Philosophy with German (with a year abroad) BA
AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £25,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
95% of entrants came with A levels · 90% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
Who actually got in: 95% with A levels, 5% with other higher education. 10% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 15 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at MeriObtain Access to HE Diploma with 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher. | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD 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 | — |
| IB | 35 points | — |
| T Level | Distinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in AccountingDistinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital Bus | A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting |
| Scottish Highers | AABBB | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
8compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: language & communication 47% · arts & humanities 40% · social & cultural skills 11% · transversal skills 2%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 8 core · 160 credits ≈ 1,600 hours
- German Language and Cultures: Upper Intermediate
What you learn (8)
- interpret authentic German texts on familiar and unfamiliar topics
- summarise a studied topic highlighting key points and detail
- present information clearly in spoken or written German
- converse in German with accuracy and fluency
- respond spontaneously during German conversation
- justify a viewpoint using relevant explanations and arguments
- interpret cultural cues within german-speaking contexts
- explain communication differences across diverse cultural contexts
- Intensive German Language and Cultures: Beginner
What you learn (5)
- interpret short written or audiovisual German texts on social topics
- describe social and cultural topics using simple German sentences
- communicate in German within guided conversational situations
- exchange questions and information in German on social topics
- identify cultural conventions in everyday German social practices
- Understanding German-speaking Cultures and Societies (ab initio)
What you learn (7)
- describe a studied topic highlighting key points and supporting detail
- present a studied topic clearly to an audience
- express personal opinions clearly on a range of topics
- use the target language accurately and persuasively
- apply grammatical rules accurately in spoken and written communication
- interpret a cultural document or event from the target culture
- compare a cultural document or event with equivalents from familiar cultures
- Understanding German-speaking Cultures and Societies (post-A level)
What you learn (12)
- identify main points and arguments in media about german-speaking cultures
- interpret a german-language document or event
- compare a german-language document or event with examples from other cultures
- discuss authentic german written and spoken materials
- describe social and institutional references within german texts
- research a topic related to german-speaking societies
- synthesise findings into a coherent presentation
- support ideas with examples and supporting points
- interact spontaneously and fluently in german conversation
- express personal views coherently in german
- use german language accurately across varied topics
- apply correct grammar when communicating in german
- Logic
What you learn (6)
- explain core logical concepts including validity, consistency and necessity
- translate simple arguments into truth-functional logic notation
- apply truth-tables to assess tautological validity of arguments
- translate complex arguments into first-order logic notation
- construct a counter-interpretation to refute validity of a first-order logic argument
- construct a formal proof demonstrating validity of a first-order logic argument
- Ethics
What you learn (6)
- describe the main debates in meta-ethics
- explain the principal positions held within meta-ethics
- describe the content of various normative ethical principles
- compare contrasting normative ethical principles
- identify major ethical challenges facing contemporary society
- apply ethical theories to contemporary moral challenges
- Knowledge and Perception
What you learn (2)
- explain differing theories of the nature of knowledge
- explain differing accounts of how knowledge is acquired
- Philosophical Analysis
What you learn (4)
- identify basic forms of argument such as deduction, induction and abduction
- apply logical tools such as contraposition to philosophical arguments
- construct clear and charitable interpretations of philosophical texts
- explain the different aims philosophical texts or arguments may pursue
Year 2 · 1 core, 16 optional · 20 credits ≈ 200 hours
- German Language and Cultures: Advanced
What you learn (10)
- interpret complex written texts such as literature and news articles
- interpret audiovisual and digital German-language materials
- analyse scholarly and political discourse in German
- deliver detailed oral presentations on complex subjects
- structure written expositions highlighting key issues
- communicate ideas clearly and precisely in German
- apply a broad range of vocabulary accurately
- explain the background of German cultural values and practices
- discuss cultural aspects drawing on intercultural experience and media
- identify key historical and cultural facts of German-speaking countries
16 optional modules
- The Berlin Republic
What you learn (4)
- describe key aspects of the german-speaking world
- explain historical aspects of german-speaking countries and their significance
- interpret written and spoken authentic german-language materials
- present information effectively in spoken and written german
- World Cinemas: Representing National and Transnational Societies and Cultures
What you learn (8)
- describe key films from the studied languages and their contexts
- analyse films critically in relation to their cultural context
- compare films from different societies and cultures
- research films to support advanced cultural interpretation
- contribute constructively to a collaborative group project
- research and select relevant information on film and cinema
- present findings on cinema to varied audiences
- communicate fluently in the target language at an advanced level
- Religious Ethics
What you learn (10)
- explain key problems and debates in religious ethics clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to religious ethics problems
- present alternative viewpoints with an open mind
- construct arguments supporting different ethical positions
- identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
- judge the most defensible position on an ethical issue
- defend a chosen ethical position with reasoned argument
- appraise own work against assessment criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- evaluate contemporary ethical and cultural issues critically
- Philosophy of Language
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in philosophy of language clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to philosophical problems using module content
- construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
- identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
- judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
- evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Metaphysics
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in metaphysics clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to metaphysical problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative metaphysical positions
- identify weaknesses and development points in a philosophical argument
- evaluate competing metaphysical views to form a reasoned judgement
- defend a chosen position on a metaphysical question
- assess own academic work against assessment criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Philosophy of Mind
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in philosophy of mind clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to philosophy of mind problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical positions
- identify weaknesses and potential improvements in an argument
- evaluate competing views to determine the most defensible position
- defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
- assess own work against academic marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- Applied Ethics
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in applied ethics clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to applied ethics problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative ethical solutions
- identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
- justify a personal judgement on an applied ethics problem
- evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve written work
- analyse contemporary social and political issues using ethical reasoning
- Philosophy of Science
What you learn (10)
- explain key problems and debates in philosophy of science
- express philosophical understanding in clear accessible language
- generate alternative solutions to philosophy of science problems
- present alternative viewpoints in an open-minded manner
- construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
- identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
- judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
- evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
- Aesthetics
What you learn (7)
- communicate philosophical ideas clearly and accessibly
- generate alternative solutions to problems in philosophy of art
- present varied perspectives on aesthetic issues with open-mindedness
- construct arguments supporting alternative views in philosophy of art
- identify weaknesses and potential improvements in philosophical arguments
- evaluate competing views to determine the strongest position on an aesthetic problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
- The Limits of Reason: Kant's Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
What you learn (10)
- explain Kant's theory of a priori knowledge and the phenomena/thing-in-itself distinction
- describe Kant's account of pure and practical reason, free will and determinism
- explain Kant's concepts of the good will and the categorical imperative
- interpret primary philosophical texts in translation
- reconstruct philosophical arguments from historical source texts
- evaluate Kant's claims and arguments using secondary literature
- formulate original critiques challenging Kant's philosophical arguments
- articulate personal philosophical ideas on the module's themes
- paraphrase Kant's ideas using one's own words
- describe the significance of Kant's work within the history of philosophy
- Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
What you learn (5)
- describe the core beliefs of various conservative and anarchist traditions
- explain the reasoning underlying different conservative and anarchist positions
- explain the philosophical arguments that motivate conservatism and anarchism
- identify value-theory issues underlying debates on conservatism and anarchism
- articulate the central questions in debates on political authority, tradition and liberty
- Logic and Paradox
What you learn (6)
- describe a range of logical paradoxes
- evaluate proposed solutions to logical paradoxes
- apply non-classical logical systems to problems
- judge the relative merits of different non-classical logics
- discuss module topics constructively with peers
- defend a reasoned position on course topics in writing
- Knowledge & the Social Sciences
What you learn (5)
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social research methods
- explain theories of how social reality is constructed
- justify a personal position on the extent and boundaries of social knowledge
- identify hidden conceptual and normative assumptions in social theories
- analyse the assumptions underlying social science methods and arguments
- Love, Law and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
What you learn (4)
- describe major debates and arguments in the philosophy of recognition
- evaluate the strength of arguments supporting recognition theory positions
- formulate a personal philosophical position on recognition debates
- present a reasoned philosophical argument clearly in writing or discussion
- Philosophy & Society
What you learn (5)
- communicate complex philosophical ideas clearly to non-specialists
- explain debates on inclusion and diversity within philosophy
- evaluate the appropriateness of different philosophical methodologies
- argue a reasoned position on what counts as philosophy
- argue a reasoned position on who counts as a philosopher
- Being and Reason: Spinoza's Metaphysics
What you learn (11)
- explain key issues in Spinoza's philosophical system
- express philosophical understanding clearly and accessibly
- formulate alternative solutions to problems in Spinoza's philosophy
- present alternative philosophical solutions with open-mindedness
- construct arguments supporting alternative solutions to philosophical problems
- identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
- judge the most convincing view on a Spinozist problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
- appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
- interpret philosophical texts with sensitivity to cultural and historical context
Year 4 · 1 core, 19 optional · 20 credits ≈ 200 hours
- German Language and Cultures: Proficient
What you learn (7)
- interpret complex written and digital texts in German
- identify implicit and stylistic nuances in audiovisual German media
- compose fluent and coherent complex texts in German
- incorporate idiomatic and colloquial expressions appropriately in writing
- distinguish personal viewpoints from source perspectives in complex topics
- deliver concise oral presentations of complex information in German
- adapt communication style to different cultural contexts
19 optional modules
- Modern German Language: Context, Trends & Conflicts
What you learn (7)
- explain selected topics in detail using advanced subject knowledge
- conduct independent research on a chosen topic
- evaluate sources critically to support an argument
- construct coherent arguments in written German
- construct coherent arguments in spoken German
- produce written German with advanced grammatical accuracy
- deliver spoken German fluently and accurately
- World Cinemas: Representing National and Transnational Societies and Cultures
What you learn (9)
- identify key films within their social and cultural context
- describe the political and historical background of selected films
- analyse films in relation to their cultural and societal context
- compare films across different national contexts
- research film texts using appropriate academic sources
- contribute constructively to a collaborative project
- gather and organise information about films for presentation
- present findings on cinema to varied audiences
- communicate fluently in the target language at an advanced level
- Independent Study in Languages and Cultures
What you learn (7)
- design a course of independent study in a chosen cultural/linguistic field
- evaluate existing research critically within a chosen topic
- apply prior knowledge of a target-language country's society and culture to the study
- explain key issues debated in the relevant academic literature
- critique prior scholarship relating to the chosen topic
- summarise previous scholarship on the chosen topic
- communicate complex ideas and arguments in written form in the target language
- Philosophy of Law
What you learn (17)
- explain established legal theories and concepts in philosophy of law
- apply legal principles and perspectives to philosophical problems
- critically evaluate competing legal theories and perspectives
- describe the historical development and purpose of law
- critique the relationship between law and society and other disciplines
- formulate independent arguments on legal issues in philosophy of law
- support legal arguments with critically appraised academic evidence
- apply problem-solving strategies to legal and academic problems
- evaluate proposed solutions to practical and academic legal problems
- design a research strategy appropriate to a legal question
- locate relevant and reliable legal sources and authorities
- evaluate the effectiveness of a chosen research methodology
- present legal analysis in written formats for varied audiences
- present legal analysis orally for specialist and non-specialist audiences
- describe standards of scholarly and professional legal practice
- reflect on personal learning and feedback received
- identify future learning needs based on reflection
- Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
What you learn (5)
- describe recent advances in biomedicine
- apply philosophical theory to issues in biomedicine
- critically read philosophical texts
- present written philosophical arguments
- participate in philosophical discussion
- Foundation in Maths
What you learn (7)
- explain the historical crisis in mathematical foundations
- describe the emergence of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
- describe the core claims of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
- explain debates between Platonism and anti-Platonism in mathematics
- evaluate the indispensability argument against anti-Platonism
- critically analyse complex philosophical texts
- construct and defend a reasoned philosophical argument
- Consciousness
What you learn (7)
- describe the explanatory problem posed by consciousness
- explain major theories proposed to account for consciousness
- write clearly and coherently on a chosen consciousness topic
- identify key debates relevant to a chosen consciousness topic
- analyse how arguments support or undermine opposing positions
- formulate competing philosophical positions on consciousness
- evaluate the relative merits of these positions to reach a conclusion
- Philosophy of Christianity
What you learn (6)
- explain core christian doctrines such as the trinity and incarnation
- describe differing interpretations of christian doctrines
- evaluate competing interpretations of christian doctrines against each other
- justify the most convincing interpretation of a given doctrine
- critique philosophical and theological texts from multiple perspectives
- formulate a personal reasoned position on theological debates
- Causation and Laws
What you learn (3)
- explain key theories of causation and natural laws
- analyse the relationship between causal laws and natural laws
- evaluate how theories of causation relate to moral responsibility
- Theories of Social Justice: Rawls and Beyond
What you learn (8)
- describe the key features of Rawls's theory of justice
- identify major scholarly responses to Rawls's theory
- compare areas of agreement and disagreement among theories of social justice
- explain what is at stake in theoretical disputes over social justice
- relate philosophical theories of social justice to real-world policy issues
- critically analyse complex texts in contemporary political philosophy
- formulate a reasoned personal position on questions of social justice
- defend a personal position on social justice using philosophical argument
- Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making and Democracy
What you learn (6)
- explain research on cognitive biases affecting rational decision-making
- describe philosophical perspectives on the implications of cognitive biases
- identify ethical implications arising from cognitive effects and biases
- evaluate views on how cognitive biases affect individual and group decisions
- relate cognitive bias research to broader debates in philosophy of mind and ethics
- present philosophical arguments in both collaborative and individual written formats
- Happiness, Utility and Wellbeing
What you learn (5)
- evaluate competing philosophical accounts of happiness and well-being
- articulate a personal position on the role of happiness in one's own life
- evaluate how happiness informs ethical theory and moral reasoning
- evaluate how considerations of happiness shape public policy decisions
- discuss how other academic disciplines contribute to philosophical theories of happiness
- Property and Self-Ownership
What you learn (5)
- explain major theories justifying property rights and self-ownership
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theories of property and self-ownership
- critically appraise historical and contemporary philosophical texts
- integrate ideas drawn from diverse philosophical sources and topics
- construct a reasoned written argument evaluating a key module issue
- The Nature of Time
What you learn (7)
- construct arguments supporting particular theories of time
- construct arguments opposing particular theories of time
- evaluate competing theories of time to judge their plausibility
- justify a reasoned position on the most plausible theory of time
- critically appraise contemporary philosophical literature on time
- produce well-structured philosophical arguments in writing
- participate effectively in philosophical discussion
- Buddhism as Philosophy
What you learn (8)
- describe key teachings of the Buddha
- identify major schools of Buddhism
- identify philosophical problems arising from Buddhist teachings
- assess whether analytic philosophy can resolve Buddhist philosophical problems
- evaluate proposed solutions using scripture, tradition and reason
- argue for a preferred solution or for the absence of one
- explain key philosophical concepts and views in Buddhist philosophy
- critique philosophical arguments and defend a personal position
- Experimental Philosophy: The Psychology of Philosophy
What you learn (2)
- explain the distinguishing features of the experimental philosophy approach
- communicate philosophical ideas clearly to a mixed-discipline audience
- World and Mind
What you learn (4)
- describe the Cartesian view of thought and knowledge
- explain major objections to the Cartesian account of mind
- evaluate the strength of these objections to Cartesianism
- justify a personal position on which Cartesian claims remain tenable
- Nine Artworks, Nine Philosophical Problems
What you learn (4)
- describe major topics in the philosophy of art
- explain how philosophical topics relate to specific artworks
- construct and justify a reasoned argument in an extended essay
- participate constructively in critical peer discussions on aesthetics
- Topics in Feminist Philosophy
What you learn (3)
- identify key arguments within a philosophical text
- critically analyse philosophical arguments for validity and assumptions
- present analysis of philosophical arguments in structured written or spoken form
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£25,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£23k
Median£25k
Upper quarter£31k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 40 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 12, 23, 22
Half of graduates earned between £22,500 and £30,500. Five years on, the median is £31,000. 95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 55% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 15% left | 90% | 10 |
| In work or study, 15 months on10% studying | 95% | 15 |
| Professional or managerial job | 55% | 10 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £28,500 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £25,000 | 40 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £31,000 | 40 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £27,800 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2024-26
What do students say?
83%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 93% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 15 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 1; lowest: 55% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 100% |
| Question 2 | 100% |
| Question 3 | 85% |
| Question 4 | 77% |
| Question 5 | 85% |
| Question 6 | 92% |
| Question 7 | 69% |
| Question 8 | 92% |
| Question 9 | 85% |
| Question 10 | 92% |
| Question 11 | 85% |
| Question 12 | 85% |
| Question 13 | 100% |
| Question 14 | 77% |
| Question 15 | 100% |
| Question 16 | 100% |
| Question 17 | 85% |
| Question 18 | 100% |
| Question 19 | 83% |
| Question 20 | 100% |
| Question 21 | 83% |
| Question 22 | 85% |
| Question 23 | 75% |
| Question 24 | 55% |
| Question 25 | 60% |
| Question 26 | 83% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.