Rounded learning

We believe that your language skills are best developed in classes that combine all four key language skills – speaking listening, reading and writing – plus translation.

Combining these skills at this high level, rather than having separate classes for each, provides a rounded, more natural way to improve your language skills.

As much support as you need

Our language classes are taught in small groups by a native speaker. Your group and tutor will stay the same for the whole year.

This makes sure that you get as much support as you need to improve your language skills quickly and continually.

Studying beyond the textbook

Your language classes will focus on real, contemporary German and Austrian topics covering culture, society and politics, rather than just textbook examples. This gives you a deeper understanding of those countries where German is spoken, while making rapid progress in the language. 

You'll get the chance to build on these discussions in other core and optional units. These cover diverse topics from contemporary German politics to the rich literary culture of the eighteenth century, and from modern German sociolinguistics to the history and memory of the twentieth-century past.

Find out more about our units.

Using technology to innovate

We work closely with our students to develop online tools to help you with your learning in a way that works best for you, from weekly online tests to student-produced videos. Some of our innovations are even being picked up by other universities in the UK and abroad.

You will also have access to the superbly equipped School of Modern Languages Multimedia Centre, which provides print and digital media and tools to help with your studies.

Regular contact with native speakers

Research shows that regular contact with native speakers is a key part of language learning. During your degree we make sure you have plenty of opportunities to do this.

We arrange study projects (e.g. recently, interviews about personal experience of the fall of the Berlin Wall) that allow you to meet exchange students from Austria and Germany and native speakers in the Bristol area - in addition to regular conversations with your language tutor.

The highest standards

We know you want to achieve high standards and we provide the right conditions to help you realise your goals.

Through our teaching we aim for you to reach Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level C2 by the end of your degree. This is the highest level of proficiency recognised by the CEFR.

Find out more about our undergraduate courses