This course is taught jointly by the Department of European Languages and Cultures and the Department of Linguistics and English Language mixes lecture room tuition with a year abroad, giving you valuable experience speaking German in its native context. Your language studies are complemented by a wide range of options that explore German society, culture, history and politics. You will also take comparative courses which place your learning in a broader European context. The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, short and sharply focused critical reports, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Multiple choice formats are also employed where appropriate. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Employers increasingly recognise the invaluable linguistic, communication and interpersonal skills acquired by graduates with language degrees and your English Language degree is of relevance in many areas, from education and speech therapy to the creative arts, social work and counselling. Our graduates have found employment in journalism, library work, advertising, business, management, EU sales and marketing, computing and accountancy. Many of our graduates become teachers of foreign languages in this country or teach English overseas. The Civil Service, Diplomatic Service, British Council and other international agencies also offer interesting career opportunities for graduates with good language skills. Some of our graduates continue their studies to a higher level, at Lancaster and elsewhere. A postgraduate degree can open up opportunities in higher education, while others take specific professional qualifications, such as interpreting.