German and Russian B, BA, University of Leeds

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 optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Your first year will focus on core language modules, to improve your German and develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in Russian. You'll also take optional modules introducing you to the culture or history of Germany and Russia, as well as one of our Cornerstone modules which will help to draw your subjects together. Alternatively, you could try one of the other languages we offer, from Polish to Arabic and Turkish.

All of this will equip you with the basic language skills and cultural awareness you'll need for your second year, which you'll spend studying in Russia to experience the culture and sharpen your language skills. When you come back, you'll continue with core language classes and choose from a range of optional modules, allowing you to explore topics such as culture under the Soviet regime and politics in the 'Berlin Republic', before you head to Germany to spend a term there.

When you return to Leeds for your final year, you'll have a wealth of experience and a new perspective to match your improved language skills. You'll build on these elements when you choose from an even wider range of optional modules to complement your advanced language classes. You'll also have the chance to apply the skills you've acquired to an independently researched dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more examples of optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in German.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in German and Russian will equip you with fluency in two world languages and an understanding of two rich and fascinating cultures. These qualities will open doors to a range of careers, both within and outside of the UK. However, you'll also gain a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.

    You'll be a confident researcher, who can analyse complex information from different sources and draw your own conclusions. Then you'll be able to communicate them clearly, either verbally or in writing. You'll be comfortable working in a team, but spending time abroad will show that you're independent and can adapt to your environment. You'll also have good organisational skills from managing two subjects.

    Graduates have pursued a wide range of careers as a result in areas like journalism, publishing, business and finance, the creative industries, law, education and the charity sector. Others have gone on to postgraduate study, or pursued specialised training in areas such as translating or interpreting.

    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

    You'll spend your second year studying at the Institute of Russian Language and Culture at Moscow State University.

    You'll benefit from expert instruction in intensive language classes, as well as optional seminars on topics such as history, grammar and Russian media. Of course, you'll also have plenty of time outside the classroom to travel and explore the real Russia.

    During your third year, you'll also spend a term in a German-speaking country, but you can choose whether to study a dedicated language course or undertake a work placement.

    It's the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their degree.

    Read more about the Residence Abroad in Russia

    Read more about the Residence Abroad in German