MA Modern Languages (German and Persian) and Greek
About this course
Combining German, Persian, and Greek in a single degree is an extraordinary linguistic undertaking, and one that places you at the intersection of three of the world's most historically significant literary and cultural traditions. German gives you access to a major European culture whose literature, philosophy, and intellectual history have shaped the modern world. Persian opens up one of the great classical literary traditions of Asia, as well as the contemporary cultures of Iran, Afghanistan, and the wider Persian-speaking world. Greek, in its ancient and sometimes modern forms, connects you to the origins of Western philosophy, drama, and science. Together they demand exceptional linguistic discipline and reward you with a range and depth of cultural understanding that almost no other combination can provide. At the University of St Andrews this four-year MA programme includes a year abroad, giving you sustained immersion in one or more of the linguistic communities you are studying. In German you will develop language and communications skills to a high level of proficiency and explore the rich cultural heritage of the German-speaking lands, pursuing your own particular interests through a broad range of course options. The study of Persian and Greek will develop your capacity for precise textual analysis and your sensitivity to the way language carries historical meaning. Across all three languages you will develop skills in translation, literary criticism, and cultural interpretation that are genuinely rare. Graduates from programmes of this linguistic ambition are equipped for careers in academia, diplomacy, international development, translation and interpreting, area studies research, journalism, and intelligence analysis. Knowledge of Persian in particular is of considerable value in fields relating to the Middle East and Central Asia, while German remains central to European business and political life. Many graduates go on to postgraduate research in linguistics, comparative literature, or area studies, and some pursue careers in language teaching, publishing, or international cultural organisations.
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