German BA

This four-year German degree is designed to meet the needs of beginners as well as more advanced learners (usually with an A-level in German).

German is widely spoken across Europe, especially in the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe. Germany is one of the world’s largest economies and has become a key player in European and global politics.

You’ll become fluent in this powerful language, gain a genuine insight into German culture and society in the 20th and 21st century and be equipped with valuable skills that make you highly attractive to employers.

This degree offers a large selection of modules and has inclusivity and diversity at the centre. You’ll encounter the diversity of German-speaking cultures, which includes mainstream culture but also often marginalised voices, such as perspectives on gender, race, class and queer identities.

You’ll develop and consolidate your spoken and written German through core language modules. You'll also choose from a range of optional modules including applied language (translation and language for professional purposes) and modules exploring various aspects of German culture, history and politics.

The size of our department allows us to offer a wide variety of module choice, a range of co-curricular events and our student-led German Society contributes to a strong sense of community.

This four-year degree includes a year abroad.

Specialist facilities

Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options.

With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. Our German Studies library collections include leading German newspapers as well as a range of materials in 20th century Germany culture and history. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use all the resources.

Your first two years will be spent consolidating and building your language skills in core language modules.

If you start German as a beginner, much of the focus will be on quickly building up your language skills through intensive language training. As an advanced learner, you’ll work on consolidating and broadening your language skills.

In your first year, you’ll explore key aspects of 20th and 21st century German culture, history and society and develop important study 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.

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.

It’s all designed to prepare you for your year abroad, which you’ll usually spend in either Germany or Austria, refining your language skills and gaining first-hand experience of the local culture.

When you return to Leeds for your final year, you’ll have a fresh perspective on your studies, which will incorporate advanced language learning alongside further optional modules. These will allow you to explore topics such as protest cultures in Germany, German memory of the Nazi past and the Holocaust or contemporary German cinema, or to focus on translation or German for business.

You’ll apply the critical skills you have developed to an independently researched Final Year Project on a subject of your choice.

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.

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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a range of different learning and teaching styles to help you benefit from the expertise of our tutors. They include lectures, seminars and tutorials, or occasionally 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 use various types of assessment.

Coursework makes up most of your assessments, often including language portfolios and essays. Many of your assessments often include real-life tasks through which you’ll apply what you’ve learnt. These include group projects, professional language projects, podcasts, video blogs, translations, business pitches, posters or mini exhibitions.

Support for assessments is integrated into our teaching and you'll usually have the opportunity for formative assessments that allow you to practice your skills and do well in your formal assessments. We also run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

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.

• 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 Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  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 an alternative 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 alternative 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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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 about additional costs

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.

You'll graduate with proficiency in one of Europe’s most commonly-used languages and have a real appreciation of the culture in one of the world’s major economic powerhouse. Combining your knowledge with experience of living abroad provides you with access to a wide range of careers in Germany and elsewhere around the world.

Your degree will also equip you with valuable skills such as teamwork, presentation, communication, research, critical thinking and analysis which are highly desirable to all kinds of employers. These qualities will open doors to a wide range of careers across different industries.

Recent German graduates have pursued careers in areas such as journalism, PR, business and finance, HR, law, translation, teaching and social work. They’ve gone to work in organisations such as the NHS, the Department for Work and Pensions, Mitchells and Butler and Deutsche Bank.

Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in translating or interpreting to pursue language-based careers or continued to study German language or culture to Masters level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.

Careers 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 at the Careers website.

You’ll spend your third year in a German-speaking country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.

You can study abroad or take a work placement year in a German or Austrian company or school.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll gain new insight into German-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. For many of our students, it’s the real highlight of their course.

Study abroad

We have partnerships with a number of universities in Germany where you can study alongside German students.

Work placement

Alternatively, you could undertake a paid work placement either with one of our partner firms or with an organisation of your choice. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme.