English and German: University of Southampton

Course overview

English at Southampton offers a course which covers a broad timespan, from the Middle Ages to the present day, and also defines its subject broadly, including creative writing and film studies. Characteristic features of our teaching are an emphasis on the relationship of literature to its historical and cultural context, and an interest in theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches.

Modern Languages offer a lively, well-equipped, and well-integrated academic environment for language study, emphasizing both effective linguistic training and the study of contemporary French, German, and Spanish culture, both in continental Europe and elsewhere in the world.

The students have found that combining a modern language with English gives them a broader understanding of the literature and critical theory they are studying on the English side, and that their language skills are a valuable academic tool.

• These combined degrees provide a broader understanding of the literature and critical theory aspects of your English studies, while emphasising linguistic training and the study of contemporary culture. You will spend year three in a country where your chosen language is spoken.
• Two core English courses and core units from your other subject in year one
• Choice of units from both subjects in year two and your final year, with the option to take 25 per cent of your programme in an alternative subject.
• Dissertation on a topic of your choice in either of your main subjects in your final year.

Career Opportunities

A high proportion of our graduates go on to postgraduate study; the first step is normally a one-year taught MA, which may be followed by a three-year doctoral degree (both can be taken part-time over a longer period). This often leads to a teaching career at University or college level.

A substantial group take the one-year PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education), with a view to a teaching career at primary or secondary level, or a qualification in teaching English as a foreign language.

Others have moved on to a wide variety of careers (often exploiting their language skills), including business and commerce, marketing and public relations, translating and interpreting, leisure and tourism, and working for major corporations and international organizations.

Course content

• Narrative and culture
• Introduction to stage and screen
• Critical theory
• Poetic language
• Film studies
• Creative writing
• Postcolonial literature
• Medieval and Renaissance literature

Entry requirements

• A levels: ABB, including grade B in English Literature or English Language and Literature; and grade B in German
• IB: 30 points, including 15 at Higher Level, with 6 in Higher Level English and 6 in Higher Level German

Main University Contact

• Postal Address: University of Southampton
  University Road
  Southampton
  SO17 1BJ
• Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 5000
• Fax: +44 (0)23 8059 3131
• Email: admissns@soton.ac.uk
• Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk/