About this major

The Germanic Studies major focuses on the study of both German language and culture including literature, film, history and society. Whether you are a beginner in the language, or are a background speaker of German, you can complete a major in Germanic Studies.

You can begin German language studies at different entry levels from beginners to the advanced level. The exit level is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR: A1 - C2), which guarantees the international comparability and transferability of your language skills.

German cultural studies include seminars on German literature, applied linguistics, film, history and society from the 17th century to the present. Through these seminars, you will gain an in-depth understanding of German speaking countries and their culture. You can also participate in our exchange program with universities in Bamberg, Berlin, Cologne, Constance, Freiburg, Munich, and Vienna as part of your major.

The Germanic Studies major combines well with any major in Arts and Social Sciences as well as with Law, Business and the Sciences. If you are not majoring in German, you can take German as a Minor or German units as electives. If you have already completed your undergraduate study, you can still study German by taking the Diploma in Language Studies.

Our graduates have a good understanding of German culture and society and can take advantage of career opportunities both in Australia and overseas or may continue to Honours and Postgraduate Studies.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level. Students completing any of the pathways for a major will be awarded a major in Germanic Studies.

Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathways linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact Discipline of Germanic Studies for advice.

The Germanic Studies (Introductory) pathway is suitable for complete beginners or students with very little language experience.