European Studies (Humanities) — German

Description

European Studies at Kent gives you the opportunity to study the politics, history and culture of Europe in the nearest UK city to continental Europe.

We call ourselves the UK’s European university, not only because of our proximity to the continent, but also because of our extensive network of connections and partnerships in Europe.

We offer programmes in European Studies and one of the major European languages offered to degree level at Kent: French, German, Italian and Spanish, or a combination of two languages. All of our programmes include a year abroad in another European country, either studying at one of our partner universities or working.

Independent rankings

Modern languages were ranked 14th for student satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2014.

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 Europe, the media, consultancy, teaching, marketing and financial services. Many also went on to postgraduate study.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 28 September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 480
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Teaching & 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.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• 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.
• To immerse you in German-speaking culture by enabling you to spend one year in a German-speaking country. You will 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.
• To develop a critical awareness of the factors that have influenced the contemporary society and culture of German-speaking Europe.
• To 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.
• To train you to translate from German into English and English into German.
• To assist you in developing sound methodological approaches to the analysis of cultural, historical, social and linguistic phenomena.
• To 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.
• To provide a means of access to intercultural awareness and understanding.
• To 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.
• To 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.
• To develop general critical, analytical and problem solving skills which can be applied in a wide range of situations.
• To 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:

• 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 the following:

• 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.
• Gain an appreciation of cultural diversity.
• Acquire the ability and confidence to work independently in a German-speaking environment.
• Develop skills in these three related areas:reception,production and Mediation between at least two languages

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means.
• Evaluate your own academic performance.
• Utilise 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.
• Take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development.
• Manage time and prioritise workloads.
• Think and perform under pressure.
• Develop a capacity for teamwork.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Work creatively and flexibly.
• Deploy 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.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

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 the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level

ABB including B in German

• Access to HE Diploma

The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required 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 via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 16 at HL including German 5 at HL or 6 at SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

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 a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.