University of York

What you'll study

This joint honours degree brings together the philosophy curriculum at York with sustained study of German language, literature and culture, and includes an integrated year abroad in a German-speaking country. In the philosophy component you will encounter the central areas of the discipline: logic and critical reasoning, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy and the history of philosophy (including modern continental and analytic traditions). Teaching is delivered through lectures, small-group seminars and written assignments, with opportunities for dissertation work in your final stage.

• Year 1/Stage 1: introductory modules in critical thinking and formal reasoning, introductions to ethics and political philosophy, and a survey of historical figures and movements. German studies focus on intermediate language skills, grammar, spoken communication and introductions to literature and culture.
• Year 2/Stage 2: intermediate and specialised philosophy modules (for example philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and applied ethics), alongside German language enhancement, translation practice, and coursework on German literature, film or cultural history.
• Year 3: a full year abroad, typically spent at a partner university or in professional placements in a German-speaking country (Germany, Austria or Switzerland). During this year you will take modules in German-medium institutions and gain immersive language experience; you may also undertake work placements or internships that develop professional language use.
• Final year/Stage 4: advanced philosophy options and a substantial final-year project or dissertation in philosophy or an interdisciplinary topic; advanced German modules may include literary periods, translation studies, and interdisciplinary cultural studies. The degree aims to produce graduates with both philosophical depth and high-level German proficiency.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement in qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or the International Baccalaureate. Prior study of German at GCSE, A-level or equivalent is normally required or applicants must be able to demonstrate similar competence through a language qualification or an assessment; in some cases, applicants with little prior German may be advised to take intensive pre-sessional language work or to consider alternative degree routes. You will also need to satisfy the University’s English language requirements if your prior education was not in English.

Selection is based on academic record, references and, where requested, a personal statement showing motivation for studying both philosophy and German. Mature and international applicants are welcome; information about acceptable qualifications and language equivalence is available from the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates combine transferable skills prized by employers: analytical reasoning, clear written and verbal communication, cross-cultural competence and advanced foreign-language ability. Common graduate destinations include:

• Teaching and higher education, including postgraduate research in philosophy, linguistics or German studies
• Translation, interpreting, publishing and journalism
• Public sector roles, diplomacy and international organisations
• Legal, policy and civil service work that value critical thinking and argumentation
• Business, consulting and multinational companies where language skills and intercultural experience are important

The year abroad often leads to direct work experience or networks that support careers in Europe and internationally.

Why study at University of York

York offers an active philosophy department known for small-group teaching and a balance of analytic and historical approaches, alongside a dedicated German teaching team and strong links with partner institutions in German-speaking countries. The university’s collegiate structure provides pastoral support and a lively intellectual community, while the Language Centre and study-abroad advisers provide practical preparation and support for the year abroad. Students benefit from opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary projects, attend research seminars, and access career development services focused on international employability.

The programme is designed for students who want rigorous philosophical training together with the linguistic fluency and cultural experience that come from an extended stay in a German-speaking environment.