French and German

French and German at the University of York is taught with a distinctive approach that places culture, society, and politics at the centre of language learning, asking you to engage with the languages you are studying not just as formal systems but as living vehicles of thought, expression, and cultural identity. French opens access to one of Europe's most significant intellectual and literary traditions, to the political culture of France and the Francophone world, and to a language spoken across five continents. German gives you entry to the literature, philosophy, and cultural history of the German-speaking world, and to a language that has been central to European intellectual life for centuries.

This four-year full-time degree includes a sandwich placement year and embedded work placement experience.

You will be taught in the languages you are studying, developing fluency rapidly alongside a deepening understanding of the societies, histories, and cultural contexts in which French and German are spoken and written. If you begin one language at beginner level, the programme is designed to bring you to a high standard of proficiency by the time you graduate. Work placement experience gives you professional context for your language skills, helping you understand how fluency in major European languages creates value in working life.

A typical entry tariff of 136 UCAS points reflects an accessible admissions standard for a programme that makes high demands on your commitment and your linguistic development. Graduates from French and German programmes move into careers in translation and interpreting, international business, journalism, teaching, the diplomatic service, publishing, international law, cultural organisations, and a wide range of other roles where European language skills are valued. Many continue to postgraduate study in a language or literature, linguistics, European studies, or translation studies.