About this course
Develop your passion for reading and your talent for languages. Discover new ways to think about literature from around the world. At Southampton, you'll study German language and culture, and English literature together to improve how you understand them. You can examine the linked histories, influences and works of German and English writers. You'll also get to experience a new culture with a year abroad.
This dynamic English and German degree course shows you the connections between literature, language and culture. Our English modules cover writing from around the world and its connection to politics, the arts, identity and more.
In your German studies, you can take modules that feed your love of history and culture, or you may choose to focus on linguistics. You can shape your degree to suit your interests or career aspirations.
You'll spend your year abroad at one of our partner universities in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, among others.
As part of this course you can:
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use our Centre for Language Study, including a German resources room
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join one of 40 student-led performing arts groups
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take part in writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
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use a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
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explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
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get one-to-one tutorials on writing from our Royal Literary Fund Fellows
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and German
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and German, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including English Literature or a related subject* and German
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in English Literature (or a related subject*) and German
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level German.
or
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level German.
or
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level German.
BTEC additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Your English modules cover writing from around the world and its connection to politics, the arts, identity and more. You can also study creative writing. Your German studies will include compulsory language modules, linguistics and many options in politics and culture.
The German language modules depend on your ability level. We will put you in the most appropriate stage to develop your spoken and written skills.
Each year you can take modules from subject areas outside English and German. Your personal academic tutor can advise you on module options.
Year 1 overview
Typically, you’ll take an equal number of modules from English and German. You’ll choose from modules in linguistics and in the culture and history of German-speaking countries.
You’ll gain a foundation in critical thinking, essay writing and joint research. This will help you develop your own views and approaches in the study of literature.
You'll also take a compulsory module for modern language students. It outlines the academic conventions you'll need and offers guidance on study skills.
You’ll take a mix of core and optional English modules, including:
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Poetic Language
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a group research project, including options such as City Writing in the Nineteenth Century, Literature to Save the Planet, or Decadence and Decay at the Fin de Siècle
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The Novel
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The Act of the Essay
Year 2 overview
You can choose modules from across English and German based on your interests and the skills you want to develop. You’ll also take a compulsory German language module.
Modules include:
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The EU and European Identity
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Teaching English as a Foreign Language
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Media Perspectives on Post-68 Germany
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Vienna and Berlin: Society, Politics and Culture from 1890 to the Present
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Victorian feelings
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Sweatshops, Sex Workers and Asylum Seekers: World Literature and Visual Culture After Globalisation
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Multilingualism
A special module will help you plan your year abroad.
Year 3 overview
You'll spend your third year in a German-speaking country and improve your language and cultural skills. Students usually go to Germany, though you may choose Austria or Switzerland.
We’ll help you choose a placement abroad that interests you. You can:
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study at one of our partner universities
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work as an English language assistant in a school
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find an approved work placement
During your time away, you’ll keep a blog and produce an independent research project in German. It will show original thought and help improve your language.
Year 4 overview
You'll take a module examining your experiences abroad. This will help you produce an enhanced CV.
You’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, from either subject area, to develop your independent research skills. A supervisor with research expertise on your topic will support you.
You’ll continue with German language modules and take optional modules from across English, German and other subject areas.
Module options include:
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Audiovisual Translation
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Narrative Non-fiction: The Interdisciplinary Art
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Literatures of Islands and Oceans
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German History, Politics and Society
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Radical England: from Shakespeare to Milton
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Approaches to German-Jewish Literature
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Mary Hammond is the course leader.
Careers
All employers value the ability to use English accurately and persuasively. Studying BA English and German at Southampton gives you a strong foundation in:
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research
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presentation skills
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project management
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critical thinking
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writing
You’ll learn how to tell a story - a crucial skill whether you want to write a press release or funding application, or edit a book or podcast.
The year spent abroad will show employers that you‘re independent, curious and resourceful.
This English literature with German course can open the door to many careers, including:
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advertising
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arts administration
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communications and marketing
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content design and copywriting
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fashion
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financial services
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journalism
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public relations
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publishing
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teaching
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translation
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travel and tourism
Your personal academic tutor can write a reference based on knowledge of you as a student over the 3 years.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can take work placements through our Excel internship scheme or Year in Employment scheme. Placements may include those in art galleries, publishing houses, schools and performing arts organisations. We can help you get placements and employment with local, national and international employers.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: QR32
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000