German and Italian

German and Italian at the University of York is taught with a distinctive approach that puts society, politics, and culture at the heart of language study, asking you to engage with the languages you are learning as living expressions of particular ways of thinking about and experiencing the world. German carries you into the intellectual and literary traditions of one of Europe's most significant countries, from the philosophy of Kant and Hegel through the literature of Goethe and Thomas Mann to the complex cultural history of twentieth-century Germany. Italian begins at ab initio level for students without prior knowledge, taking you through to genuine proficiency while opening the door to the extraordinarily rich tradition of Italian literature, art, cinema, and music.

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 through sustained immersion alongside a deepening knowledge of the societies and cultural contexts in which German and Italian are spoken and written. Teaching by staff who are often native speakers accelerates your development, and the degree's focus on cultural and political topics gives you the contextual understanding that distinguishes genuine language competence from superficial proficiency. The sandwich year and work placement experience provide professional grounding for your linguistic and cultural education.

A typical entry tariff of 152 UCAS points reflects a moderately selective admissions process. Graduates from German and Italian programmes move into careers in translation and interpreting, journalism, international business, teaching, the diplomatic service, publishing, tourism and hospitality, cultural organisations, and education. Many continue to postgraduate study in one or both languages, European studies, linguistics, or translation.