German BA

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

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, most 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.

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BA German in the course catalogue.

Year 1

Compulsory modules for beginners students:

• Beginners German (20 credits) - This module enables students with little or no prior knowledge of German to develop their language skills up to A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It focusses on achieving basic skills in all four areas (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and developing confidence and a degree of accuracy in basic oral communication in a limited range of situations.

• Pre-Intermediate German Language (20 credits) - This module enables students who have completed an A1 CEFR level to develop their language skills up to A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students will build on their German language skills to further develop all four areas of language learning (listening, speaking, reading and writing) as well as their German grammar and vocabulary.

• Researching German Culture, History and Society (20 credits) - This module will introduce you to researching German culture, history, politics and society. This module kickstarts your career as a student researcher by engaging you in research from the first week of your degree.

Compulsory modules for advanced students:

• German Language Awareness and Skills (20 credits) - In this module you will build on your existing language skills to consolidate and improve your skills in all areas of language learning (reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar and vocabulary). You will reflect on the use of language and learn how to use language in different contexts including an academic context.

• Researching German Culture, History and Society (20 credits) - This module will introduce you to researching German culture, history, politics and society. This module kickstarts your career as a student researcher by engaging you in research from the first week of your degree.

Optional modules:

• 20th Century German History (20 credits)

• Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture (20 credits)

• Language: Structure and Sound (20 credits)

• World Histories (20 credits)

• Discourse, Culture and Identity (20 credits)

• Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits)

• Worlds of Literature (20 credits)

• Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application (20 credits)

Year 2

Compulsory modules for beginners students:

• German Language Skills (20 credits) - The German language is the subject of your study in this module. In this module you will build on your existing language skills to consolidate and improve your skills in all areas of language learning (reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar and vocabulary).

Compulsory modules for advanced students:

• German Language Skills (20 credits) - Building on the skills attained at Level 1, students will develop the knowledge and skills required for successful oral and written communication in a variety of registers and contexts including daily life in Germany, Switzerland and Austria but also prepare for the sort of paperwork and everyday cultural challenges which they could expect to face in a German-speaking environment.

Optional modules:

• Culture, Critique and Othering in the German-Speaking World (20 credits)

• Behind the Headlines: the German-speaking World in the 21st Century (20 credits)

• Translating German-Speaking Cultures: The German Language in Intercultural Relations (20 credits)

• Linguists into Schools (20 credits)

• Black Europe (20 credits)

• Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)

• Towards the Future: Skills in Context (20 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory module for all students:

• German Residence Abroad (120 credits) - The year abroad will take one of three forms: British Council assistantship; study at a partner institution; work placement in a country where German is spoken as an official language.

Year 4

Compulsory module for all students:

• Advanced German Language in Contemporary Discourses (20 credits) - You are now on a very advanced level of German and this module will enable you to further develop your language skills and your use of German language, especially in academic and professional contexts. You will explore the details of the German language by studying German current affairs and discourses.

Students are then required to take one of the below optional modules:

• Final Year Project: Dissertation (40 credits) - This module provides students with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills through a dissertation on a topic of their own choice, within the available fields, and refined in consultation with an academic member of staff. The dissertation may be written in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, German.

• Final Year Project: Extended Translation (40 credits) - This module provides students with the opportunity to develop research, writing and translation skills through the completion of both a translation and a research project essay on a topic of their own choice and refined in consultation with an academic member of staff. The extended essay may be written in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, German.

• Final Year Project: Digital Documentary (Podcast) (40 credits) - Students will work towards the production of their own digitised research-based podcast , in English or in any other language, on a topic of their interest for a specific audience of their choice. Students, supported by tutors and other students, will recruit research participants on the basis of their personal connection to the research topic chosen and will carry out audio recorded interviews, in English or in any other language.

Optional modules:

• Advanced Translation from German into English (20 credits)

• Cultures of Protest and Resistance: Challenging State and Society in German-speaking Cultures (20 credits)

• Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo (20 credits)

• Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)

• Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)

• Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)

• Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits)

• Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

• Linguists into Schools (20 credits)

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:

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Alternative qualification

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.

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: £9,250 (per year)

International: £24,500 (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.