Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The University of York offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in International Relations and German, with a year abroad. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the dynamics that shape our world, while also developing their language proficiency in German.

Program Overview

The program is a four-year full-time course, with a typical offer of AAB at A level. The course code is L2R2, and the institution code is Y50. The start date is September 2026, and the length of the course is four years full-time.

Course Content

The course content is divided into four years, with a range of core and option modules. In the first year, students study two core modules in international relations and three in German. In the second year, students study three core modules and three option modules. In the third year, students go abroad for a year, where they can choose to study at another university or complete a work placement/internship. In the fourth year, students study a core dissertation and one other core language module, as well as three option modules.

Year 1

• International relations core modules:
  • Political Analysis
  • Introduction to Global Politics
• Post-A Level core modules:
  • German Language and Cultures: Upper Intermediate
  • Understanding Language in the Real World
  • Understanding German Cultures and Societies (Post-A level)
• Ab initio core modules:
  • Intensive German Language and Cultures: Beginner
  • Understanding Language in the Real World
  • Understanding German-speaking Cultures and Societies (ab initio)
• Option modules:
  • Introduction to Political Theory
  • York Policy Lab

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • German Language and Cultures: Advanced
  • International Relations Theory and Global Politics
  • Research Design
• Option modules:
  • Language option modules:
    • The Berlin Republic
    • World Cinemas: Representing National and Transnational Societies and Cultures
    • Plurilingualism, Multilingualism and Transnational Languages: Concepts, Strategies and Approaches
  • International relations option modules:
    • Theories of the State
    • Justice, Equality, and Difference
    • European Union Politics
    • Critical Global Security Studies
    • Human Rights and Wrongs
    • The Rising Powers
    • Politics of Development
    • The United States and Global Politics after the Cold War
    • War and Peace
    • Global Political Economy

Year 3

• Students go abroad for a year, where they can choose to study at another university or complete a work placement/internship.

Year 4

• Core modules:
  • German Language and Cultures: Proficient
  • Politics Dissertation
• Option modules:
  • Language option modules:
    • Translation: Methodology and Practice
    • Independent Study in Languages and Cultures
    • Modern German Language
    • World Cinemas: Representing National & Transnational Societies and Cultures
  • International relations option modules:
    • Green Politics
    • The Labour Party and Socialism
    • Governmentality: Michel Foucault and the Analytics of Power
    • Terrorism and Counterterrorism
    • Global Politics of Nuclear Weapons
    • India and its Neighbourhood
    • The Future of Capitalism: Money for Everyone?
    • Politics of Peace after Civil War
    • Democracy and Emergency
    • Sex and Money
    • Karl Marx
    • Border Politics: Contemporary Perspectives on Sovereignty, Mobility and Citizenship
    • Africa and International Politics
    • Morality and Modern Warfare
    • Politics of Technology: From the Luddites to the Unabomber
    • Gender, Violence and Resistance
    • The Global Food System
    • Global Sustainability and Energy Policy
    • Britain in a Changing Global Economic Order
    • Political Psychology and Public Opinion
    • International Crisis Diplomacy
    • Constitutional and Territorial Ideologies in Britain and Ireland

Fees and Funding

The fees for the program are as follows:

• UK (home) fees: £9,535
• International and EU fees: £26,900

Teaching and Assessment

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and personalized one-to-one meetings with staff. The language modules are taught in the language of study, and many of the staff are native-speakers of the languages taught. The program is assessed through a combination of exams, written essays, and project work, as well as oral and listening exams.

Careers and Skills

The program provides students with a range of skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers. These include:

• Analysis of complex ideas, arguments, and theories
• The ability to present succinct reports
• Efficient communication and intrapersonal skills
• Being able to research and debate challenging topics
• Critical thinking and data interpretation
• Independent working and studying

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the program is AAB at A level. The program also accepts a range of other qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate and the European Baccalaureate. The English language requirements for the program are IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Related Courses

The University of York also offers a range of other undergraduate programs in International Relations, including:

• International Relations (BA)
• International Relations and French (with a year abroad)
• International Relations and Italian (with a year abroad)
• International Relations and Spanish (with a year abroad)