Modern Languages

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Top 30 in the world
2020 QS World University Rankings

Faculties and schools_

Department of Germanic Studies

Exploring the rich tapestry of Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Immersed in the history, literature, culture and ideas of the German-speaking world.

The language of musicians, philosophers and scientists, German is spoken by more than 100 million people and has a major presence on the European and world stages. Established in the 1850s, our department boasts a long history of teaching excellence and has grown to be one of the largest of its kind in Australia.

We offer language studies to both beginner and advanced speakers, as well as exchange programs with universities in Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Cologne, Freiburg and Constance. Our research areas span a wide range of academic enquiry that includes historic and contemporary German literature, cinema, art, philosophy and history.

Our study offering

Germanic Studies

Study both the German language and culture, including literature, film, history and society. Through exchange programs in Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Cologne, Freiburg and Constance, you will experience exciting opportunities to enhance your language proficiency and deepen your understanding of German culture.

Undergraduate

*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.  

Research

Our research

Our department has a strong research focus across these areas:

Contemporary German literature, culture and society
German colonialism and nationalism
History of Germans in Australia and the Pacific
German, Austrian and Swiss film
Women and gender studies
German as a foreign language, applied linguistics, educational linguistics
19th and 20th century German history
Intellectual history in the German-speaking world.

Learn more: Languages and cultures research

Exchange

Our advanced exchange programs provide life-changing experiences in Germany and Austria where students exercise their language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.

Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange

Our people

Academic staff

Key academic contacts

Undergraduate and Honours Coordinator: brangwen.stone@sydney.edu.au
Exchange and Postgraduate Research Coordinator: cat.moir@sydney.edu.au

Sessional staff

Nick Enright
Dr Kylie Giblett
Emilie Kolb
Silke Schoppe
Dr Maria Veber
Dr Sabina Zulovic

Honorary Associates

Dr Andrea Bandhauer
Dr Stephanie Constand
Professor Tony Stephens

Events

UPDATE: In light of COVID-19 developments, please be advised this University event will no longer take place in the short term. Some of our events are transitioning to online, and these will be advertised accordingly. Let us know what event you're interested in via our online form, and we'll update you as the situation changes.

Learn more about the University’s advice regarding COVID-19 here.

Visit the School's Events calendar to see our full listing of upcoming events.

World Literatures and the Global South Conference

The third international congress of the World Literature Association on 'World Literatures and the Global South' was proudly hosted by the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Sydney from 23–25 August 2019.

Co-convened with the Peking University Australian Studies Centre and the World Literature Association, this international conference engaged with literary production on and from the Global South in their own languages as well as in translation.

Learn more