The German section offers a wide range of Single Honours and Joint Honours degree schemes which combine intensive language tuition with a variety of modules relating to all aspects of culture in German-speaking countries. Particular emphasis is placed on fluency and accuracy in spoken and written German, with applied language modules at all levels. An intercalary year in a German-speaking country is an integral part of all degree schemes. The wide research interests of the academic staff enable the German section to offer modules by specialists in a range of literary fields, in history and politics, and in contemporary life in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Centre for Contemporary German Literature, based in the Department, runs a regular programme of 'writers in residence': the most prominent contemporary writers in German are invited to spend a number of weeks as guests of the Department, during which they participate fully in teaching activities. The Centre offers a unique opportunity for students to meet some of the most important figures in modern German literature.

Mission Statement

In accordance with the University’s mission statement we are committed to excellence in research and teaching within a supportive academic environment, and have a strong awareness of the employment needs both of our undergraduates and of society at large. Our degree schemes aim to develop students' expertise in the subject (their linguistic competence and critical understanding of modern German culture in its historical context), their proficiency in research and writing, and the other key skills they require for employment or further study, for lifelong learning and global citizenship.

Professor Rhys W. Williams
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Studying at Swansea

Swansea University is a medium-sized campus set in the attractive grounds of Singleton Park, on the South Wales coast to the west of Wales' second city, Swansea (birthplace of the writer Dylan Thomas). The University campus is located in coastal parkland, between the five-mile-long beach of Swansea Bay and 100 acres of parks and gardens. In 2005, Swansea University received the Times Higher Education Supplement Award for the UK's Best Student Experience. The campus has a sports centre and Olympic-sized swimming pool, excellent library and IT facilities, bars, restaurants, shops, a theatre and cinema, and a range of modern and well-equipped accommodation. The atmosphere is friendly and very international, with many students from Europe and all over the world as well as Wales and the rest of the UK.

The Welsh capital, Cardiff, with its international airport and wealth of cultural facilities, is only an hour to the east by train, coach or car, and beyond Cardiff Swansea is linked by the M4 motorway directly to Heathrow Airport and the city of London. Swansea lies at the entrance to the Gower Peninsula, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, with its fine sandy beaches and opportunities for swimming, surfing and sailing. Within easy distance lie the hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park.