German BA
Year of entry 2025
2024 course information- UCAS code
- R220
- Start date
- September 2025
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- See below
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This course allows you to develop professional-level language skills in German, whether you’re a beginner or have prior knowledge.
You’ll become highly fluent in German, including oral proficiency, professional communication and written language. You’ll take a compulsory year abroad, where you’ll be fully immersed in the language and rapidly develop your skills through day-to-day practice. You’ll gain a unique insight into German culture and society in the 20th and 21st century and develop skills that make you highly attractive to employers.
You’ll develop and consolidate your spoken and written German through modules taught by world-leading experts in German language teaching. You'll also choose from a range of optional modules exploring various aspects culture, translation, history and politics. You’ll be engaged in learning the language as much of the course content, including non-language modules, is also taught and assessed in German.
German is spoken across a fascinating and influential area of Europe, from the economic powerhouse of Germany to Austria, Switzerland and beyond. German-speaking countries have exciting and diverse cultures, complex histories and booming economies. You’ll study the diversity of German-speaking cultures, with a focus on gender, race, and queer identities. Our highly flexible degree develops your personal and intellectual independence.
The course is mainly assessed through coursework, offering you a wide range of creative assessments. Your independent project in your final year will be an opportunity to conduct and present your own research.
Additional highlights
You’ll be supported to achieve an excellent degree of language fluency by the time you graduate (up to C2 in the Common European Frame of Reference), thanks to our integrated language curriculum for all levels of student.
You’ll learn from cutting-edge researchers in the fields of digital language teaching, translation, intercultural German studies, German history, German-language literature and German-language film. We are a warm community of researchers, teachers and students who take a critical approach to German studies and empower our students to follow their own interests and strengths within our degree programme.
Specialist facilities
With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.
The world-class Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. These include rare copies of magazines and unpublished letters, with German materials in many collections such as the Liddell World War One collection. Our main library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practise with other learners and proficient German speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.
Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.
Course details
Our course is highly flexible, allowing you to focus on your German skills while having the choice of a wide range of optional modules to personalise your study. You’ll spend your first two years building your language skills through core modules and then take a year abroad to put everything you’ve learnt into practice.
If you start German as a beginner learner, much of the focus will be on quickly building up your language skills through intensive training. As an advanced learner, you’ll work on consolidating and broadening your language skills and most of your modules will be taught in German.
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore key aspects of 20th and 21st century German culture, history and society and develop important research skills in an introductory module. You'll also choose from modules in German history, world literatures, world histories, film studies, politics, linguistics and intercultural competence.
Year 2
In your second year, you'll choose from subjects as diverse as German cinema, translation, Germany in the 21st century, marginalised voices in German-speaking countries and Black Europe. As you continue to develop your language skills, many of your modules will be taught in German.
Year 3
After gaining a strong grasp of the language and culture in Years 1 and 2, you’ll further enrich your German language skills by spending a year working or studying in Germany or Austria. This provides you with a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and absorb the language by putting your developing abilities into practice.
Year 4
In your final year, advanced language modules will refine your skills, while you enjoy a wide choice of topics, such as protest cultures in Germany, German memory of the Nazi past and the Holocaust and contemporary German cinema, or you can focus on translation.
You’ll apply the critical skills you’ve developed to an independently researched Final Year Project on a German-related subject of your choice, which could take the form of a dissertation, translation or podcast.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language Awareness and Skills | 20 |
| Beginners German (A1 of the CEFR) | 20 |
| Pre-Intermediate German Language (A2/B1 of the CEFR) | 20 |
| Exploring German-Speaking Cultures, Histories and Societies | 20 |
| Exploring German-Speaking Cultures, Histories and Societies for Beginners | 20 |
| 20th Century German History | 20 |
| Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture | 20 |
| Language: Structure and Sound | 20 |
| World Histories | 20 |
| Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application | 20 |
| Politics, Culture and Society | 20 |
| Worlds of Literature | 20 |
| Discourse, Culture and Identity | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| German Language Skills in Context | 20 |
| Introduction to German Cinema | 20 |
| Towards the Future: Skills in Context | 20 |
| German Language Skills (B1/B2 of the CEFR) | 20 |
| Culture, Critique and Othering in the German-Speaking World | 20 |
| Behind the Headlines: Germany in the 21st Century | 20 |
| Behind the Headlines: the German-speaking World in the 21st Century | 20 |
| Translating German-Speaking Cultures: The German Language in Intercultural Relations | 20 |
| Linguists into Schools | 20 |
| Black Europe | 20 |
| Global Environmental Humanities | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| LCS Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 4 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced German Language in Contemporary Discourses | 20 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary German Cinema | 20 |
| Advanced Translation from German into English | 20 |
| Cultures of protest and resistance: challenging state and society in German-speaking cultures | 20 |
| Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo | 20 |
| Final Year Project: Dissertation | 40 |
| Final Year Project: Extended Translation | 40 |
| Final Year Project: Digital Documentary | 40 |
| Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption | 20 |
| Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents | 20 |
| Decolonial Approaches | 20 |
| Social Movements across Cultures | 20 |
| Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present | 20 |
| Linguists into Schools | 20 |
Find out more information on typical modules for this course in our Programme Catalogue.
Learning and teaching
Most of our teaching is in the German language, allowing you the opportunity to practice and perfect your language skills in a friendly and supportive environment. We use a range of different learning and teaching styles to help you benefit from the expertise of our tutors. This includes lectures, seminars, and one-on-one tutorials and workshops. The majority of your teaching will be delivered by small group seminars, and you’ll get to know your tutors who will support you in and outside the classroom.
Independent study is also an important theme throughout your course, since it allows you to develop your research skills and think critically about what you read. We have excellent library resources to help you, and the University Library runs training programmes to help you get the best of them.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We ensure inclusive assessment by making sure you are assessed in a range of ways. We test listening, speaking, writing and reading through group projects, professional language projects, podcasts, video blogs, translations, business pitches, posters, public engagement projects, imagined autobiographies and mini exhibitions. These allow you to bring together evidence from a variety of sources, focus on your own interests within each module, and are always grounded in critical and contemporary debates in the German-speaking world. You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress. You’ll also take an oral exam in German at the end of your degree.
We offer training and support to help you prepare for assessment and to equip you with the transferable skills you’ll need for your future careers. For example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Where the post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, M2 in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, 5 in Higher Level in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, H3 in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers or AABBBB in Highers.
Where the post-A level language route is taken, B in Advanced Higher in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Where the post-A level language route is taken, 8.0 in the language is required.
Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: £26,000 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Our German graduates gain outstanding knowledge of the language and culture of one of the most important economies in Europe. Through your training in analytical and communication skills, your expertise in an important world language, and your experience of living in a German-speaking country, you’ll gain a distinctive set of skills which will prepare you for whatever career you choose.
Leeds graduates have an excellent reputation and Leeds is the 5th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2022).
What can I do with a German degree?
Some of our graduates begin their career in the UK and others relocate to Germany or other German-speaking countries. Our graduates go on to work in:
law
marketing
business and finance
tourism
the Civil Service and diplomacy
journalism
publishing
translating and interpreting
academic research
education
Recent employers include:
The Taylor Partnership
British Council
Deloitte
Moneysupermarket.com
Others have pursued further training in translating and interpreting through a postgraduate course. Some have chosen to further their knowledge and expertise in German language and culture by studying an MA by Research, as preparation for a PhD or a chosen career.
Careers support
What careers support will I have?
You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and have access to the activities and expertise of the award-winning University Careers Centre.
School support
As a student with us, you’ll be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.
We’ll also keep you informed of work/voluntary placements for your time abroad and of any other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.
University support
Our experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.
Leeds University Union
The Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. The Union is home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.
Enterprise
At Leeds, you can access advice to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
You’ll spend your third year abroad either studying at a partner institution or gaining practical work experience.
You'll discover a new culture, develop your knowledge and skills, improve your German language skills and make yourself stand out from your peers in the job market.
How we support you
In your first and second year you’ll be able to network with returning students for first-hand advice about living abroad, have meetings with the residence abroad tutor and have access to online information before you relocate.
We’ll be in touch with you to support you during your year abroad and you’ll have support at your host university too.
On your return, we’ll ask you to share your experiences and make the most of your new and improved skills and experience.
Residence abroad
You can study at one of our partner universities in Germany. You'll study the equivalent of your course and can also take 'German as a foreign language' course.
Some of our partner universities include:
Germany
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Technische Universität Dortmund
Universität Heidelberg
Universität Leipzig
Universität Mannheim
Work placement opportunities
You’ll spend your third year abroad either studying at a partner institution or gaining practical work experience.
If you choose to take a work placement year you will spend nine to 12 months in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. You'll discover a new culture, develop your knowledge and skills, improve your German language skills and make yourself stand out from your peers in the job market.
You can find our own work placement or take advantage of the contacts that we already have.
You’ll be provided with details of current placement opportunities and the details of companies that have provided placements for students in the past. The University has links with a variety of organisations in the UK and overseas both in Germany and in German speaking countries.
You’ll be able to network with returning students for first-hand advice about living abroad, have meetings with the residence abroad tutor and have access to online information before you relocate. The School’s Work Placement Officer, the Residence Abroad team and the University Careers Centre will also provide support and guidance.
Some of the companies where our students have completed work placements include:
EuroShell (Hamburg)
TopTranslation (Hamburg)
iwis (Munich)
Brainlab (Munich)
Boehringer Ingelheim (near Mainz)
ZF Friedrichshafen
Lang AG (Lindlar)
LKW Walter (Vienna/Kufstein)
Executive Wealth Management Global (Zurich).
British Council Foreign Language Assistant
This highly popular opportunity allows you to spend nine months in a German-speaking country as a British Council Language Assistant. You'll be fully immersed in the German language, acquire vital work experience and become integrated into an established teaching community.
The British Council scheme is also open to final year students after graduation.