German was introduced as a subject in Mary Immaculate College in 1992. The programme currently consists of two undergraduate degree courses one for Primary Teaching and one in Liberal Arts.
Mary Immaculate College is the only third-level institution in Ireland to offer German as part of a degree for Primary Teaching. A fundamental aspect of German at MIC is that our courses allow for a close working relationship between staff and students. German students enjoy a high level of individual attention and support throughout their studies at MIC.
German takes part in SOCRATES and other international exchange programmes. German has a full-time academic staff of three and is preparing to expand in the near future with the introduction of postgraduate degree courses.
As the first language of more than 100 million people in Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland, as well as being spoken in Eastern Europe and Northern Italy, German is one of the main languages of modern Europe. German offers access to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of many countries at the heart of Europe. Due to the strength of Germany’s economy and its influential role in the development of the European Union, German is also an important medium of communication for international business and trade.
Our German programme is concerned with both German language and culture. It contains a high amount of basic as well as advanced language practice. It also introduces students to aspects of history, social structure, ideology etc., as expressed in literature, film and print media. Most of the course work is conducted through the medium of German.
A German B.A. degree offers access to a wide range of employment and postgraduate opportunities (H.Dip., M.A.), particularly in the new Europe where nations are constantly moving closer together. Language and inter-cultural skills are now in greater demand than ever before. In addition to teaching, translation and areas such as journalism, public relations and marketing, there are excellent opportunities for German graduates in banking and commerce, tourism and the computer industry (technical writing, teleservices etc.).
In contrast to other subject areas, the excellent employment opportunities open to graduates with a degree in German have not been negatively affected by the current recession.
German can be combined with a variety of subjects at MIC, such as Media and Communication Studies, Music, English, Geography etc. Whatever combination you choose, think of German also as a passport to employment mobility. There is, for instance, a growing market for teachers of English as a Foreign Language in Central Europe and graduates with a degree in German have a distinct advantage in this field. With plans to introduce modern languages, including German, into the National Curriculum for Primary Schools in the near future, B.Ed. graduates with German will have an extra advantage in finding full-time employment.
If you are considering a degree in German, you should have an interest in languages, as well as literature, current affairs and history. You should also be ready to experience a different culture by spending some time in a German-speaking country and be willing to see your own culture from a different perspective.
To be admitted to the main strand of the course, students must have reached a minimum C3 grade in German in their Leaving Certificate. This does not apply to mature students.
There is no entry requirement for the beginner’s intensive course (ab initio) This applies both to mature students and those who have just completed their Leaving Certificate. Students who have successfully completed the first year of the ab initio course join the main strand in second year. Ab initio students can complete their degree within the same number of years in total as those entering the main strand for their first year.