This is an archived page and for reference purposes only
Both culturally and commercially, German is an extremely important language. Within Europe, it is spoken by more people than English or French. Worldwide, it is the third most widely used language on the internet (after English and Japanese), and it is frequently used as a second language in Eastern Europe, where it serves as a means of communication across international boundaries.
Overview
Fluency in the German language, combined with knowledge of political and cultural developments in the German-speaking world, opens up career opportunities in many parts of the continent. At Kent, we specialise in teaching the language, literature and culture of the German-speaking world of today, as well as in exploring its literary and social history.
Along with the other European language sections, German has state-of-the art computing and audio-visual facilities and many modules make extensive use of the internet. We benefit from having a language lector sponsored by the Austrian Exchange Service and native speaker language assistants from Germany.
Many classes are taught in German, and all our courses offer the opportunity to spend a year in a German-speaking country, studying at a partner university, teaching English or working. German may be studied at Kent either post-A level or ‘ab inito’ (beginners) level.
Independent rankings
German at Kent was ranked 1st for research quality in The Complete University Guide 2017.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Year abroad
Going abroad as part of your degree is an amazing experience and a chance to develop personally, academically and professionally. You experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability.
All German BA students are required to spend a Year Abroad between Stages 2 and 3. You are expected to adhere to any academic progression requirements in Stage 2 to proceed to the Year Abroad. If the requirement is not met, you may have to postpone your Year Abroad.
The Year Abroad is assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not count towards your final degree classification. You spend the year working as an English language assistant or in approved employment, or studying at one of our partner universities. For a full list of our partner universities, please visit Go Abroad.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is by a combination of lectures and seminars. You have regular teaching and conversation sessions with German native speakers.
Assessment at Stage 1 is by 100% coursework (essays, class participation) in the first half of the year, and a 50:50 combination of coursework and examination in the second half of the year. At Stage 2/3, depending on the modules you select, assessment varies from 100% coursework (extended essays or dissertation), to a combination of examination and coursework, in a ratio that will normally be 50:50, 70:30.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- provide a sound grounding in the German language in all its aspects, through extensive reading in German and through the use of German as spoken and written medium
- immerse you in German-speaking culture by enabling you to spend one year in a German-speaking country or, usually, six months if you combine German with another language. In most cases, you'll be an exchange student at one of our partner German universities, a language assistant in a German or Austrian school or be working in one of several commercial companies with whom we have links
- develop a critical awareness of the factors that have influenced the contemporary society and culture of German-speaking Europe
- increase your awareness of the development of the German language over the last few centuries
- train you to translate from German into English and English into German
- assist you in developing sound methodological approaches to the analysis of cultural, historical, social and linguistic phenomena
- provide teaching which is informed by current research and scholarship
- provide opportunities for the development of personal, communication, research and other key skills appropriate for graduate employment both in industry and in the public sector
- develop general critical, analytical and problem-solving skills which can be applied in a wide range of situations
- train you in the use of the internet as a resource and to assist you in mastering relevant aspects of information technology.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- German language
- German literature from the 18th to the 21st century
- German linguistics
- German fiction (novel, novella and short story)
- German cinema
- German theatre
- German youth culture
- the role of German within Europe
- German history.
Intellectual skills
You gain intellectual skills in how to:
- apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry
- evaluate information critically
- synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject
- utilise problem-solving skills
- develop and maximise communication skills for the coherent expression and transfer of knowledge
- analyse, evaluate and interpret a variety of evidence in a critical manner
- study and reach conclusions independently
- formulate original opinions in a self-critical manner on the basis of sound factual knowledge and from a balanced perspective.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in how to:
- communicate effectively in German
- develop reading speed in German
- demonstrate detailed knowledge and effective understanding of the various structures and registers of the German language
- translate accurately and efficiently from and into German
- analyse critically a variety of texts of linguistic, historical and literary significance
- work independently in a German-speaking environment
- develop skills in these three related areas: reception (listening and reading); production (speaking and writing); and mediation between at least two languages (translation and interpreting).
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in:
- effective communication with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means
- evaluating your own academic performance
- accurate and effective note-taking and summarising skills
- library and bibliographical research skills
- use of the internet and other forms of information technology
- techniques for using German language source materials
- personal and professional learning and development
- time management and prioritising
- performing under pressure
- a capacity for teamwork
- leadership skills
- working creatively and flexibly
- a range of information technology skills.
Careers
German students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey).
Recent graduates have gone into careers such as teaching German, teaching EFL, translation, accountancy, law, customs, finance, publishing, journalism and tourism.
The ability to speak another European language is a key asset in the global employment market, and many employers view a graduate with overseas study experience as significantly more employable.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | BBB including B in a modern European language other than English |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 15 points at HL, including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for Year Abroad/Industry
As a guide only, UK/EU/International students on an approved year abroad for the full 2017/18 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent for that year. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Please note that for 2017/18 entrants the University will increase the standard year in industry fee for home/EU/international students to £1,350.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.