BA German and International Relations

In this combined degree you can expect to develop a strong proficiency in spoken German as well as a firm understanding of German politics and culture. The inclusion of a year abroad presents the opportunity to experience German culture first-hand and put your language skills into practice. Why study this course? Through studying German and International Relations at Reading, you will explore some of the most pressing problems of the contemporary world as well as studying in depth the political and social culture of Germany. You will explore the ideas, theories and values that shape policy, learn what motivates political behaviour, and examine how institutions of government and their political processes work at domestic and international levels. Within German Studies you will study German history and politics from various perspectives, such as through its language, film and literature, and also look into current issues within German politics and society. In addition, you will gain a high level of proficiency in the German language and experience the culture of a German-speaking country first-hand through working or studying abroad for a year. There are close links between the subjects in this degree. After the course A global market demands language skills, and on graduating from this course, you can expect to be able to write and speak fluently in German. Our graduates have an excellent record of gaining employment or progressing to further study, and can expect to be in high demand for their analytical skills and recognised for the specialist knowledge and expertise they can offer to the public and private sector alike. Many of our graduates go on to put their linguistic skills to practical use by working for companies with a German connection, however, prospects extend well beyond translating and interpreting. Typical roles of recent Reading Politics graduates include positions in public services (civil service, local government, public corporations, hospital management), the social services (child care, youth employment, probation), advertising, journalism, radio and television, management traineeships in industry, professions such as accountancy and law, banking and insurance, and various research agencies. Recent Reading graduates have been recruited by employers such as Sony Europe, the Civil Service, the Ministry of Defence, the House of Commons, the British Museum, Oxford University Press, Dow Jones and PwC.