BA German and Russian
About this course
BA in German and Russian, a German and Russian Studies degree centred on the study of languages, literature, history and culture. Students spend the third year on a period of residence abroad. The first year covers foundational modules such as Introduction to German Studies 1, Introduction to German Studies 2, Introduction to Russian Studies I and Introduction to Russian Studies II. The second year provides options spanning history, literature and culture, including modules such as Aspects of Twentieth Century German History, The New German Cinema and Minority Languages of Russia: Cultural, Linguistic Diversity and Endangerment. The third year consists of a year abroad spent studying or working in relevant regions. The final year involves advanced language study, featuring compulsory modules such as Discussion and Essay in German, Comprehension of Russian (Year 4) and Use of Russian (Year 4). Optional modules in the final year include Austrian Literature 1890 - 1938: from Empire to Republic, Weimar and Nazi Film and Advanced German Translation.
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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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 85%: 11 offers from 13 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
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
- Introduction to Russian Studies I
- Introduction to Russian Studies II
- Modern German Language and Culture
- German for Beginners 1
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 1A)
- Use of Russian (Year 1A)
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 1)
- Use of Russian (Year 1)
- Russian Short Fiction from Romanticism to Postmodernism
- Representations of Russia
- Russian and Soviet Cinema: History, Ideology, Society
- 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
- Minority Languages of Russia: Cultural, Linguistic Diversity and Endangerment
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 2A)
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Discussion and Essay in German
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 4)
- Use of Russian (Year 4)
- 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
- Narratives of Exile
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA German and Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian 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.
What is the offer rate for BA German and Russian at University College London?
85% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 11 offers from 13 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA German and Russian 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 Russian at University College London?
91% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.