MH101 - German

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Overview

As the native language to almost 100 million people around the world, German is a critical language for business, science and culture.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or at non-beginner level , you can study German at Maynooth University.

For non-beginners, a minimum Leaving Certificate German grade of H4 (or equivalent) is recommended.

The skills to excel

Our staff are keen researchers, and this is integrated into our teaching and approach.

Over the course of your MH101 degree, you will have the opportunity to:

  • develop excellent language, communication, research, intercultural, analytical, and critical thinking skills
  • study film, literature, linguistics, translation, and business cultures connected to German

Small class sizes

You’ll also enjoy our small classes. Our language, linguistics and culture modules are taught by experts and focus on small groups – an environment designed to help you thrive.

Study abroad

All students of German can choose to spend the third year of their degree programme in a German-speaking country.

You can choose to:

  • study at a university in Germany or Austria (Erasmus)
  • work as an English Language Assistant at a German or Austrian school (ELA programme – subject to availability)
  • complete an Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability)

Your year abroad can be recognised as part of your studies, converting your degree into a 4-year BA International.

Thinking of a teaching career?

If you’re considering teaching, the Teaching Council of Ireland requires German teachers to have lived in a German-speaking country — we recommend at least 3 months.

Subject Structure

First year

Either

  • 15 credits of German (if you studied German in school to the recommended H4 Leaving Certificate or equivalent level)

Or

  • 30 credits of German (if you are a beginner)

Non-beginners are strongly recommended to take Language and Culture as a subject in first year and to select the modules on German Language and Culture

  • Choose 2 or 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the available groups (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table)

Second year and Final year

  • German as a Double Major or as a Minor
  • Continue with 1 of your first year subjects

Or

  • Transfer option in second year - into the MH409 BBA Business and Languages degree - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) taking at least 15 credits of a Business subject and achieving at least 40% in 30 credits of beginners/15 credits of non-beginner German

  • Year Abroad: all students of German have the opportunity to spend the third year of their degree programme in a German speaking country. You can:
    • study at a university in Germany or Austria (Erasmus)
    • work as an English Language Assistant at a German or Austrian school (ELA programme - subject to availability)
    • complete an Erasmus internship / placement (subject to availability)

Students who avail of the Year Abroad can get this year recognised as part of their studies and convert their degree programme into a 4-year BA International.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.

Timetable group: 1 (German)

GN1F30 - German For Beginners

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

German For Beginners modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN151

15

1

Y

GN152

15

2

Y

GN1F15 - German For Non-Beginners

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

German For Non-Beginners modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN181

7.5

1

Y

GN182

7.5

2

Y

Double Major

Timetable group: 1 (German)

GN2DM - German

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN230

5

1

N

GN213A

5

1

N

GN223A

5

2

N

GN211B

5

1

N

GN221B

5

2

N

GN247

5

1

N

GN219

5

2

N

GN281

5

1

Y

GN282

5

2

Y

GN250

5

2

N

Minor

Timetable group: 1 (German)

GN2MI - German

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN230

5

1

N

GN211B

5

1

N

GN221B

5

2

N

GN247

5

1

N

GN219

5

2

N

GN281

5

1

Y

GN282

5

2

Y

GN250

5

2

N

Double Major

Timetable group: 1 (German)

GN3DM - German

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN355

5

2

N

GN319A

5

2

N

GN311B

5

1

N

GN381

5

1

Y

GN382

5

2

Y

GN327A

5

2

N

GN330

5

1

N

GN329A

5

1

N

Minor

Timetable group: 1 (German)

GN3MI - German

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

German modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GN355

5

2

N

GN319A

5

2

N

GN311B

5

1

N

GN381

5

1

Y

GN382

5

2

Y

GN327A

5

2

N

GN330

5

1

N

GN329A

5

1

N

Entry requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language.

Beginners or non-beginner German – H4 Leaving Certificate German (or equivalent) recommended if non-beginner.

If taking up German as a beginner, there is no minimum German requirement and it is advisable to attend all lectures from the first week of term.

Postgraduate

Some graduates proceed into postgraduate study and the MU School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers a range of options.

Careers

Highly sought-after skills – many of the world’s largest firms with major operations in Ireland regularly recruit language graduates to work in all sectors of their operations.

Our graduates have pursued careers in areas including:

  • the diplomatic service
  • development work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • education and teaching
  • publishing
  • the EU institutions
  • translation and interpretation
  • international trade
  • communications
  • tourism
  • journalism and the media

Contact

Maynooth University German Studies