English and German (BA)

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:

• Poetic Language

• 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

• The Novel

• 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:

• The EU and European Identity

• Teaching English as a Foreign Language

• Media Perspectives on Post-68 Germany

• Vienna and Berlin: Society, Politics and Culture from 1890 to the Present

• Victorian feelings

• Sweatshops, Sex Workers and Asylum Seekers: World Literature and Visual Culture After Globalisation

• 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:

• study at one of our partner universities

• work as an English language assistant in a school

• 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:

• Audiovisual Translation

• Narrative Non-fiction: The Interdisciplinary Art

• Literatures of Islands and Oceans

• German History, Politics and Society

• Radical England: from Shakespeare to Milton

• Approaches to German-Jewish Literature

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

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.

All employers value the ability to use English accurately and persuasively. Studying BA English and German at Southampton gives you a strong foundation in:

• research

• presentation skills

• project management

• critical thinking

• 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:  

• advertising

• arts administration

• communications and marketing

• content design and copywriting

• fashion

• financial services

• journalism

• public relations

• publishing

• teaching

• translation

• 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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £17,560.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: QR32
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

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?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.