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.
Linguistics explores how language works: how it is structured, interpreted and used. This degree will allow you to develop an understanding of human communication using approaches from the arts and sciences that will equip you with a variety of skills. Core and optional modules will allow you to explore topics such as language acquisition, syntax, language change and death as well as phonetics - the study of how speech sounds are physically produced.
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.
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.
Linguistics
Core modules in your first year will introduce you to the structure of language, as well as how language is used to convey meaning. In the following year you'll study further core modules in the key areas of syntax and phonetics as well as choosing optional modules such as Psycholinguistics or Language and Gender. You'll continue to benefit from this choice in your final year, with options including language acquisition and phonological theory.
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
Residence abroad
You'll spend your third year in a German-speaking country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.
We have partnerships with a number of universities in Germany and Austria where you could study, or you could apply for a paid work placement either with one of our partner companies or with an organisation of your choice. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council's programme.
Whatever you choose to do, you'll gain a new insight into German-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. If you choose to work during your time there, you'll also return with work experience to increase your appeal to employers. For many of our students, it's the real highlight of their course.
Read more about Residence Abroad in German
