German

Staff and postgraduate students in the Department of German pursue research across a broad spectrum of German studies, covering many aspects of language and linguistics, literature, history and culture from the early modern period to the present day. We have particular expertise in modern literature (the novel, poetry and drama, especially in the classical age, the early 20th century and the post-Wende period), the history and politics of Germany and Austria since 1800 (particularly of the political East), German children's literature, and comparative literature. We also benefit from strong links with Augsburg, Graz, Heidelberg and Kiel, as well as research centres in Germany, especially the Deutsches Literaturarchiv in Marbach am Neckar. We welcome applications from students wishing to pursue custom-designed research programmes in any of the above areas. Interdiscplinary and cross-language research is particularly encouraged and well supported across the School of Modern Languages and the wider Faculty of Arts. Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. You will be part of a departmental reading/study group, and you will have the opportunity to present your work at departmental or school-level research events and colloquia elsewhere in the Faculty of Arts. We support you in the development of a full range of academic skills, including publication, and may be able to offer undergraduate teaching to doctoral students after their first year. Dedicated research facilities foster interdisciplinary collaboration between all departments through a series of research seminars and other events. In addition, the Multimedia Centre is a specialist language centre comprising a language laboratory, media suite, a library of foreign films, newspapers and magazines, and an 18-seat screening room.

There is a wealth of information and assistance available for international students that start from the point of thinking about attending Bristol. The website has a range of country-specific information as well as general information about the application process. The university also takes part in the Erasmus program and has specific information about it. The International Office is available once students arrive at the university to help with matter such as visas and immigration paperwork and English language studies. This is ideal for those to whom English isn't a first language. They can even help with students seeking work between their studies and for those seeking work after their courses are finishing. The Student Union at the university is found in Queen's Road and is a founding member of the National Union of Students, meaning it is one of the oldest in the country. There are around 300 different clubs and societies to become involved with outside the classroom so there is always something for all tastes. There are volunteering opportunities as well as fundraising groups and those involved with sports. For less formal settings, there are also get active clubs and get green societies. As well as the many organisations and clubs on offer, the union is also responsible for the two student media outlets, the radio station and newspaper. It organises the annual fresher's fair as well as various community groups and large entertainment events.