BA German and Polish
About this course
BA in German and Polish, a modern languages degree focusing on the acquisition of German and Polish alongside the study of European literature, history, and film. Core topics include Research Methods. This four-year programme incorporates a compulsory year abroad. The first year builds initial language proficiency and foundational knowledge through Introduction to German Studies 1, War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema, and Polish Language Level 1. In the second year, students consolidate their linguistic and analytical skills through Writing from the Other Europe, Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension, and Introduction to Polish Literature. The third year consists of a compulsory period spent abroad. The final year involves advanced study and independent research through Discussion and Essay in German, Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension, and Polish Literature 3, with optional modules such as Free-standing Dissertation and Weimar and Nazi Film allowing further specialisation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (Previous study of a foreign language is preferred (not necessarily one of the named languages) but not required. Applicants may study two languages at beginner level and may seek advice from the departments concerned if needed.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 72 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 91%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 86%
- Baccalaureate: 7%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to German Studies 1
- Introduction to German Studies 2
- War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema
- Literature and Memory
- Polish Language Level 1
- Modern German Language and Culture
- German for Beginners 1
- Writing from the Other Europe
- Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Polish Literature
- German Translation
- Aspects of Twentieth Century German History
- Love-Violence-Laughter: Medieval and Early Modern Literature and Culture
- Debating Enlightenment: Literature and Culture 1740-1870
- The Challenge of Modernity: Literature and Culture 1870-Present
- Metropolen
- The New German Cinema
- German for Beginners 2
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Discussion and Essay in German
- Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 3b - Production
- Polish Literature 3
- German Political and Social Thought
- History and Representation: The Holocaust as a Case Study
- Austrian Literature 1890 - 1938: from Empire to Republic
- Language, Power and Ideology
- Surveillance
- Weimar and Nazi Film
- Advanced German Translation
- War and Violence in Twentieth Century Germany
- The Writing of WG Sebald
- Free-standing Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA German and Polish at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £10,000 more than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of BA German and Polish at University College London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA German and Polish at University College London?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA German and Polish at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
Does BA German and Polish at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA German and Polish at University College London?
91% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.