Arabic is a vital language for understanding societies in the Middle East and the Islamic world. If you've never studied the language before, this degree will allow you to learn the language from scratch while gaining an insight into Islamic thought, Arabic culture and Middle Eastern history. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in the language and Arab and Islamic history while you study the topics that suit your interests.
This flexible degree allows you to become fluent in German while exploring literature, cinema, philosophy, politics, history or specialised uses of language. Core modules will improve your language skills and introduce you to German culture and society, but you'll also choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as translation, using German in a professional context and representations of war and conflict.
Specialist facilities
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 additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
If you're choosing to study a language as part of your Joint Honours degree, our fully equipped Language Centre, including digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). We also have our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which features specialised computing facilities for translation studies, and Interpreter Training Suites offering you the chance to explore a career in interpreting.
Course content
A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.
Arabic
You'll spend your first year studying core modules that develop your Arabic language skills and introduce you to Arab and Islamic history. All of this will prepare you for your time abroad, when you'll study in an Arabic-speaking country to experience the local culture. When you return, you'll take advanced language classes and study translation, as well as choosing from options such as Arabic literature, Middle East politics and Islamic Studies.
German
You'll sharpen your language skills in your first year, as well as exploring German culture, history or translation. Following this you'll continue with core language study and choose from optional modules on topics such as German cinema or politics in the 'Berlin Republic'. All of this will prepare you to spend your time abroad working or studying in a German-speaking country. When you return, you'll take advanced language classes and choose from further options, including the use of German as a professional language.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including A in German.
Career opportunities
Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you're intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.
You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.
All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.
To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.
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.
Study abroad and work placements
In Year 2 you'll study at the Arabic Language Institute in Fes, Morocco. Past activities have included regional tours of the host-country and extracurricular courses in calligraphy and music.
You'll also spend a term of Year 3 in Germany, studying on a dedicated German course for foreign learners of the language (in Universities of Dortmund, Tübingen, Leipzig, Munich, Mainz, Halle and Heidelberg).
Read more about the Arabic residence abroad
Read more about the German residence abroad
