German is a major European language spoken by more than 100 million people worldwide. Outside of the canon of English literature, German literature and philosophy has brought about some of the brightest and most influential thinkers, such as Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Goethe. Students interested in careers in German language will study both the use and the history of the language and its users.
First year students will often combine their German studies with additional subjects and electives. Students will be introduced to German language, literature, and history in their first year, preparing them for more intensive study in the following years.
Language modules will be traditionally assessed using written, oral, and aural examination. At all levels students will be required to complete assessments in and out of class in addition to sitting for regular exams.
Most undergraduate German courses will run for three or four years and in certain cases universities will facilitate work experience. Many programs will also encourage study abroad programs for students to learn the language through immersion in German culture.
It is common with all humanities-based subjects that students are expected to complete a Capstone project. Students will research and write on a topic of their choice (in English or in German) with the aid of a faculty mentor, ensuring their successful completion of a rigorous curriculum and preparing them for life after university.
A bachelor's degree is adequate for some non-research careers in German language. For example, graduates with a bachelor's degree in German may start working as arts administrators, translators or interpreters, diplomats or secondary school teachers. Some go on to work in publishing, tourism, law and business as well.
Graduating from college with a degree in German will serve you well in the job market as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill. German is a major world language, as such, knowledge of the language and literature opens up a world of opportunities to fluent speakers.
It is not uncommon for graduates to start off in 'entry-level' jobs. Many start their professional careers in international relations, tourism, translation and education.
Other careers in German language that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training and/or experience to qualify for, eg. teaching, research and diplomacy positions.
Most German students work abroad or for international companies helping to translate and distribute media to multi-lingual customers. Many also go on to teach German as a second language in primary and secondary schools.
An undergraduate German degree is often the first step to go onto further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of German and/or undertaking work in new, sometimes interdisciplinary fields such as translation, manuscript studies, or education.
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