Program Overview

Arts - German

Course Fact File

Course Outline

The BA (Hons) in German is a three-year degree course focusing on aspects of German literature, history, business, philosophy, theatre, and film. German as a joint honours subject can also be combined with Music and with Drama and Theatre Studies.

Year 1

• Intensive language work in small groups will give you an opportunity to consolidate and deepen your knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary and to become more confident in speaking German.
• The literature and culture course is designed to acquaint students with a series of literary, artistic, and filmic examples of modern German culture, representing and fuelling cultural developments in Europe and worldwide.

Modules

All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.

• Beginner Level:
  • GE1103 Integrated Written and Oral German Language Course for Beginners (10 credits)
  • GE1104 Introduction to German Culture and Literature for Beginners
• Non-Beginner Level:
  • GE1101 Integrated Written and Oral Language Course for German (10 credits)
  • GE1102 Introduction to Literature

Years 2 and 3

• Practical language work continues to play a major part in the form of translation, grammar, discussion, and essay writing on topics that will focus your attention on life and society in German-speaking countries and on contrasts and similarities between your environment and the German, Austrian, or German-Swiss environment.

Course Practicalities

Assessment

• Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May.
• Not all modules will have formal examinations.
• Many modules use other types of assessment including essays, presentations, in-class tests, learner diaries, practical assignments, and written and oral end-of-semester examinations.

Why Choose This Course

• The German economy is among the strongest in the world, and German graduates are currently in particularly high demand in Ireland.
• The department offers small teaching groups, individual attention, and access to native speakers.
• Students can live abroad for a full academic year, acquire language skills, gain experience, maturity, independence, and adaptability.
• The study of language, literature, history, culture, and film develops critical thinking, analytical, and intercultural communication skills.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study Abroad

• If you are studying through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad.
• The Department of German has a wide range of partner institutions in Germany, including the Universities of Cologne, Leipzig, Konstanz, Hanover, Munich, Potsdam, Bonn, Rostock, Marburg, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Bochum) and Austria (Vienna, Klagenfurt).

Work Placement

• The College of Arts offers a work-placement module.
• The final year module, PX3000, offers students the opportunity to gain recognition for work experience undertaken during the course of their studies.

Skills and Careers Information

• Students develop a set of linguistic, intercultural, analytical, and critical skills which equip them for professional fields, including:
  • education/teaching
  • translation/interpreting
  • journalism
  • film
  • theatre
  • media
  • IT Sector
  • international business/export industry
  • public sector
  • European institutions

Postgraduate Opportunities at UCC

• One-year taught MA in German Studies, MPhil (Research), PhD (Research); HDip in Arts (German).
• German Department Staff also contribute to UCC’s Master’s courses in Translation Studies, Comparative Literature, Applied Linguistics, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies.

Requirements

• Refer to CK101 and CK108.
• Students selecting Beginners’ German must have obtained at least a grade H3 in another language in the Leaving Certificate examination or equivalent.
• Students selecting Non-Beginners’ German must have achieved at least a grade H4 in German.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
• Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

• Refer to CK101 and CK108.
• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants: Apply via the CAO.
• Mature Applicants: Apply via the CAO by 1 February.
• QQI/FET Applicants: Apply via the CAO.
• Non-EU Applicants: Apply online via the UCC Apply portal.