BA Philosophy and German (RV25)
2025 entry
Course summary
This degree combines philosophy with the study of German, a widely spoken language around the world and highly sought after for business, research and trade. German will give you direct access to the intellectual history, cultural production and political debates in German-speaking countries. The course provides a valuable skill set, ideally tailored to the increasingly globalised workplace.
German can be studied from beginners' level or post-A level (or the equivalent).
For philosophy, you will study units covering an introduction to philosophy, logic, and realism and normativity.
You will also follow a structured language course in German and explore the rich culture and history of German-speaking countries and communities, choosing from a range of units in literature, film, history, thought, politics, linguistics and visual culture. You will spend your third year abroad in a German-speaking country, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, which results in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond to new research. This course combination offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges and a range of options that will allow you to pursue your own interests.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Our course will ensure you practise a range of skills, which will make you attractive to future employers in the sector of your choice.
As a modern languages student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
Course structure
In your first year of philosophy, you will gain a grounding in the fundamentals of philosophy through two mandatory introductory units: one exploring issues in epistemology and metaphysics; the other concerning moral and political philosophy. You will also take a unit in critical thinking and logic.
In your second year, you will complete your foundation in philosophy with a mandatory unit on realism and normativity and conduct a more detailed study in topics ranging from ethics to the philosophy of language.
In your final year, you may undertake an independent study unit on almost any topic in philosophy, writing an extended essay in consultation with a supervisor. Final-year taught units relate to the research interests of staff in areas ranging from global justice to philosophy of physics.
For German, you will study language and culture units focusing on topics that range from history and politics to linguistics, literature and cinema.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Philosophy and German can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement