French and German, BA

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 be spent refining your skills in writing, speaking, reading and listening to French and German, while optional modules will introduce you to key issues in modern German and French culture, history and translation. You'll choose one of our Cornerstone modules, helping to bring your two subjects together. Then you'll build on these skills in Year 2, working on your language skills to prepare for your time abroad and choosing from a range of optional modules on everything from German cinema to Francophone Africa.

The last term of Year 2 and the whole of the following year will be split between a German-speaking and a French-speaking country, boosting your language skills and giving you the chance to immerse yourself in local culture.

When you return to Leeds for your final year, you'll be able to bring this experience into advanced language classes, including 'applied language' options in translation, interpreting or specialist language for professional purposes. You'll also have an even wider variety of optional modules to choose from in both subjects, and apply the critical skills you've gained to an independently researched dissertation or project.

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: AAB including A in French and A in German

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in French and German from Leeds will equip you with skills in two major world languages, as well as an appreciation of the different cultures where they are spoken. Moreover, it will give you the chance to build skills in different areas, all of which are highly sought by employers.

    You'll be an excellent communicator with strong critical and analytical skills, and you'll be confident working independently or in a team. You'll have the organisational skills required to manage two different subjects, and spending time abroad will show that you are adaptable and resilient.

    Graduates have been successful in diverse careers in the UK and abroad, including the creative industries, European institutions, law, business and finance, journalism, publishing, education and the charity sector. Others have gone onto postgraduate study, or further training to pursue careers in language-based roles like translating 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 a term of Year 2 and the whole of the following year between a Francophone and a German-speaking country. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their degree.

    You'll spend a year in one country and a term in the other, but it's up to you where you spend the longer period. On your term abroad you can complete a work placement or study at a partner university. In the year-long residence, you can also decide to teach English. Whatever you decide, you'll gain a new perspective and valuable work experience.

    Read more about German Residence Abroad

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.