to today

Structures and Varieties of the Modern Hispanic Languages

And cross-departmental modules which may include:

Constructions of gender, sexuality and race

Cross-cultural Cinema: Migration and Displacement

Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial approaches to contemporary thought and culture

Introduction to Linguistics

From Text to Tech: Digital Approaches to Languages and Cultures

The Romance languages: structure, variation and change

There's an extensive range of language combinations available to you within our Modern Languages department.

Why study this course?

Experience a new approach to language learning with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method - study topics of cultural significance in your target language, designed and delivered by expert researchers.

Teach, study or complete a work placement abroad, immersing yourself in German and Spanish.

Enjoy focused academic contact – We pride ourselves on competitive contact hours. These take place in small groups, encouraging active language learning through engagement with cultural material.

Learn in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse. Join our language and culture-based societies to further enhance your skills and contribute to the student-led Linguist Magazine.

12th for German in the Complete University Guide by subject (2024)

16th for Iberian Languages in the Complete University Guide by subject (2024)