German Studies

About the course

Language of instruction: German
Recruitment: from winter semester only
Level: undergraduate (first cycle)
Professional title: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Duration: 6 semesters

German Studies is an innovative and interdisciplinary course for students interested in acquiring unique knowledge of the past and present, as well as the social and political culture of Germany. Moreover, students develop competences in the use of the German language, translation and interpretation of texts in German, and intercultural communication. Cultural institutions and companies operating locally, cross-border, and globally are actively seeking employees with interdisciplinary skills, proficient command of the German language, and strong intercultural competence. The German Studies course thoroughly prepares you for independent professional careers in fields that demand a high level of proficiency in the German language, familiarity with German-speaking culture, and insight into the German public sphere. These areas include cultural institutions, journalism, politics, EU institutions, and fields related to German-Polish relations. The course prepares you to pursue further studies at the second-cycle level.

The interdisciplinary study program is divided into four groups of subjects in the following areas:

language knowledge and German in global communication
culture and literature
history and society
intercultural communication

Additional classes are offered to enhance individual communication skills necessary for effective interaction within international teams, as well as instruction is provided in editing and translation, project preparation, information technology, and many more.

The language of instruction is German. Moreover, the curriculum envisages an intensive English course up to B2 level.

Content and structure

The aim of the course is to offer thorough preparation for employment in diverse array of cultural institutions and companies requiring a very good command of the German language and insight into the German culture and public sphere. How do we achieve this goal?

The German language part will equip you with very good language skills for global communication. You will learn to use specialized vocabulary and engage in discussions on various topics such as love, society, current political affairs, refugees, generations, and more. Additionally, you will develop proficiency in editing German texts and independently translating them.
Our course of study will also provide you with knowledge of German culture in its broadest sense. You will learn to interpret selected texts of contemporary German literature, explore the world of media in Germany, delve into important events in German history, and engage with various aspects of German culture by participating in various activities such as visits to museums.
We will also help you to navigate the German public space, providing you with insights into the German state, its political system, multicultural society, and intercultural competences to facilitate collaboration in international and multilingual teams.
Through German Studies, you will immerse yourself in an educational environment characterized by tolerance and diversity of cultures and languages. You will cultivate respect for a multitude of perspectives and attitudes, fostering openness and the capacity for critical and creative thinking.

The three-year undergraduate course is divided into six semesters:

The first year of study offers an introduction to the professional terminology of the areas covered in the curriculum and familiarization with the university system. Alongside theme-oriented classes, we will organize sessions to familiarize you with the essence of studying, teaching methodologies, and strategies for academic success.
In the second year, you will have already acquired a basic knowledge and skills in the academic disciplines of your course. Thereby, you be able to begin shaping your preferences by selecting subjects aligned with your specific interests.
In the third year, you will complete the general course while having further opportunities to tailor your curriculum through subject selection. Additionally, this year entails the preparation and defense of your bachelor's thesis.

Internationalization

The German Studies course is offered at Collegium Polonicum in Słubice - a joint research and education unit of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (AMU) and the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) (UEV). Ultimately, it is going to be a joint course implemented by the two universities offering the possibility of obtaining two diplomas (AMU and UEV). Additionally, the internationalization of the course is strengthened by the possibility of studying at one of foreign partner universities within the framework of the Erasmus+ Scholarship.

Competences and career prospects

As German Studies graduates are well-prepared for their roles in numerous cultural institutions and companies that require a very good command of the German language and knowledge of German culture and public sphere will help you to navigate in a multinational and multicultural environment. The skills and competences acquired will position you for employment primarily in cultural institutions, foundations, and organizations, as well as in various German companies that demand a strong command of the German language and familiarity with public life in Germany. The same skills and competences are also highly sought after in the private sector, associated in trade, transportation, and logistics, which are predominant in the western provinces. Graduates of German Studies will find opportunities for employment as specialists supporting this sector, leveraging their knowledge of the socio-cultural-political realities of Germany and their proficiency in the German language.

Furthermore, your undergraduate profile provides a solid groundwork for advancing into second-cycle studies. You will have a wide array of MA courses to choose from, offered in various countries, universities, and languages. If you decide to continue your education in German and English, you will be able to choose from the offer of the Collegium Polonicum and the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) by opting for one of their numerous MA courses.

FAQ

Classes take place at Collegium Polonicum in Słubice, situated on the Polish-German border. In addition to courses provided by Collegium Polonicum, students can access classes offered by the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), e.g. additional language courses. On-site student residences are available for accommodation.

Classes are held in German, and in the fifth and sixth semesters include elective classes taught in English.

A minimum A2 level of German is required. This can be documented by:

a German matriculation exam certificate,
a certificate or other document confirming your knowledge of German at A2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages,
a foreign document, equivalent to the Polish upper secondary school certificate, with German as the language of instruction,
a foreign document, equivalent to a Polish degree, with German as the language of instruction.

If you do not have one of the above-listed documents, you can take an English language test organized by the Enrollment Committee of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

Admission prerequisites include German proficiency at a minimum A2 level and possession of a document entitling the student to study, such as a secondary school graduation certificate or foreign documents equivalent to the Polish secondary school graduation certificate.

The German Studies course offers a unique combination of expertise in the German public sphere (history, culture, society, politics), strong German language proficiency (including specialized vocabulary and the ability to engage in discussions on global issues), and the capability to collaborate within international and multilingual teams. Together, these elements provide excellent preparation for a successful career or further studies.

For studies conducted in German, the fee amounts to PLN 1000 per semester. NOTE: It is important to note that students at Collegium Polonicum may be eligible for a fee waiver by the Rector upon application. This means that you may not incur any charges for your studies.

Absolutely! Alongside German language instruction, you'll also engage in an intensive English course leading to B2 proficiency level.

Right after graduation, you'll be well-prepared to embark on a professional career in various private or public organizations, where a very good command of the German language, knowledge of German culture and public sphere, and the ability to function in a multinational and multicultural environment are required. Alternatively, you can choose to further your education by enrolling in a second-cycle studies (MA level).

Yes, in the attached pdf files you can also find descriptions of German Studies in Chinese and Russian.

Absolutely NOT! Missing a grade in history or social science may result in a lower position on the ranking list, but it's ultimately the Recruitment Committee that evaluates candidates and approves their admission.

Enrollment

Enrollment takes place via the AMU portal: https://amu.edu.pl/kandydaci/rekrutacja.

https://amu.edu.pl/en/admissions/full-study-programs-online-enrollment-system

The admission requirements include proficiency in German at a minimum A2 level and possession of a document entitling the student to study, such as a secondary school graduation certificate or foreign documents equivalent to the Polish secondary school graduation certificate.

The admission procedure involves a competition among secondary school diplomas or documents equivalent to the Polish secondary school graduation certificate. The ranking list of candidates is established based on their grades in a foreign language (German, English or any other) and history or social studies.

https://rekrutacja.amu.edu.pl/en/studies-cataloge/studia-o-niemczech-slubice,583

Further information and contact

Interesting in learning more about the Germany Studies course? You’re welcome to participate in an online information meeting on 24.04.2024 and 25.04.2024, as well as on 14.05.2024 and 15.05.2024. To secure your spot at the meeting, e-mail us: germanstudies@europa-uni.de.

We are also happy to respond to your questions by email - we look forward to hearing from you at:

germanstudies@europa-uni.de