Entry requirements
The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAAAB
- Minimum entry grades:
- AABB
- Gateway entry grades:
- Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.
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- Standard entry grades:
- AAA
- Minimum entry grades:
- ABB
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- Standard entry grades:
- 38 (HL 6,6,6)
- Minimum entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,5,5)
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
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SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing science
- Geography
- Applications of Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
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GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing Science
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
Other qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
Applicants must have studied German at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, or equivalent. No previous knowledge of Management is required.
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.
Course details
In the first two years, students will take modules which complement their level of German entering the degree. Students will build on existing skills in German and are offered a broad view of German literature and culture.
During your third year, you have the opportunity to study at one of the University’s partner institutions in a German-speaking country. In this case, study undertaken in another country replaces equivalent study in St Andrews. Studying abroad is optional. You may also choose to spend an integrated year abroad working or studying in a German-speaking country and return for two Honours years.
In your Honours years, you will take modules focused on communication skills and can choose to specialise in a number of areas such as German literature and culture from earlier periods to the present day, and on German intellectual history and thought.
Graduates in Modern Languages from St Andrews can expect to have not only a high level of competency in language skills, but a highly developed appreciation for other cultures and peoples as well as a more critical understanding of their own perspectives and cultures. Other transferable skills, including analysis, synthesis and communication skills, will prepare you for a career in almost any industry.
The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.
Modules
Students who have an SQA Higher or a GCE A-level in German are required to take the following compulsory modules in first year:
- First Level German A 1: lays the foundation for study of German language, literature and culture at university level.
- First Level German A 2: builds on the foundation study of German language and literature in First Level German A 1.
First-year literature and culture teaching will focus on The Making of Today’s Germany and Austria 1945 to the Present, and will foreground a diverse range of perspectives on post-war and contemporary German-speaking Europe.
Non-language elements are integrated at this level: ex-beginners and ex-advanced students jointly extend their studies of German culture including modern and medieval literature.
In your third and fourth years, you will choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning. Students of all language levels take the same core modules in German language, including advanced oral, writing and communication skills. Modules at Honours level include but are not limited to:
- Masculinities in Contemporary German Film, TV and Literature
- Medieval Things
- Shakespeare: The German Catalyst
- The Nazi Past in German Cultural Memory
- Writing Nature: German Environmental Thought (1800 - 2000)
In fourth year, students have the option, subject to approval, of undertaking a dissertation of up to 10,000 words, written in English, on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.
The modules above are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course. Please see the module catalogue for more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment.
Teaching
Fees
Scotland
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man
Following the decision of the UK Government to raise undergraduate tuition fees and maintenance loans in line with inflation from April 2025, we are reviewing the consequences of that decision for fees payable by students from the rest of the UK who have chosen to study in Scotland. We will update the information on this page as soon as possible.
EU and overseas
£31,670
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
Careers
Modern Languages graduates have an extremely good record of employment after graduating, not only in all sectors that require advanced language skills but also in professional environments that demand good communication and analytical skills. Employers value language graduates because they demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and intercultural skills.
Many graduates whether in the UK, in Germany, Austria or elsewhere, go on to:
- specialise in translation and interpreting services, in language teaching, journalism or other sector-specific careers
- join international institutions, charities and enterprises, working in international development departments, human resources, administration, media and communication jobs
- start a career in the banking and financial sector
- join the civil service, particularly in positions within the Foreign Office
- continue to study at postgraduate level across a range of academic and vocational subjects
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
What to do next
Online information events
Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.
Undergraduate visiting days
We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.
Contact us
- Phone
- +44 (0)1334 46 2961
- modlangs@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Address
- School of Modern Languages
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH
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