
- UCAS course code
- RL32
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 4 Years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB, plus GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern language
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBB (plus GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language)Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects. Please see A-levels for any pre-requisite subjects.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- RL32
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Join one of the UK's largest and most reputable groups of sociologists working in a leading Sociology department.
- Develop the skills to analyse and interpret today's social developments and problems and carry out your own sociological investigations.
- Gain advanced linguistic skills in German and an in-depth cultural understanding of German society.
- Spend your third year abroad in a German-speaking country.
- Study at a university ranked third in the UK for sociology (The Guardian University Guide 2020).
Open days
We are carefully reviewing all our recruitment events in light of the developing coronavirus outbreak.
View the latest updates on measures we are taking .
As we're unable to host on-campus visits, or attend events like UCAS and overseas recruitment fairs at the moment, look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
You will be able to watch videos about the university, including accommodation, student finance and course-specific sessions.
We'll update our website once plans for 2021 events are able to be confirmed.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £21,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 3211
- ug-languages@manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
AS-level
Unit grade information
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, one Scottish Advanced Higher is normally required at Grade B. Where a pre-requisite subject is required at A-level, then this Advanced Higher should be in that subject.
We also need a minimum Language achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 8.0 in at least one essay-based subject. Please see A-levels for any pre-requisite subject.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit, in a humanities-related subject such as English, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB in an essay-based subject such as English or History.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects. Please see A-levels for any pre-requisite subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college.
We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance should be included in the referee's report.
We cannot usually consider information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting School.
If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the School to which you applied as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been considered, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
Interview requirements
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course.
Your interview will form part of a visit day, during which you can sample aspects of your chosen course, meet with academics staff, hear from current students and find out about the latest Residence Abroad options.
Your interview will offer you the opportunity to explain your interests and qualifications, and how your chosen course fits with your motivations and study experience.
Returning to education
Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Sociology and languages are inherently tied.
No study of society can ignore language, and no study of language can be removed from its specific social context.
You will be challenged to think about the nature of the social worlds in which we live and about how language and culture build and inform such worlds.
You will study social life and social change, from the reproduction of inequalities in relation to social categories (such as race, class or gender), to the way that wider cultural contexts shape intimate relationships.
You will develop advanced language skills and learn about the cultures and histories related to that language.
In the third year of this four-year course, you will undertake a period of residence abroad, studying or working in a country that speaks your language of study.
Our aim is to help you develop analytical, investigative and linguistic skills, training you to become independent thinkers and researchers with the confidence to work in both English and another language.
Aims
- To a coherent curriculum in sociology that is strongly informed by leading contemporary research.
- To impart knowledge and understanding in sociological theory and methods allowing them to progress to further study.
- To develop advanced communicative skills in German based on a sound understanding of the structures of the language.
- To build knowledge and understanding of several contemporary or historical aspects of the cultures or societies of one or more countries where German is spoken.
Special features
Residence abroad
You can study and/or work for up to a year in a country or countries relevant to your chosen language to improve your communicative language skills in a native-speaker environment.
Collaborations and partnerships
The University has links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:
- Confucius Institute - a hub for Chinese culture;
- Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture;
- HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film;
- Alliance Française - home of French language and culture.
Societies
The University is home to over 30 international and language-related student societies offering a breadth of cultural activities and experiences.
Teaching and learning
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (which may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research);
- and, in your final year, the option of writing a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.
Course content for year 1
Students take a total of 40-60 credits in Sociology.
You will study our core Sociology unit, SOCY10440 Researching Culture & Society. In addition, you will study optional units (total 20-40 credits), such as:
- SOCY10441 Media, Culture and Society;
- SOCY10462 Global Social Challenges.
You will also study an additional 60 credits of Modern Language and Culture course units in your modern language subject.
Year 1 equips you with a range of important skills: linguistic expertise; the ability to read and analyse material; and skills in presentation, group work and independent language learning.
You are trained in modern spoken and written German through a core language course in which you work with German texts, write short essays and engage in discussions in German (this language instruction takes place in German and is taught principally by native speakers). At the same time you reinforce your grammar and vocabulary through monitored self-study.
You are given a detailed introduction to the German-speaking countries: their geography, politics, culture and society. You also get to explore a variety of important issues within these countries, such as the challenges faced by multicultural German society following Germany's reunification.
In addition you take a set of other broad-based courses designed to give you an essential grounding in key areas of German culture, history and linguistics. Most of the teaching on these courses is in English, so that you can focus fully on the new concepts introduced to you.
You will take only the language units relevant to your level of language in each year of study.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to German Linguistics | GERM10040 | 20 | Mandatory |
Revolution and Reaction in German Culture | GERM10350 | 20 | Mandatory |
German Language 1 | GERM51011 | 20 | Mandatory |
German Language 2 | GERM51022 | 20 | Mandatory |
German Language 3 | GERM51030 | 20 | Mandatory |
Researching Culture and Society | SOCY10440 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to German Linguistics | GERM10040 | 20 | Optional |
Revolution and Reaction in German Culture | GERM10350 | 20 | Optional |
Inequalities in Contemporary British Society | SOCY10401 | 20 | Optional |
Contested Foundations of Social Thought | SOCY10421 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
Students take a total of 40-60 credits in Sociology.
You will study one of the following core Sociology units (total 20 credits):
- SOCY20091 Qualitative Social Research Design & Methods;
- SOST20012 The Survey Method in Social Research.
In addition, you will study optional units (total 20-40 credits), such as:
- SOCY20501 Social Thought from the Global South;
- SOCY20012 Sociology of Popular Music;
- SOCY20962 Racism and Ethnicity in the UK;
- SOCY20232 Sustainability, Consumption and Global Responsibilities.
You will also study an additional 60 credits of Modern Language and Culture course units in your modern language subject.
Year 2 prepares you for the linguistic challenges of your year abroad. Within it you can continue with a study of culture and society in Germany and Austria, or take a course in business German (Wirtschaftsdeutsch).
You will also continue your programme of monitored self-study to complement your language classes.
The other courses available in your second year are more numerous and more specialised than in the first year, allowing you to explore a diverse range of areas including Weimar culture, post-1945 German and Austrian culture.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
German Language 3 | GERM51030 | 20 | Mandatory |
German Language 4 | GERM51040 | 20 | Mandatory |
Qualitative Research Design & Methods | SOCY20091 | 20 | Mandatory |
The Survey Method in Social Research | SOST20012 | 20 | Mandatory |
Weimar Culture? Art, Film and Politics in Germany, 1918-33 | GERM20262 | 20 | Optional |
German Long Essay | GERM20802 | 20 | Optional |
Spectres of Fascism: Literature, Film and Visual Arts in Germany and Austria since 1945 | GERM20901 | 20 | Optional |
Sociology of Popular Music | SOCY20012 | 20 | Optional |
Work, Economy and Society | SOCY20031 | 20 | Optional |
Education and Society | SOCY20052 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course content for year 4
Students take a total of 40-60 credits in Sociology from course units such as:
- SOCY30920 Dissertation A (20 credits) or SOCY30930 Dissertation B (40 credits);
- SOCY30061 Urban Sociology;
- SOCY30091 Changing Social Attitudes;
- SOCY30141 Body and Society;
- SOCY30181 Sociology of Cultural Participation and Cultural Policy;
- SOCY30191 Material Culture: The Social Life of Things;
- SOCY30241 A Sense of Inequality;
- SOCY30042 The Sociology of Human-Animal Relations.
You will also study an additional 60 credits of Modern Language and Culture course units in your modern language subject.
In your final year you resume your studies in Manchester with a core language course and choose from a wide range of specialised courses. Language study is centred on translation into and out of German, essay writing, and oral work involving discussion of texts, debates and presentations.
Also available in this year are course units that cover topics closely related to the research interests of individual members of staff, covering a broad range of linguistic, literary, historical and cultural topics.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
German Language 5 | GERM51050 | 20 | Mandatory |
Dissertation in German Studies | GERM30000 | 40 | Optional |
German Dialects | GERM30341 | 20 | Optional |
Screening the Holocaust | GERM30482 | 20 | Optional |
Culture and Society in Germany 1871-1918 | GERM30722 | 20 | Optional |
Sociology of Human Animal Relations | SOCY30041 | 20 | Optional |
Urban Sociology | SOCY30061 | 20 | Optional |
Body and Society | SOCY30142 | 20 | Optional |
Secrets, Lies & Mass Deception | SOCY30152 | 20 | Optional |
Material Culture: The Social Life of Things | SOCY30191 | 20 | Optional |
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Additional fee information
Facilities
The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country. It includes:
- more than 4 million printed books and manuscripts;
- more than 41,000 electronic journals;
- 500,000 electronic books;
- several hundred databases.
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is a state-of-the-art study and learning centre in the heart of the Oxford Road campus featuring:
- exclusive group learning rooms;
- flexible break out and workspaces with multimedia facilities;
- 400 fixed workstations with live update availability information so you don't have to wait;
- printing, scanning and photocopying;
- Wi-Fi access throughout the building, including outdoor café areas;
- charging stations to charge laptops, tablets and smart phones;
- online and group workshops on library and information literacy, academic and study skills workshops, and career and employability skills clinics.
The University Language Centre is home to language resources including:
- a new interpreting suite;
- purpose-built recording rooms and resources for over 70 languages;
- multilingual word processing, language learning software;
- and extensive support and advice for learners.
Learn more on the Facilities page.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
A degree in Sociology and Modern Languages and Cultures paves the way for a broad range of careers.
You'll develop intercultural awareness and enhanced communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
You'll also acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.
You'll develop independence and self-confidence during your residence abroad, and your intercultural communication skills will make you a strong contender for media, journalism and PR roles.
Many of our graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications. Others pursue postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (both in the UK and overseas) or to enter the Civil Service.
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2019).
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .