Beginners' German and International Media and Communications Studies BA

Course overview

This course offers you the opportunity to take up German from scratch while learning about the theory and history of communications in a global context. An intensive beginners' course in German will enable you to capitalise on your proven language-learning ability and develop German to degree level alongside modules in areas like literature, history, linguistics, film and politics. In International Media and Communications Studies, you will have the option to cover a range of subjects such as the role of the mass media, communication theory, inter-cultural communications, and cultural studies. You will divide your time equally between the two subjects.

Year one 

In German, you will receive an introduction to the structures of the language through the core language modules and pursue a choice of introductory modules in reading German texts, contemporary Germany, and German history. In International Media and Communications Studies you will be introduced to cultural and communications theories, mass media and new media. 

Year two

In German, your language studies will be developed to prepare you for the year abroad, as well as deepening your understanding of German history and culture. In International Media and Communications Studies you will explore issues around public relations, propaganda and global media, and news production. You will also receive specific research training in the area of culture, film and media in order to lay the foundations for your final year dissertation.

Year three 

Spent in Germany or Austria, on a programme of studies in a higher education institution, as an assistant in a school, or on a work placement.

Year four

The final year will allow you to consolidate the competence in the German language obtained during your year abroad, as well as deepening your understanding of German literature, cinema and politics. Modules in International Media and Communications Studies will allow you to gain vocational skills relevant to journalism and other creative industries as well as exploring the political issues arising from, among other things, cultural policy and media coverage of conflict. You will also undertake a dissertation project under the close supervision of a member of staff with knowledge of your chosen area.

More information 

See also the Department of German Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB/AAC, Including evidence of modern foreign language ability, normally an A at GCSE

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 20 in speaking and 19 in each other element)

Alternative qualifications

For details please see alternative qualifications page.

Flexible admissions policy

We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Beginners' German Language
• Communications and Technology 
• Study Skills 

Typical year-two modules

• Researching Culture, Film and Media
• Cultural Politics 
• German Language (Post-Beginners)

Typical year-three modules

Year spent abroad.

Please see the Department of German Introduction to the Year Abroad page or contact the Department of Culture, Film and Media for more information.

Typical year-four modules

• Cultural Studies Dissertation
• Writing for the Media

Typical optional modules

• Germany from Empire to 1968
• Reading German Culture
• Media and Society
• Cultures of Everyday Life
• Hitler and the Third Reich
• The New German Cinema
• Media in Germany
• Writing in Exile
• German Life Writing
• Media and Conflict 

Careers

You will have developed independence of mind and will be inclined to question the modern world in more detail. Your transferable skills will include the ability to critically analyse the media, communicate effectively, develop and sustain a reasoned argument, and produce independent research. The language skills you will have gained, particularly if you have spent a year abroad, will recommend you to employers.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2010/2011 full-time graduates of the Department of Culture, Film and Media was £17,305 and for graduates of the Department of German it was £22,454.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.

Careers Support and Advice

Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.  

KIS