German, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

Your first two years will be spent consolidating and building your language skills in core language modules, while in optional modules you will be introduced to the applied language skills of translation and to aspects of German culture, society, politics and history. You will have the opportunity to choose from subjects as diverse as German cinema, gender and the politics of the 'Berlin Republic'.

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 come back, 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 the German student movement or cultural representations of war, or to focus on translation or specialist language for professional contexts. You'll also apply the critical skills you have developed to an independently researched dissertation or project on a subject of your choice.

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 B in German.

  • Career opportunities

    A degree in German from Leeds allows you to become proficient in one of Europe's most commonly-used languages. It also gives you a real appreciation of the culture in one of the world's major economic powerhouses.

    These qualities will open doors to a wide range of careers across different industries, but 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. Spending a year abroad will also demonstrate that you are independent and adaptable.

    Recent graduates have pursued careers in areas such as journalism, PR, business and finance, HR, law, 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 pursued further training to go into language-specific roles such as translation and 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 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 where you could study, or 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.

    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