MA German and Music (5 years)
About this course
MA in German and Music (5 years), a joint honours degree combining the study of a major European language with music performance, composition, and musicology. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. The course spans five years of integrated study across both disciplines. The first year introduces foundational studies through Academic Writing for Language & Literature, Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Modern German Culture 3, and The Global City in Text and Film. Second-year studies continue with specialised topics in culture, language, and analysis. In the fourth and final years, students undertake advanced study including German Language Study for Senior Honours, alongside optional modules in areas such as Film and Music, Music, Health and Wellbeing, and Eurovision: Media, Memory, Euphoria & Identities. Students can also pursue independent research through a Dissertation in German or a Dissertation in Music.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- London: 15%
- Scotland: 80%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- German for Beginners 1
- German for Beginners 2
- Background to German for Beginners 1
- The Global City in Text and Film
- German Language 1
- German Language 2
- Modern German Culture 1
- Introduction to Music Studies
- Performing and Composing 1
- Digital Musicianship: Music Making in the Digital Age
- Performing and Composing 2
- Introduction to Music Theory and Harmony
- Writing About Music
- Modern German Culture 3
- The Global City in Text and Film
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2
- German Language 3
- German Language 4
- Analysing Music
- Introduction to Ethnomusicology
- Global Music History
- Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions
- German Language Study for Senior Honours
- Film and Music
- Music, Health and Wellbeing (Public Engagement) (ME33PE)
- Eurovision: Media, Memory, Euphoria & Identities
- German Language Study for Senior Honours
- Dissertation in German
- Dissertation in Music
- Film and Music
- Literature and Music (EL45HC)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA German and Music (5 years) at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,500 and £35,000. The £26,500 median after five years is £6,000 less than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of MA German and Music (5 years) at University of Aberdeen do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA German and Music (5 years) at University of Aberdeen?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA German and Music (5 years) at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
Does MA German and Music (5 years) at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA German and Music (5 years) at University of Aberdeen?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.