Develop your own answers to major philosophical questions and increase your cultural awareness with German studies.
Year of entry: 2023/24
V5R2
Y50
4 years full-time
AAB (full entry requirements)
September 2023 (semester dates)
according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results 2021
Joint 5th for Linguistics, Guardian University Guide 2021
Complete University Guide 2023
Grapple with the most profound philosophical questions and increase your cultural awareness with studies of German-speaking societies and cultures.
Gain unparalleled insight into the work of some of the great philosophers, including German speaking philosophers such as Kant and Marx. You will also engage with modern philosophical minds, developing an inquisitive approach to topics such as ethics, metaphysical philosophy and aesthetics. By combining your philosophical studies with German studies, you'll uncover the philosophical relationships between our languages, our cultures and our minds. Your skills and understanding of how a language works, how we communicate and how we reason will give you a solid foundation for a huge variety of careers.
You'll join two departments which are highly respected for their research, scholarship and teaching. At York, we have a unique approach to studying languages. From the start, you'll be taught and assessed in German by expert staff, many of whom are native-speakers, so you'll develop your fluency and communication skills rapidly. Our transcultural and decolonised approach to language learning allows for deeper reflection on the values, attitudes, and practices of different cultures.
Spending a year abroad will give you confidence in your speaking, and allow you to have valuable first-hand experiences of transcultural encounters.
You can choose to study one of four languages with Philosophy (including German).
At York, you'll benefit from being able to take TEFL modules in-house, as part of your degree. You can count the work you complete in your TEFL modules towards a qualification. This teacher training programme (also offered in-house) can qualify you to teach English to non-native speakers, including on your year abroad.
One of the societies I joined in first year was the Philosophy Society, [which] is the place I met some of my best friends at university. Throughout my first year they hosted events, film screenings and they also had several impressive speakers.Heather, BA Philosophy
Philosophy at York enables you to become an independent scholar, growing and developing intellectually. You'll have a wide range of option modules to choose from, reflecting the expertise of a large and diverse department. We offer modules in all the central areas of philosophy and you can tailor your degree to reflect your own areas of interest.
Your language modules will explore the society and cultures of German-speaking societies and you'll be taught almost exclusively in German. These modules will help you to develop the transcultural and linguistic knowledge you'll need to become a high-level communicator. As you progress through your course, not only will you develop your conversational fluency, but also your ability to discuss complex ideas in formal German.
Study German from scratch
You can study German ab initio, meaning you don't need to have any knowledge of German before you arrive. You'll study with other ab initio students during your first year, and will focus on improving your language skills, before joining the post-A level students during your second year.
There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.
In your first year, you'll develop core philosophical skills. You'll learn to evaluate philosophical arguments and gain a deeper awareness of some of society's main ethical challenges.
In your first year, you'll focus on developing your communication expertise in German and your understanding of languages, particularly in German-speaking cultures and societies.
Post A-level:
Ab initio:
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:
In your second year, you'll begin to focus your Philosophy studies, and develop some key skills ahead of your final year. You'll also develop written and oral communication skills in German, alongside your ability to critically analyse a range of cultural and social phenomena in the German-speaking world.
You will also study four option modules (typically three from Philosophy and one from Languages). Examples may include:
You can also choose to study an elective module from another department.
The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. For further information please get in touch.
We assist you in setting up overseas university study, teaching or work placements, and offer guidance on all aspects of the year. You can even get a CertTESOL qualification to teach English to non-native speakers before you go. See our current year abroad pages for more information.
You'll complete two assignments while on your year abroad. These are assessed on a pass/fail basis and do not contribute to your final degree grade.
You'll study one core language module in your final year. You'll hone your plurilingual communicative proficiency in German, through in-depth research and analysis of key aspects of German-speaking cultures and societies.
You will also study five option modules, including at least three options in Philosophy. Examples may include:
You can also choose to study an elective module from another department.
The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information please get in touch.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
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.
At York, we are unique in teaching all of our core language modules in their language of study. Our students develop fluency and confidence quickly, benefiting wholly from this approach.
Observe different transcultural practices and values first-hand, and gain valuable experience speaking in your language of study.
Take our in-house CertTESOL teaching qualification before you go abroad.
The thing that really sets Languages at York apart from other universities is that they teach the languages in the language. Of course, if you really just can’t wrap your head around something, they will explain it in English if need be.Hannah, BA French and German
| UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|
| £9,250 | £21,950 |
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.
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.
Set Languages texts are available from the Library or online, but you may wish to buy your own copy for some modules. These typically cost between £10 and £30. For ab-initio languages you may need to buy books with a total cost of £50 to £60. Second hand books are often available more cheaply.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2023/24 throughout the year.
Find out more about funding specific to or .
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.
Philosophy is so friendly and everyone is very welcoming! It is really nice to have a support system when you are away from home, and when you go through stressful times such as exams and essay periods.Anika, BA Philosophy
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.
You'll be an active participant in your Philosophy studies, asking questions and evaluating your own responses and those of others.
You'll take part in discussions with academics and fellow students. We have regular visiting speakers who give lectures and workshops. We also have a student-run Philosophy Society, which is a great way to extend your interest in the subject and meet like-minded people.
Languages
We offer you extra study support in several ways. Our Peer Assisted Learning programme gives you the opportunity to work with other students.
Our focus at York is on effective communication in German. That is why:
In first and second year of the degree, you will typically spend 4-5 hours per week in lectures, 6-8 hours per week in seminars, and 1-2 hours in workshops.
Contact hours in the final year vary depending on individual module choices.
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 term time. 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.
We have our own Languages e-Lab for teaching. Here, you'll have access to a variety of resources, including specialist linguistics software and online language-learning materials.
You will be based in the Department of Philosophy on Campus West. Most of your teaching will take place at various locations across Campus West.
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 campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You'll be assessed in a variety of ways, including essays, projects, written, oral and listening exams. Assessments include formative work which will help you practice or develop skills, but will not count towards your final degree mark.
Starting from your second year, formal assessments contribute toward your degree. You'll be assessed using a range of methods, including essays, research projects, written exams, group projects and presentations. In German, you'll also take oral exams to test your ability to discuss your knowledge and understanding of German cultures and societies.
Your year abroad is assessed. All students must complete two assessments in their language of study. If you are studying at a university, you must attend courses and sit the exams. If you are on a work or teaching placement, you must satisfactorily complete the duties set out in the placement agreement. However, your marks on the year abroad assessments do not contribute towards your overall degree mark.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. However, if you have dyslexia please note that it is not possible to make adjustments in the marking of work written in a closed language exam. This is because accurate spelling is one of the assessment objectives for language exams. Closed exams make up only a proportion of the assessment types used for languages. There are other assessment types such as coursework and oral presentations which are also used. As a student with dyslexia you could apply for extra time in closed exams, if this would be of assistance. See the University's disability support pages for further details.
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| A levels | AAB |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher. |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | DDD |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3,D3,M2 |
| European Baccalaureate | 80% overall average |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points |
| T levels | We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels. |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | Scottish Highers - AABBB Advanced Highers - not required for entry 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. |
| International foundation programme | Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
You can take the language part of this programme ab initio (from scratch, or with a qualification at AS level or below), or you can study on a route designed for those who have an A level in this language.
Our language programmes are designed to develop fluency. For this reason we do not normally offer places to native or near-native speakers who wish to study their own language.
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 three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation. |
| Contextual offers | If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers. |
| EPQ | If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
| Core Maths | If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. |
| MOOCs | If you successfully complete one of our our online courses in either Accents, attitudes and identity or Logic: The Language of Truth, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about MOOCs. |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 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 International ESOL | B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component |
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 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 |
For more information see our undergraduate 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.
Get in touch if you have any questions
Department of Language and Linguistic Science, Department of Philosophy
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