Program Overview

Overview of the German Program

The German program at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year, full-time course that leads to a B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8). With only 9 places available, this program is highly competitive, requiring a minimum of 367-577 CAO points for admission.

Why Study German?

Studying German at Trinity College Dublin offers students a unique opportunity to develop advanced competence and fluency in the German language, as well as a deep understanding of the culture, history, and literature of the German-speaking world. German is spoken by over 100 million Europeans, making it a highly valuable language for those interested in pursuing careers in international business, diplomacy, or academia.

Course Structure

The German program is typically studied as a Joint Honours subject with one of the following options:

• TR019 Law
• TR086 Business Studies
• TR114 Ancient History and Archaeology
• TR177 Classical Civilisation
• TR208 Economics
• TR239 Classical Languages
• English Studies
• TR323 Drama Studies
• TR326 Geography
• TR447 History
• TR588 Linguistics
• TR597 Mathematics
• TR636 Music
• TR639 Philosophy
• TR666 Religion
• TR756 Sociology
• TR757 Social Policy
• Modern Language (Early Irish, French, Irish, Italian, Spanish)

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the German program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Leaving Certificate: H4 in German or, for beginners, in a language other than English
• Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C, in German or, for beginners, in a language other than English
• International Baccalaureate: IB HL Grade 5
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language, with a minimum requirement of Band B (Standard Entry)

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the Trinity College Dublin website.

Study Abroad

A year or semester studying abroad is a highlight of the German student's Trinity experience. Immersing oneself in the language and culture is one of the most valuable ways of achieving fluency when studying a language. Single Honours students have a compulsory third year of study abroad, and other students are encouraged to spend a year or a semester abroad as well. At a minimum, students will be required to spend two months in a German-speaking country prior to taking their final exams.

Career Opportunities

Employers value the language skills of German graduates, as well as their transferable skills, including creativity, confidence, and sensitivity. Recent graduates have gone on to work for Google, Deutsche Bank, and Enterprise Ireland, among others, in fields such as telecoms, IT, education, public service, media, law, and academia.

Course Details

The German program covers three key areas:

• Language program: building on the written, oral, and aural skills acquired at school and developing fluency and accuracy in expression
• Area studies: introducing students to society, political, and cultural issues in modern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Literature and textual studies: introducing students to key aspects of modern German literature and film, and to reading and analyzing literary and non-literary texts in German

In the first and second years, students will have an average of seven tuition hours per week. In the third and fourth years, students will choose from modules in German intellectual history, culture, and literature from the 19th century to the present, as well as on research and writing skills for the Capstone Project.

Assessment

Students will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and exams. Continuous assessment methods include essays, project work, presentations, and journals. Language modules are assessed by written, oral, and aural examinations. Final year students will also write a Capstone project.

Conclusion

The German program at Trinity College Dublin offers students a unique opportunity to develop advanced competence and fluency in the German language, as well as a deep understanding of the culture, history, and literature of the German-speaking world. With its highly competitive admission requirements, rigorous course structure, and numerous career opportunities, this program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in international business, diplomacy, or academia.