Program Overview
BA French and German
Overview
The BA French and German program is a four-year undergraduate degree that allows students to gain specialist language and culture skills with a focus on France and Germany.
Course Description
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in French language, literature, culture, history, and linguistics, as well as German language, culture, and linguistics. Students will develop their language skills through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, and tutorials, and will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in a French- or German-speaking country.
Aims
The program aims to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive grounding in French language, literature, culture, history, and linguistics
- Give students a firm grounding in the German language, and the opportunity to explore German culture, linguistics, history, and literature
- Develop students' intercultural awareness and enhanced communication skills
- Equip students with transferable expertise at the heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills
Special Features
- Residence abroad: Students can spend a year abroad in a French- or German-speaking country to improve their language skills and gain cultural experience
- Collaborations and partnerships: The University has links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including the Alliance Française and the Goethe Institute
- Societies: The University is home to over 30 international and language-related student societies, offering a breadth of cultural activities and experiences
Teaching and Learning
Students will learn through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars, and tutorials, spending approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions. They will also be expected to complete independent study, including reading, producing written work, revising for examinations, and working in the University's Language Centre.
Coursework and Assessment
Students will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, presentations, coursework, and a dissertation based on a research topic of their choice.
Course Content
The program is divided into four years, with the following course content:
Year 1:
- French language and grammar study
- Introduction to French culture and society
- German language and grammar study
- Introduction to German culture and society
Year 2:
- French language and grammar study
- French literature and culture
- German language and grammar study
- German literature and culture
Year 3:
- Residence abroad in a French- or German-speaking country
Year 4:
- French language and grammar study
- French literature and culture
- German language and grammar study
- German literature and culture
- Dissertation based on a research topic of the student's choice
Facilities
The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite, purpose-built recording rooms, and resources for over 70 languages.
Disability Support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
Careers
A degree in Modern Languages and Cultures paves the way for a broad range of careers, including business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking, and communications. Employers who have taken on graduates of the program include KPMG, Deloitte, L'Oréal, BT, Louis Vuitton, Rothschild, Hilton Hotels, British Council, Teach First, Barclays, and the BBC.
Fees and Funding
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025, the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University offers dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on household income. Eligible UK students can also apply for bursaries and scholarships.
Entry Requirements
The program has the following entry requirements:
- ABB including French and/or German at A-level
- 34 points overall in the International Baccalaureate, with 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects including French or German
- GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/6, or IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component
English Language Requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/6, or IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component.
Country-Specific Entry Requirements
The University accepts a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language, see accepted entry qualifications from your country.
Application and Selection
Applications are made through UCAS. The University welcomes applications from students who have followed a non-standard educational route, and mature students are also encouraged to apply.
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum.
Re-Applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.