German Joint Major (GRJ1)

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The German programme is aimed at students who seek to communicate in the German language at the highest levels of fluency across a broad range of social and professional contexts, and who want to develop a sophisticated degree of intercultural competence. Critically aware and open to alternative ways of thinking, successful graduates are equipped to live and work effectively in multi-cultural and multi-lingual environments.



Detailed attention to language in its broadest sense is the basis of intellectual growth and active citizenship: our students therefore train their analytical and critical skills and build their understanding of the literary, artistic, historical and cultural frameworks in which the German language and German-speaking societies are embedded. We also seek to foster understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity.



Engaging with another language and culture is a lifelong process, and a central aim of the programme is therefore the fostering of autonomous learning strategies, independent thought and intellectual curiosity. A small group teaching and learning environment, where the emphasis is on collaboration and discussion, nurtures critical thinking, interpersonal skills and fluency of expression in both English and German. The programme goals are supported by assessment strategies that emphasize continuous engagement, reflective learning and focused research.


1 - Understand, express and communicate ideas in clear, fluent and accurate spoken and written German, in a register appropriate to the context.
2 - Demonstrate an awareness of general linguistic and rhetorical strategies and grammatical structures.
3 - Demonstrate an ability to manage time and to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
4 - Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate methods of academic enquiry in order to formulate pertinent questions about, and to build knowledge of, German-speaking cultures.
5 - Structure information lucidly and present logical arguments in clear, unambiguous English, paying attention to the relevant conventions of formatting and referencing.
6 - Demonstrate an ability to understand, apply and evaluate secondary literature and theoretical writings.
7 - Think independently and critically, showing an awareness of the value of questioning and challenging conventions and assumptions.
8 - Understand the ethical implications of ideas, communications, and actions, especially within the historical and contemporary context of German-speaking cultures.
9 - Appreciate the influence of the past on communities, societal structures and beliefs in German-speaking cultures.
10 - Apply appropriate historical and cultural knowledge to understand and critically interpret complex texts of a literary, historical or academic nature.
11 - Understand, discuss critically, and express informed opinions on current contemporary, social and political issues as they are represented in the German-language media.
12 - Show heightened self-awareness and intercultural competence as a result of engaging with the German-speaking cultures and societies.
German is a passport to global careers. Our graduates have found careers in areas including:

  • Advertising/Business/Finance
  • Civil/Diplomatic Service
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Politics
  • Teaching
  • Translating
  • Academia & Research
  • Careers in the EU

    A BA in German is an ideal pathway to graduate study. Our graduate programmes include the MA in Modern Languages, MA in Applied Linguistics, MA in European Regional & Minority Cultures and MLitt in German. We also offer supervision for doctoral research in a range of specialised areas.
  • Stage 2

    Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must take GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10100 and GER10110 (beginners) must take GER20240 and GER20250.

    Stage 3

    In order to receive a BA Degree with German, students must have passed GER30080 German Language IIIa and GER30090 German Language IIIb.

    Stage 4

    In order to receive a BA degree with German, students must have passed GER30080 German Language IIIa and GER30090 German Language IIIb.

    Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
    Stage 2 Options - A)2OF:
    Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must select GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10110 and GER10100 (Beginners) must select GER20240 and GER20250. Students must pass both level 2 language modules before registering for level 3 core language modules.
         
    GER20060 German Language II a Autumn 5
    GER20240 German for Ex-Beginners A Autumn 5
    GER20070 German Language II b Spring 5
    GER20250 German for Ex-Beginners B Spring 5
    Stage 2 Options - A)2OF:
    Students who have completed GER10020 at Stage 1 must select GER20060 and GER20070. Students who have completed GER10110 and GER10100 (Beginners) must select GER20240 and GER20250. Students must pass both level 2 language modules before registering for level 3 core language modules.
         
    Stage 2 Options - B)MIN0OF:
    This module is the equivalent of an elective. You can take it instead of one of your Stage 2 electives. Please make sure that you have selected the correct number of programme options.
         
    HUM20010 Career Readiness for Arts Autumn 5
    Stage 2 Options - B)MIN0OF:
    This module is the equivalent of an elective. You can take it instead of one of your Stage 2 electives. Please make sure that you have selected the correct number of programme options.
         
    Stage 2 Options - C)3OF:
    Students should select 3 level 2 option modules.
         
    GER20230 Transcultural Encounters 1 Autumn 5
    GER20260 Radical Thinkers Autumn 5
    GER20160 German-speaking Enlightenment Spring 5
    GER20270 Introduction to translation German/English-English/German Spring 5
    Stage 2 Options - C)3OF:
    Students should select 3 level 2 option modules.
         
    Stage 3 Core Modules
         
    GER30080 German Language III a Autumn 5
    GER30090 German Language III b Spring 5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
         
    Stage 3 Options - B)MIN3OF:
    Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
    Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
         
    GER30130 Translating Contemporary Texts German-English (Advanced) Autumn 5
    GER30210 Transcultural Encounters 2 Autumn 5
    GER30190 Youth & Cruelty in Modernism Spring 5
    GER30200 Research in German Spring 5
    GER30230 ‘Belonging’ in German, Austrian and Swiss Cinema since 1990 Spring 5
    Stage 3 Options - B)MIN3OF:
    Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
    Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
         
    Stage 4 Core Modules
         
    GER30080 German Language III a Autumn 5
    GER30090 German Language III b Spring 5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
         
    Stage 4 Options - B)MIN3OF:
    Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
    Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
         
    GER30130 Translating Contemporary Texts German-English (Advanced) Autumn 5
    GER30210 Transcultural Encounters 2 Autumn 5
    GER30190 Youth & Cruelty in Modernism Spring 5
    GER30200 Research in German Spring 5
    GER30230 ‘Belonging’ in German, Austrian and Swiss Cinema since 1990 Spring 5
    Stage 4 Options - B)MIN3OF:
    Students must select three options from the following list. In accordance with UCD academic policy, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above (across both degree subjects).
    Additional modules can be chosen from the list below in place of electives.
         
    See the UCD Assessment website for further details

    Module Weighting Info  
      Award GPA
    Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
    BHACS001 Stage 3 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS011 Stage 4 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS023 Stage 3 - 70.00%
    Stage 2 - 30.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS027 Stage 4 - 50.00%
    Stage 3 - 30.00%
    Stage 2 - 20.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47


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