BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad)
About this course
BA (Hons) International Relations and German (with a year abroad) is a combined degree within International Relations and German (with a year abroad). Core topics include Research Methods. Students spend year three on a year abroad studying at a partner university or completing a work placement or internship, and the final year includes a Politics Dissertation. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Political Analysis, Introduction to Global Politics, and German Language and Cultures: Upper Intermediate. Optional modules in the first year include York Policy Lab and Introduction to Political Theory. The second year focuses on advanced study with compulsory modules like German Language and Cultures: Advanced, International Relations Theory and Global Politics, and Research Design, alongside options such as European Union Politics and War and Peace. Year four features advanced study with compulsory modules including German Language and Cultures: Proficient and Politics Dissertation. Students can tailor their studies through numerous optional modules covering areas such as Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Global Politics of Nuclear Weapons, and 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: AAB IB: 35 points BTEC: DDD We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus A at A Level Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus AA at A level Distinction, Distinction in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus A at A level
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What students say
Based on about 46 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 14%
- Finance Professionals: 11%
- Elementary occupations: 8%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 30%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 25%
- South East: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 98%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Political Analysis
- Introduction to Global Politics
- German Language and Cultures: Upper Intermediate
- Understanding German Cultures and Societies (Post-A level)
- Intensive German Language and Cultures: Beginner
- Understanding German-speaking Cultures and Societies (ab initio)
- Introduction to Political Theory
- York Policy Lab
- Understanding Language in the Real World
- Structure of English
- German Language and Cultures: Advanced
- International Relations Theory and Global Politics
- Research Design
- The Berlin Republic
- World Cinemas: Representing National and Transnational Societies and Cultures
- Plurilingualism, Multilingualism and Transnational Languages: Concepts, Strategies and Approaches
- Theories of the State
- Justice, Equality, and Difference
- European Union Politics
- Critical Global Security Studies
- Human Rights and Wrongs
- The Rising Powers
- Politics of Development
- The United States and Global Politics after the Cold War
- War and Peace
- Global Political Economy
- German Language and Cultures: Proficient
- Politics Dissertation
- Translation:
- Independent Study in Languages and Cultures
- Modern German Language
- World Cinemas: Representing National & Transnational Societies and Cultures
- Independent Study in Translation
- Green Politics
- The Labour Party and Socialism
- Governmentality: Michel Foucault and the Analytics of Power
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- Global Politics of Nuclear Weapons
- India and its Neighbourhood
- The Future of Capitalism: Money for Everyone?
- Politics of Peace after Civil War
- Democracy and Emergency
- Sex and Money
- Karl Marx
- Border Politics: Contemporary Perspectives on Sovereignty, Mobility and Citizenship
- Africa and International Politics
- Morality and Modern Warfare
- Politics of Technology: From the Luddites to the Unabomber
- Gender, Violence and Resistance
- The Global Food System
- Global Sustainability and Energy Policy
- Britain in a Changing Global Economic Order
- Political Psychology and Public Opinion
- International Crisis Diplomacy
- Constitutional and Territorial Ideologies in Britain and Ireland
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £28,500 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £37,500. The £31,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad) at University of York do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad) at University of York?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 136 UCAS points.
Does BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA International Relations and German (with a year abroad) at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.