English Literature with German BA (Hons) – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2023
BA (Hons) UCAS: QR33
3 years
BA (Hons) UCAS: QR34
4 years with professional training
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | QR33 | S85 |
| BA (Hons) with professional training | QR34 | S85 |
Why choose this course
We’re one of the UK’s leading universities for literature and languages, our modern languages and linguistics courses ranked in the UK top 10 by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
Our BA (Hons) English Literature with German course is innovative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to develop a high level of literary, linguistic and cultural competence. We conduct challenging, forward-thinking teaching and research.
Our award-winning Professional Training Placements scheme prepares students for roles in industry. We deliver on jobs, too. We were named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
What you will study
The English literature part of this course covers a range of literary periods, authors, genres and theories. You’ll analyse classic works, as well as innovative texts and genres, such as travel writing, nineteenth-century theatre, and Beat writing.
The foreign language component is taught almost exclusively in German, giving you high-level language training. You can spend your third year on placement in a country where German is spoken, giving you the opportunity to study English literature at one of our partner institutions across Europe and/or work in one of the many companies with which we have links.
The two elements of this course complement one another and enhance your learning, giving you unique insights into language, literature and culture.
Related courses
Facilities
Our language teaching facilities include digital language labs, a multimedia lab, state-of-the-art interpreting facilities, our own virtual learning environment and an e-portfolio system.
Between classes, you can use our Language Study Area in the University’s purpose-built Learning Centre, which is open 24 hours a day, six days a week, as well as during most of Sunday during semester time.
We also have a computer network of 28 PCs offering the latest in language learning technology, including specialist software to practise subtitling and audio description, and interactive programs in 18 different languages to develop your language skills.
You can read the international press and choose from a range of books and audio materials which are graded and colour-coded for easy access to your language and level.
If you prefer film or video as a means of learning, you can access our media store of programmes and films, watch online, live satellite TV from five countries, or choose a foreign film from our world cinema collection.
Culture and arts at Surrey
As a BA (Hons) English Literature with German student at Surrey, you’ll be introduced to an exciting and thought-provoking cultural environment.
We combine conventional teaching with a wide range of opportunities for you to engage with our vibrant research culture and arts activities. Our skilled and dedicated academics produce internationally-recognised research, conveying ideas enthusiastically and accessibly.
Regular visiting guest speakers and research seminars provide additional specialised expertise to the course, and encourage students to consider areas for further study.
We also host a range of events which enable you to immerse yourself in contemporary writing, through the annual Morag Morris Poetry Lecture, the Surrey Poetry Festival, and the Surrey New Writers Festival, all of which are run by the School of Literature and Languages.
The School also regularly hosts talks by major and new writers, annually appoints a Poet in Residence, and has as its Distinguished Writer in Residence the acclaimed author Neel Mukherjee.
Guildford is home to a wide variety of arts activities, including the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, which puts on new and canonical plays, the Guildford Book Festival – a partner of the School of Literature and Languages – and a host of galleries, libraries and archives that will stimulate and support your independent studies.
We’re also only 34 minutes by train from London, one of the world’s most important cultural centres. Outside of your studies and in your own time, you’ll have the opportunity to see plays at the National Theatre, the Barbican and the Globe Theatre, and to watch new films in the major West End cinemas and classic films at the National Film Theatre.
This wide choice of activities will complement your studies at Surrey, and you’ll be encouraged to draw inspiration from them in your studies.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our graduates are exceptionally employable as a result of their academic excellence and their experience abroad. Our students’ proficiency in languages, combined with their significant understanding of intercultural processes and socio-political contexts, gives them a distinct advantage in an increasingly competitive international employment market.
We emphasise transferable skills such as presentation and research techniques, and communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries, which ensures that our graduates meet the expectations of prospective employers.
Our recent graduates have entered employment in roles such as:
- Customer Relationship Manager, Eton College
- Journalist (freelance and with specific publications), The Guardian, Mail Online, The Wall Street Journal, VGR (US gaming website)
- Marketing and Public Relations, Marlin PR
- Account Manager, Allianz UK
- Sales and Marketing Executive, Palgrave Higher Education/Macmillan Education
- Quality Manager, Transperfect
- Internal Account Manager, Gamma Telecom
- Personal Assistant, Ministry of Defence
- Junior Account Executive, Livewire Public Relations
- Commercial Graduate, Coca Cola
- Copywriter, Tesco MPC.
Many of our students go on to further study across Europe. Examples include:
- MSc in Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
- École supérieure de commerce de Paris, Madrid/Berlin
- MBA European Business, University of Reutlingen, Germany
- MBA International Marketing, Sorbonne, Paris
- MA European Studies, Cambridge/Sorbonne
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Certificat d’aptitude pour l’enseignement secondaire.
The School of Literature and Languages offers a broad range of postgraduate degree courses in translation studies. Graduates of our internationally recognised courses are well-prepared for the professional market, as well as for further research.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Literature and Languages.
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
English Literature with German - ab initio pathway
In the first year of the degree, it is are compulsory for students on the ab initio pathway to take the three ab inition modules:
In semester 1, the compulsory LAN1004 (Ab Initio Language grammar and structures) and LAN1005 (Ab Initio Language - developing skills) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1018 (History of English Literature I) and ELI1010 (Theories of Reading I).
In semester 2, the compulsory LAN1003 (Ab initio Language II) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1022 (History of English Literature II) and ELI1011 (Theories of Reading II). In addition, students on the ab initio pathway will chose one of the optional English Literature or Creative Writing modules available that semester.
English Literature with German - Post A-level pathway
For students with an A-level qualifiation in the language in question, who do not follow the ab initio pathway, LAN1004 (Ab Initio Language - grammar and structures), LAN1005 (Ab Initio Language - developing skills) and LAN1003 (Ab initio Language II) cannot be taken. Instead they follow the Post A-level pathway.
In semester 1 for these students, GER1057 (German Language I For Academic Purposes) is the compulsory Language module, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1018 (History of English Literature I) and ELI1010 (Theories of Reading I). In addition, students on the Post A-level pathway will chose one of the optional English Literature or Creative Writing modules available that semester.
In semester 2, GER1056 (German Language II For Academic Purposes) is the compulsory Language module, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1022 (History of English Literature II) and ELI1011 (Theories of Reading II). In addition, students on the Post A-level pathway will chose one of the optional English Literature or Creative Writing modules available that semester.
* There is no distinction between ab initio and Post A-level pathways after the first year of the Programme.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students choose four of the listed optional modules (two in English and two in Languages).
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
It is compulsory for students on the Programme to do one of the Dissertation options available in their final year. Students should choose between:
English Literature (ELI3033 - English Literature Dissertation) OR Creative Writing (ELI3034 - Creative Writing Submission) OR Languages (LAN3003 - Long Dissertation + advanced writing and oral skills module) options.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
English Literature with German - ab initio pathway
In the first year of the degree, it is are compulsory for students on the ab initio pathway to take the three ab inition modules:
In semester 1, the compulsory LAN1004 (Ab Initio Language grammar and structures) and LAN1005 (Ab Initio Language - developing skills) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1018 (History of English Literature I) and ELI1010 (Theories of Reading I).
In semester 2, the compulsory LAN1003 (Ab initio Language II) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1022 (History of English Literature II) and ELI1011 (Theories of Reading II). In addition, students on the ab initio pathway will chose one of the optional English Literature or Creative Writing modules available that semester.
English Literature with German - Post A-level pathway
For students with an A-level qualifiation in the language in question, who do not follow the ab initio pathway, LAN1004 (Ab Initio Language - grammar and structures), LAN1005 (Ab Initio Language - developing skills) and LAN1003 (Ab initio Language II) cannot be taken. Instead they follow the Post A-level pathway.
In semester 1 for these students, GER1057 (German Language I For Academic Purposes) is the compulsory Language module, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1018 (History of English Literature I) and ELI1010 (Theories of Reading I). In addition, students on the Post A-level pathway will chose one of the optional English Literature or Creative Writing modules available that semester.
In semester 2, GER1056 (German Language II For Academic Purposes) is the compulsory Language module, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1022 (History of English Literature II) and ELI1011 (Theories of Reading II). In addition, students on the Post A-level pathway will chose one of the optional English Literature or Creative Writing modules available that semester.
* There is no distinction between ab initio and Post A-level pathways after the first year of the Programme.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students choose four of the listed optional modules (two in English and two in Languages).
Optional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
Students must choose one of the above three modules.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
It is compulsory for students on the Programme to do one of the Dissertation options available in their final year. Students should choose between:
English Literature (ELI3033 - English Literature Dissertation) OR Creative Writing (ELI3034 - Creative Writing Submission) OR Languages (LAN3003 - Long Dissertation + advanced writing and oral skills module) options.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
Teaching on our English literature courses is both stimulating and encouraging. You will experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Our academics produce internationally excellent research and are skilled and dedicated teachers who convey ideas enthusiastically and accessibly. In addition to lectures in your first year, you’ll work closely with tutors and fellow students in smaller seminar groups. During your second and third year, you’ll become increasingly independent, working on your dissertation and contributing to student-led sessions in Year 3.
In the language component of your degree, we support you in becoming an independent language learner and confident communicator, and place great emphasis on the teaching of study skills. Our teaching style is innovative and highly engaging in both lectures and seminars. You are taught mostly in small groups, and almost always in the target language.
Tutors encourage you to participate in discussions. Individual module tutors happily discuss academic concerns and personal tutors are always ready to advise and assist you if you have any personal or academic issues.
All learning is fully supported by the University’s virtual learning environment, and you will gain a range of computing skills throughout the course.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an Applicant Day. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2023
BA (Hons)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
BA (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
Professional training £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2022/23 academic year Professional Training placement fee.
Placements
You have the option to complete a Professional Training placement as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, helping to prepare you for your future career.
A significant proportion of placement students at Surrey are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
English Literature with German placements
We believe academic knowledge should be coupled with strong and continuous professional training experience, enabling you to graduate more employable and with a wider range of skills. Our Professional Training placement scheme is one of the reasons for our very high employment rates.
You can take Professional Training in a work placement or a period studying abroad.
In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to practise and develop your linguistic, intercultural and transferable skills while working and/or studying abroad. Our placement team will help you organise a placement that fits your needs.
Where you go, and how many placements you do, depends on your course. Whether you do a study or work placement depends on your interests and skills.
The majority of our students spend their third year working abroad, gaining valuable international work experience.
During your first year
The Professional Training placement cycle begins right away in your first year, you’ll learn about the cultures and societies related to your chosen languages and practise CV writing and presentation techniques.
During your second year
In the second year, you’ll attend Employability and Placement sessions. This includes one-to-one meetings with an experienced team of placement tutors who can advise you on a placement that suits your abilities, interests and future career plans.
The preparation also includes sessions on CV and cover letter writing, finances while on placement, health and safety in the workplace, insurance, and accommodation, as well as talks by current placement providers, employers or experts in a particular industry.
In the past, guest speakers have included representatives from Hilton Spain and Vifor Pharma Switzerland.
During your placement year
Your Professional Training placement starts when you have secured a work placement or a study exchange. Our students make excellent candidates for placements in areas such as marketing, international relations, sales, PR, translation and even finance.
Some examples of organisations that have participated in this scheme include:
- NBC Universal
- Toyota (PR and Press Communications)
- InterNations GmbH
- UBS Investment Bank
- Fork Unstable Media
- Place2Be
- British Council.
If you decide to do a study exchange, you’ll be able to choose from a number of partner universities in Europe.
If you opt to work for all or part of your year abroad (rather than study), you'll receive at least one visit from your placement tutors. The purpose of this unique approach to work placements is to support you in your transition to a new language, a new country and a new work environment.
Your visiting tutors will also assess your performance at work, mediate between you and your placement organisation, and help prepare you for your final year back at university.
At the end of your Professional Training placement, our goal is for you to be able to reflect upon and articulate your experience so that you can discuss it in a future job interview upon graduation.
Applying for placements
You can apply for numerous opportunities via an open and free-to-all process. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out about more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their studies by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities or by completing a Professional Training placement abroad.
Want to study at an overseas institution as part of your degree or work abroad during your Professional Training year? Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
Not only is the opportunity to go abroad a hugely enjoyable experience, you will develop key skills and knowledge that will strengthen your CV and increase your employability.
For the 2021/22 academic year, students have access to Turing funds to assist in student exchange, work placements abroad and summer schools abroad. These funds can make a significant contribution to these exciting opportunities during your time at the University.
View our study and work abroad exchange information to find out more and see where you can go.
We currently have exchange agreements with the following universities in France, Germany, and Spain, for students of both English and languages (all combinations). These include:
- Université Jean Moulin Lyon III, Paris
- Université Gustave Eiffel, Paris.
- Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
- Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, Germany.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) from the 2020/2021 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read more.
In particular we wish to draw your intention to the following matters affecting the academic year 2021/2022:
- Covid-19 - In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/2021 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach, details of which can be found here [link]. It is anticipated that these programme changes and the hybrid learning approach will be adopted throughout the academic year 2021/2022, however, given the changing nature of the pandemic, this is being kept under continuous review. Detailed information on all changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is available at the coronavirus course changes page. The linked pages set out information relating to general University changes and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
- Brexit - The UK is now no longer part of the EU. We are awaiting further information and instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. EU students applying for programmes in the academic year 2021/2022 and students applying for courses with placements abroad should visit our dedicated webpages for the latest information on how the UK’s departure from the EU will affect their courses.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH