MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
BA German and Portuguese
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The BA German and Portuguese program at the University of Manchester offers students a unique opportunity to study two important European languages, German and Portuguese, alongside the cultures, literatures, and histories of their respective countries. Germany and Portugal are influential players in European and global contexts, and proficiency in both languages opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. This program combines intensive language learning with a deep exploration of both German and Portuguese-speaking cultures, providing a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and cultural landscapes of both nations. Students will also have the opportunity to study abroad in either Germany or Portugal, further immersing themselves in the language and culture, and enhancing their global perspective.
Curriculum: The BA German and Portuguese curriculum is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in both languages from the very start of the program. In the first year, students focus on building their proficiency in German and Portuguese, with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. As they progress into the second and third years, students can select from a variety of specialized modules that explore German and Portuguese literature, culture, history, and contemporary issues. Topics may include German cinema, Portuguese literature, comparative cultural studies, and the political landscapes of both countries. The program includes a mandatory year abroad, giving students the opportunity to study or work in a German-speaking or Portuguese-speaking country. This immersive experience helps students refine their language skills and gain firsthand experience in both cultures. In their final year, students can complete a dissertation or independent research project on a topic related to either German or Portuguese studies.
Research Focus: The BA German and Portuguese program at the University of Manchester places a strong emphasis on academic research, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Students engage with various research methodologies and academic approaches in the study of both German and Portuguese languages, literatures, and cultures. The program’s research focus includes comparative studies, literary analysis, historical research, and contemporary cultural studies. Faculty members are experts in fields such as German literature, Portuguese history, comparative cultural studies, and linguistics, providing students with a rich academic environment to deepen their knowledge and research skills. In the final year, students undertake independent research projects, culminating in a dissertation on a topic of their choosing, guided by faculty mentors. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, allowing students to explore connections between German and Portuguese cultures, histories, and societies.
Industry Engagement: The BA German and Portuguese program fosters industry engagement to ensure that students gain practical experience and are well-prepared for the job market. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships, work placements, and volunteer opportunities that allow them to apply their language skills in real-world settings. The University of Manchester has strong partnerships with businesses, international organizations, and cultural institutions, offering students opportunities to work in areas such as international trade, translation, marketing, and cultural exchange. The study abroad component is a key aspect of industry engagement, as it allows students to work and live in German-speaking or Portuguese-speaking countries, gaining valuable professional experience and expanding their global networks. The university’s career services also provide guidance on securing internships and work placements, as well as organizing networking events and career fairs where students can meet potential employers.
Global Perspective: The BA German and Portuguese program offers a global perspective, preparing students to engage with a wide range of international issues and cultures. Proficiency in both German and Portuguese allows graduates to understand and navigate the complexities of two major European languages and cultures, which have significant influence in both Europe and the wider world. The program emphasizes cross-cultural communication, global history, and international relations, providing students with the tools to analyze and interpret global issues from a European perspective. The year abroad in a German-speaking or Portuguese-speaking country enriches students’ cultural understanding and enhances their ability to work in international settings. The global perspective provided by this program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a variety of careers, including those that involve international business, diplomacy, translation, and global cultural exchange.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Undergraduate Scholarships: The university also offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students applying to programs such as law, business, engineering, and the humanities. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and help ease the burden of tuition fees. Some specific subject areas may have unique scholarships based on the department's needs and goals.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
The BA German and Portuguese program at the University of Manchester equips graduates with a combination of linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and analytical abilities, making them highly competitive in a wide array of careers. By mastering two major European languages, graduates have access to diverse job opportunities across multiple industries, both in the UK and internationally. The program's focus on language proficiency, intercultural communication, and global awareness enables students to pursue a range of roles in sectors such as business, education, translation, and international relations.
International Business and Trade: Graduates of the BA German and Portuguese program are well-positioned for careers in international business, particularly with companies that have a strong presence in Germany, Portugal, or other Portuguese-speaking countries. The combination of language skills and cultural understanding is particularly valuable in roles such as international sales, business development, and marketing. Many multinational companies seek graduates who can help bridge communication gaps and build strong relationships in the European and Latin American markets.
Translation and Interpretation: The strong language skills acquired in both German and Portuguese prepare graduates for careers in translation and interpretation. These roles can be found in various sectors, including legal, technical, literary, and media translation. Graduates may work for translation agencies, multinational organizations, or government institutions, assisting in translating written and spoken content between German, Portuguese, and English. Fluency in two languages also offers opportunities in localization, particularly for businesses looking to adapt content for different markets.
Education and Teaching: Graduates who enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion for languages can pursue a career in education. The BA German and Portuguese program provides a strong foundation for teaching German and Portuguese at various educational levels. Teaching opportunities are available in the UK or abroad, and graduates can also teach English as a foreign language in countries where German and Portuguese are spoken. With the growing demand for multilingual educators, this career path offers long-term stability and global opportunities.
Media and Communications: Graduates of the BA German and Portuguese program can enter the media and communications sector, where their ability to communicate in both languages is a key asset. Careers in international journalism, public relations, marketing, and digital media are common options. Graduates may work for media outlets that cover German and Portuguese-speaking countries or for international news organizations that require multilingual professionals. Additionally, digital media and content creation for global audiences are expanding fields that need graduates with language and cultural expertise.
Diplomacy and International Relations: The BA German and Portuguese program provides an excellent foundation for careers in diplomacy and international relations. Fluency in German and Portuguese, combined with an understanding of the cultural, political, and economic dynamics of Germany, Portugal, and other Portuguese-speaking countries, allows graduates to pursue careers in foreign service, international organizations like the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Diplomatic roles, including positions in embassies and consulates, are ideal for graduates interested in representing their country abroad and facilitating cross-cultural communication.
Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism and hospitality sectors value multilingual professionals, and graduates of the BA German and Portuguese program are well-equipped for careers in international tourism, hotel management, and travel consultancy. With the ability to communicate in both German and Portuguese, graduates can work in tour operators, travel agencies, or cultural exchange programs that cater to German and Portuguese-speaking travelers. The year abroad component also offers valuable work experience in the tourism industry in Germany, Portugal, or Brazil.
Consulting and Market Research: Graduates of this program with a keen interest in business and strategy can explore careers in consulting and market research, where their linguistic and cultural understanding of German and Portuguese-speaking regions is a major advantage. Consulting firms, especially those with a global or European focus, seek professionals who can work in international markets, analyzing trends, advising clients, and helping businesses expand into these regions. Market research firms also value the ability to conduct research and surveys in multiple languages, ensuring they capture diverse perspectives.
Cultural and Creative Industries: Graduates of the BA German and Portuguese program are well-suited for roles in the arts, culture, and creative industries, such as museum curation, arts administration, and cultural project management. Their expertise in two European languages allows them to work in cultural institutions that focus on German and Portuguese art, literature, and history. Graduates may also work in publishing, film production, or event management, particularly for projects that involve both German and Portuguese-speaking regions.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): With the global focus on human rights, social justice, and environmental issues, graduates of the BA German and Portuguese program are well-placed for careers in NGOs and international development organizations. Their ability to communicate effectively in both German and Portuguese enables them to work in global humanitarian projects, providing aid and support in regions where these languages are spoken. NGOs often value language skills when engaging with local communities or international partners in countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and parts of Africa.
Postgraduate Opportunities: Graduates may also choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing postgraduate study in fields such as international relations, translation studies, law, or business. The BA German and Portuguese program offers a strong foundation for advanced study, particularly in areas that benefit from multilingual and cross-cultural expertise. Postgraduate study also provides opportunities for further research into German and Portuguese linguistics, literature, and culture.
