Postgraduate Study in German
Study Languages: make the world your place
In our world of global communication and travel, language specialists find themselves constantly in demand. German involves the study of a language that is closely related to English.
German culture and creativity form much of the Western heritage in music, visual art, architecture, philosophy and the sciences. It’s easy to see that the study of German can enhance the study of many other disciplines.
German is one of the world’s major European languages and one of the two principal languages of Europe. Germany is one of the world’s largest contributors to research and development, and its well-funded universities are an important destination for scientists and students.
Knowledge of German language and culture has long been an asset in Europe but it is also a major advantage within New Zealand.
Why study German?
Today, there are more reasons to study German than ever before. German is the most commonly spoken language in the European Union. Germany is Europe's largest economy, the world's third largest exporting nation, an influential member of the European Union, and a key player at the United Nations.
German speakers have left a trace on every aspect of Western culture: music, literature, art, theatre and film, architecture and philosophy.
Top reasons to study German
Business
Communicating with German business partners in their own language creates better, more effective relationships – and a greater chance of success.
Careers
Knowledge of German makes you a more attractive choice for German companies – active in virtually every corner of the global market.
Tourism
Since German tourists travel widely and spend more money than any other national group, there is always a demand for language skills in this important sector.
Research
German is the second most important language in scientific research and Germany's overall contribution to research and development ranks number three in the world. Germany is an important source of research scholarships for foreign academics and students.
Communication
Developments in media and technology have made multi-lingual communications skills more crucial than ever before.
Intercultural understanding
Learning German will give you an insight into the lives of people in some of Europe's most diverse and multicultural societies.
Travel
By broadening your knowledge of German you will open up opportunities for travel not just in Germany, Austria and Switzerland but also in other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe.
Culture
German is the language of some of the greatest artists, writers, poets, musicians and philosophers who have ever lived. Studying German gives you a chance to experience their work directly in the original language.
Study and work in Germany
Every year German organisations award a large number of scholarships for study in Germany. You will also improve your chances of obtaining a work visa for Germany if you can demonstrate good language skills.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying German as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Applications for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in German are no longer being accepted. The Languages and Cultures programme Kā Reo me kā Tikaka o te Ao Whānui is introducing a new curriculum which will no longer offer honours.
| Papers |
|---|
| GERM 441 Advanced Topics in German |
| GERM 451 Studies in German |
| GERM 452 Studies in German 2 |
| GERM 490 Dissertation |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in German is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in German or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in German must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in German prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
Contacts
Languages and Cultures programme
School of Arts
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/german
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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