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European Studies combines the study of language with politics, culture and literature to give you the skills to understand and participate in the key issues across the continent. Learn one of the most influential and important languages in Europe today, and spend a year studying or working in a German-speaking country to experience the language and culture directly.
Overview
Europe is geographically, linguistically and culturally diverse. It is also at the centre of many contemporary political debates. European Studies at Kent is based in the School of European Culture and Languages (SECL) and benefits from the interdisciplinary culture within the School.
This programme gives you the opportunity to study German langauge
to an advanced level. In addition to your language modules, there is a
wide range of options available to you covering the history, culture and
politics of Europe and European nations.
German is the most widely spoken native language in the Europe Union. Not only is it the official language of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, but is also spoken in parts of Belgium, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein. Fluency in the German language, combined with knowledge of political and cultural developments in the German-speaking world, opens up career opportunities in many areas of Europe.
Along with our other European language departments, German has native-speaker language assistants and state-of-the art computing and audio-visual facilities. Many classes are taught in German, and your year abroad enables you to immerse yourself in the language.
You can also take our European Studies programme with a focus on French, Italian or Spanish, or choose to study two languages in our combined languages programme. For details, see:
- European Studies (Combined Languages)
- European Studies (French)
- European Studies (Italian)
- European Studies (Spanish).
Independent rankings
German at Kent scored 92.4 out of 100 in The Complete University Guide 2019.
Over 93% of final-year Modern Languages and Linguistics students were satisfied with the quality of teaching on their course in The Guardian University Guide 2019.
Teaching Excellence Framework
All University of Kent courses are regulated by the Office for Students.
Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Please see the University of Kent's Statement of Findings for more information.
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 ‘elective’ 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 European Studies (German) 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 requirements are not met, you may have to postpone your year abroad.
The year abroad is assessed on a pass/fail basis and does 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
Most of the modules involve a combination of lectures, seminars, contact with a native speaker and individual study in our computer-assisted language learning laboratory.
Modules taken at Stage 1 are assessed either by 100% coursework or a 50:50 combination of coursework and examination. At Stages 2 and 3, depending on the modules you select, assessment varies from 100% coursework (extended essays or dissertation), to a combination of examination and coursework, usually in the ratio 50:50.
Contact Hours
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
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. If you have no grounding in German this ab initio programme offers you the opportunity to graduate with a joint honours degree including German over four years
- immerse you in German-speaking culture by enabling you to spend one year in a German-speaking country. You go abroad to participate in an exchange at one of our partner German universities. If you combine German with another language you are strongly encouraged to spend some vacation time in a country where that other language is spoken
- develop a critical awareness of the factors that have influenced the contemporary society and culture of German-speaking Europe
- sharpen your awareness of the way in which the German language has developed over the last few centuries; to acquaint you with some of its most important dialects and regional variations, and to analyse linguistic data from a professional angle
- 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 and which requires you to engage with aspects of work at the frontiers of knowledge
- provide a means of access to intercultural awareness and understanding
- contribute to widening participation in higher education by offering a wide variety of entry routes and special provision for students with above-average linguistic proficiency or special needs
- 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 the following intellectual abilities:
- applying the skills needed for academic study and enquiry
- evaluating information critically
- synthesising information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject
- utilising problem-solving skills
- developing and maximising communication skills for the coherent expression and transfer of knowledge
- analysing, evaluating and interpreting a variety of evidence in a critical manner
- studying and reaching conclusions independently
- formulating 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 the following:
- communicating effectively in German
- developing reading speed in German
- demonstrating detailed knowledge and effective understanding of the various structures and registers of the German language
- translating accurately and efficiently from and into German
- analysing critically a variety of texts of linguistic, historical and literary significance
- an appreciation of cultural diversity
- acquiring the ability and confidence to work independently in a German-speaking environment
- three related areas: reception, production and mediation between at least two languages
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- communicating effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means
- evaluatinge your own academic performance
- utilising problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations
- 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
- taking responsibility for personal and professional learning and development
- managing time and prioritising workloads
- thinking and performing under pressure
- developing a capacity for teamwork
- developing leadership skills
- working creatively and flexibly
- deploying a range of information technology skills effectively, such as word-processing text with footnotes, basic formatting, using email, searching databases and text-files, navigating the internet.
Careers
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 more employable.
Recent graduates have gone into areas such as:
- politics both in the UK (national and local government) and in Europe
- the media
- consultancy
- teaching
- marketing
- financial services.
Many of our graduates choose to continue with their studies at postgraduate level.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. 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 |
| GCSE | GCSE grade B or 6 in a second language |
| 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 at HL including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a second language |
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.
However, please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.
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 advice 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 2019/20 annual 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.
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.*
Your fee status
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 in Industry
For 2019/20 entrants, the standard year in industry fee for home, EU and international students is £1,385.
Fees for Year Abroad
UK, EU and international students on an approved year abroad for the full 2019/20 academic year pay £1,385 for that year.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
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.
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.
