Oxford excels in its provisions for the study of Germany and the German
language. It is a world leader in German-focused research and has one of
the oldest, largest and most active departments of German in the
country based in the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages.
German Department
The department has an excellent record in teaching and research, an intake of approximately 120 undergraduates each year, and a strong and flourishing graduate presence. With 38 members of staff and a wide range of expertise between them, the department is able to offer an unusually challenging and diverse series of courses to its students. For example, its teaching capacity for Medieval German language and literature is greater than any other UK university.
Oxford has the UK’s largest body of graduate students in German and is one of the leading centres for research in German in the country and indeed the world. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise underlined the high standing of the German Sub-faculty, which was ranked first among the 27 departments of German in the UK. It was judged to be world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour and was praised for its thriving research culture.
Academics in the department specialise in a wide range of fields, ranging from literature, linguistics, and theory to history, film and philosophy, and cover all historical periods.
European Humanities Research Centre
The Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages is also home to the European Humanities Research Centre (EHRC). The EHRC has had a full and varied programme, including academic publishing, conferences, visits by leading international scholars, symposia, seminars and lectures. An example of a recent EHRC activity was the 'Flaschenpost' project, organised by Dr Karen Leeder, which is an umbrella for scholars, critics, and poets from a number of different countries to come together and discuss German poetry of the twentieth century and beyond.
Oxford’s Institute of European and Comparative Law
The study of Germany also takes place in the Social Sciences division. Established in 1995, Oxford’s Institute of European and Comparative Law (IECL) aims to enhance the European dimension of the Law Faculty’s teaching and research. The institute is headed by German professor Stephen Vogenauer and it works both to ensure that the links established with other major European institutions are strengthened and to expose Oxford students to other legal jurisdictions in Europe.
Throughout the rest of the University’s divisions researchers and students are exploring Germany’s history, legal system, politics, and much more.
Study Abroad in Germany
Oxford students studying German related course have many opportunities to spend time studying in Germany itself. Undergraduates in modern languages, biochemistry and Law with Law Studies in Europe all have opportunities for study abroad in Germany. In addition, a number of departments have exchange programmes between Oxford and German students organised under the Erasmus and DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) programmes.
International Internships
In addition, for those students who do not have the opportunity to gain experience in Germany throughout their course, the Oxford University International Internship Programme arranges internships during the summer vacation, a number of which are with German employers.
A number of Colleges also provide study and work experience opportunities to their students in Germany, for instance St Anne’s offers internships at Landesbank Berlin.
The department has an excellent record in teaching and research, an intake of approximately 120 undergraduates each year, and a strong and flourishing graduate presence. With 38 members of staff and a wide range of expertise between them, the department is able to offer an unusually challenging and diverse series of courses to its students. For example, its teaching capacity for Medieval German language and literature is greater than any other UK university. 
In addition, for those students who do not have the opportunity to gain experience in Germany throughout their course, the Oxford University International Internship Programme arranges internships during the summer vacation, a number of which are with German employers.