German and Portuguese, BA

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

German 

You'll sharpen your language skills in your first year, as well as exploring German culture, history or translation. Following this you'll continue with core language study and choose from optional modules on topics such as German cinema or politics in the 'Berlin Republic'. All of this will prepare you to spend your time abroad working or studying in a German-speaking country. When you return, you'll take advanced language classes and choose from further options, including the use of German as a professional language.

Portuguese 

In your first year, you'll study core modules that develop your language skills. Following this you will take further language study as well as a range of optional modules, such as Hispanic cinema and Latin American history. This will prepare you for your time abroad working or studying in a Lusophone country. When you return for your final year, you'll combine advanced language classes and optional modules on aspects of Lusophone culture, history and politics.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB including A in German.

  • Career opportunities

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you're intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

    You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

    To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend a term of Year 2 and the whole of the following year between a German-speaking country and usually either Portugal or Brazil. It's the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their degree.

    It's up to you where you spend the longer period. On your term abroad in Germany you'll study at a partner university. If you choose a term abroad in Portugal you will be studying on a dedicated Portuguese course for foreign learners of the language in Lisbon.

    For your year abroad, we have partnerships with a number of Spanish, Latin American and German universities where you could study through an exchange agreement, or you could apply for a work placement. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council's programme.

    Whatever you decide, you'll gain a new perspective and valuable work experience.

    Read more about the German residence abroad

    Read more about the Portuguese residence abroad