German – French: Language, Literature and Culture BA

general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification

Specific admission requirements include passing an aptitude test for the binational bachelor's degree programme German – French: Language, Literature and Culture. 

The faculty will verify that these requirements have been met and issue a decision. This decision will serve as proof that the relevant requirements have been met.

For students whose native language is German:

• Knowledge of French at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Knowledge of another foreign language at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or proof of Latin proficiency

Proof of language proficiency must be provided in the form of the Abitur certificate or an assessment test at a university or a state or state-recognised educational institution upon enrolment.

An aptitude test is required for this degree programme. Please visit the institute's website for more information.

This programme requires a high level of commitment to your studies and a willingness to engage in intercultural learning and life in France.

The degree programme covers the following areas

• German Linguistics: structure (syntax, morphology, phonology, orthography, lexicology, word formation) and use of language (pragmatics, text, conversation and variety linguistics), historical developments, genealogical classification, application-related aspects (media linguistics, etc.)
• German Literature: development of German literature from the Middle Ages to the present day: epochs, genres, authors, cultural, social and media context of literary works; theoretical models and methods of analysis, materiality and mediality of literature as well as literary communication
• Romance linguistics: history, structure and functions of language, phonological, morphological, syntactic and lexical aspects as well as linguistic theories
• Romance studies literary and cultural studies: literary history and cultural developments in Romance-speaking countries, intercultural competence, theories of literary and cultural studies, analysis of literary and media texts
• Romance studies regional studies and language practice: historical, cultural, political and social realities of the French-speaking world, reading and expression skills (target language level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• Educational sciences: Professional fields and the role of the teacher, didactic concepts for secondary education, psychological foundations of teaching and learning

The objectives of the bachelor's degree programme are for students to

• master academic working techniques and be able to critically evaluate sources of information
• be able to apply presentation techniques
• be able to use linguistic and literary theories in a well-founded manner
• be able to carry out empirical studies and analyses independently
• be able to write academic texts according to current standards
• be able to communicate and discuss academically in individual and group contexts
• reflect on the findings of learning and instructional psychology for schools and lessons and know methods for assessing and promoting student performance

The degree programme comprises a total of 180 ECTS credits. You will spend the first year of the programme in Leipzig. You will then transfer to the Université Lyon 2 for one year and return to Leipzig University for the last two semesters of your degree programme.

The binational bachelor's programme consists of the core subject and the key qualifications it contains.

• The core subject comprises 155 ECTS credits.
• The key qualifications comprise 15 ECTS credits, of which
  • a maximum of 10 ECTS credits from the area of subject-related or cross-faculty key qualifications offered within the faculty; ECTS credits can also be earned in the area of key qualifications in other ways, in particular through internships or as part of the study abroad programme.
  • at least 5 ECTS credits from the range of courses offered by the Centre for Teacher Education and School Research.
  • The modules from the area of supplementary studies of the teacher training programme are recommended: media education and political education in schools as well as body-voice communication.
• The Bachelor's thesis is usually written during the third year of study. It is associated with a student workload of 10 ECTS credits.

The course content at the Université de Lyon is taught in coordinated individual courses and combined into module units by the programme coordinators.

• Courses in Romance Studies during the study visit to Lyon: 30 ECTS credits
• Courses in German Studies during the study visit to Lyon: 25 ECTS credits

The binational bachelor's programme does not include an internship.

The language of instruction in the specialised modules and courses is German, in the practical language modules it is generally French. Examinations and coursework must be completed in the modules according to the language of instruction.

This innovative degree programme offers a unique opportunity to obtain the state examination with teaching authorisation in France. Like all other bachelor's degree programmes, it is based on the Bologna system, which allows modular, performance-based recognition of academic achievements. You will complete your studies both at Leipzig University and at the partner university in Lyon and acquire the necessary ECTS credits for the bachelor's degree and, if applicable, for the master's degree or the state examination.

Advantages of the programme:

• Double degree: obtain a Bachelor's degree in Leipzig and Lyon
• Flexibility: individual study design with an internationally harmonised module structure
• Recognisability: recognition of academic achievements for the Saxon state examination in the teaching profession
• International perspectives: combination of teaching content from both countries for optimal career opportunities
• Integration into the renowned German-French University of Applied Sciences
• Special support from those responsible and joint studies for students from the German and French cohorts

The close integration of content between the partner universities ensures a sustainable, efficient and high-quality education. This model combines academic excellence with practice-orientated training and optimally prepares students for a national and international teaching career.

You can pursue a career in the following areas, usually requiring further training:

• Education: adult education centres, language schools, academies, cultural institutions, cultural mediation institutions (e.g. adult education centres, the Goethe Institute, the Institut Français, the Alliance Française, literature houses, museums), educational administration.
• Media and publishing: educational publishers, cultural editorial offices, literature and cultural mediation, language data management and public relations.
• Public service: national and European levels
• International organisations: cultural or educational work (e. g. OIF, DAAD, EU institutions).
• Business and tourism: marketing and advertising with a linguistic and cultural focus; cultural mediation (e. g. tour guiding, intercultural city tours).

The spectrum of the degree programme extends across the traditional fields of study of the bachelor's degree in German Studies and the bachelor's degree in Romance Studies and is expanded to include the possibilities of the teaching profession in Germany and France. The programme is designed in such a way that after completing the bachelor's degree programme and the subsequent master's degree programme, you will meet all the necessary requirements to take part in the state examination for the teaching profession in both Germany and France.
This dual qualification will enable you to practise the teaching profession in two European countries, which will considerably broaden your career prospects. The close integration of academic training and practice-oriented teacher training modules in both countries enables you to develop sound philological knowledge as well as practical and intercultural skills. This combination of linguistic - literary - cultural training and teaching qualifications for two countries, which is otherwise only offered at a few other locations in Germany, creates a wide range of career opportunities in the international education sector.
A consecutive master's programme is currently being planned at Leipzig University as a follow-up option. In addition, the degree allows entry into various philological master's programmes in the fields of Romance and German studies.

A compulsory stay abroad at the University Lumière Lyon 2 is planned for the third and fourth semesters. This is to be organised by the students themselves with the support of the respective responsible institution.

The coursework and examinations completed abroad are recognised with

• 25 ECTS credits in German Studies and
• 30 ECTS in the field of Romance Studies. 

Additional coursework and examinations completed abroad can be recognised upon application.

• Course start: Winter semester
• Admission restriction (NCU): no
• Application period: 2 May–15 September
• Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Enrolment in a higher semester is currently not possible, as the new degree programme launches in the winter semester 2025/26.

An aptitude test is required for the first semester of this degree programme. Please refer to the institute's website for information on the registration procedure for the aptitude assessment test and the special deadlines that apply! The application for the degree programme must be made independently of the application for the aptitude test.