Integrated year abroad German MA (Hons) 2024 entry

Students who spend a year on a work placement abroad not only gain valuable work experience as teachers and tutors, but also develop their linguistic skills, social and personal development, and self-confidence and understanding of Germany or Austria. 

It is possible for students applying for the MA (Hons) in German to study or work abroad in a German-speaking country between their second and third year of study. This adds an extra year to the MA (Hons) course, making it a total of five years in length. Abroad options at partner universities are available in year three of the four-year MA.

Many UK students apply for a placement in a school through the British Council’s Language Assistantship scheme. Successful applicants go on to teach English at a school or college in Germany or Austria. Assistants are paid a salary locally, and, after attending a basic induction course in teaching resources and methods, are typically required to teach for 12 hours per week under the supervision of local staff at the educational institution employing them.

Other students organise an alternative work placement with the approval of the German Department. Previous students have worked in art galleries, publishing houses and various other sectors, including as in-house translators. 

The year abroad experience is competitive and is not guaranteed. Places are granted on merit during the second year of study and do not take into account the initial UCAS application. If students are unsuccessful with their year abroad application, they will be moved to the four-year German MA single Honours degree programme.

To find out more information, please contact the Department of German.