Description
Would you like to work in an international environment and speak German fluently? A degree in German Studies offers you this opportunity. You will study the language intensively and learn about the history, culture and literature of German-speaking countries. On top of that, you will also gain practical skills in translation, business language and language teaching.
The classes are conducted by experienced lecturers, professionals and native speakers, including lectors from the German Academic Exchange Service. We cooperate with universities in Germany and Sweden, as well as with local companies. This means you can take part in workshops, seminars and meetings led by experts.
The programme also allows students to complete part of their studies abroad, including in Saarbrücken, Leipzig, Stockholm and Uppsala. The programme combines language learning with gaining practical experience and prepares students for work in international companies, cultural institutions and public administration. You will gain language proficiency, in-depth cultural knowledge and practical professional skills that will enable you to operate confidently in a global environment.
Rekrutacja rozpoczyna się 2 czerwca
Curriculum
Link to the curriculum and study plan
Duration of studies: 1st cycle – 6 semesters, 2nd cycle – 4 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 1st cycle studies – 180, 2nd cycle studies – 120
Selected degree programme courses:
- practical German,
- history, society and culture of German-speaking countries,
- specialist language – economics/commerce/banking,
- German literature,
- grammar and morphology – learn how to form correct word forms in German and understand their meaning and function within sentences.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- practicals,
- seminars – classes based on group discussions.
Majors
As part of the German Studies programme, you will learn German or Swedish and gain an understanding of the cultures of German-speaking and Scandinavian countries. You can also choose a major in which to develop your skills further.
During your 1st cycle studies, you can choose from as many as five majors, which you begin studying from the second semester:
- German Language – Elementary Level (A1-B2)
This major is ideal for those who wish to start learning German from scratch. Over the course of six semesters, you will learn to speak, write and understand German at B2 level. You will also learn the basics of business language, translation and business correspondence. You will discover what life and work are like in German-speaking countries. You will also acquire the skills needed to work in an international environment. - Swedish
As part of this major, you will learn Swedish and, in addition, German from scratch. You will achieve a B2 level in Swedish and learn how to work with media texts and business correspondence. You will explore the culture and literature of Sweden and Germany. Your studies will help you communicate confidently at work and in everyday life in both countries. - German Language – Intercultural Communication in Business
As part of this major, you will learn German and the principles of communication in an international environment. You will gain an understanding of business language, etiquette, culture and the media in Germany. Your studies will prepare you for careers in business, the media, cultural institutions and the service sector. You will acquire the practical and cultural skills needed when dealing with clients and business partners. - Teacher Training Programme
This major is designed for those who wish to teach German. In addition to studying the language, culture and literature, you will also acquire the skills needed to teach in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of National Education. The programme will provide you with the knowledge and practical training necessary to work as a teacher in a primary school or language school. - Specialised Translation
This major will prepare you for a career as a translator of specialist texts. You will learn the language of business, law, technology and medicine. You will develop skills in writing business correspondence and translating documents. You will gain an understanding of the literature and culture of German-speaking countries. Your language skills will reach levels B2–C1.
During 2nd cycle studies, in addition to your core modules, you will undertake specialist modules as part of what are known as ‘paths’. You are not assigned to a specific path from start to finish of your studies. It is up to you to decide whether you want to follow only one of them throughout your studies, or to make a different choice each semester.
- Specialist Languages and Translation
This path is aimed at those wishing to refine and specialise their knowledge, skills and competences in the field of specialist translation and prepare for a career as a translator. You will learn specialist terminology and the principles of translation in these fields. You will acquire the practical skills necessary to work in law firms, government offices, companies and European institutions. The programme will prepare you to work as a professional German translator in a specialist environment.
- Teacher Training Path
This path is designed for those who wish to teach German. You will develop your language skills and acquire methodological and pedagogical knowledge. You will explore topics related to the culture, literature and media of German-speaking countries. Upon completion of your studies, you will be qualified to work as a German teacher at all levels of education.
- Intercultural Communication in Business
This path is aimed at those who wish to specialise in the principles of intercultural communication within the business world. These studies will prepare you for work in companies, the media, cultural institutions and the service sector. You will acquire the practical and cultural skills necessary for dealing with clients and business partners.
Graduation requirements
In order to take the diploma examination, you have to:
- achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the curriculum,
- confirm the required proficiency in a foreign language,
- receive a positive thesis grade.
You finish your studies with a diploma exam with at least a ‘satisfactory’ grade.
As a graduate, you receive a diploma that confirms your qualifications.
Detailed information on the rules for awarding diplomas and the requirements for the diploma thesis can be found in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the Diploma Award Regulations.
Admission process
The admission process for studies at the University of Silesia is carried out via the Online Application System at irk.us.edu.pl (IRK).
You can enrol for a degree programme and find all the necessary information in the IRK system. You will find out how the admissions process works, what the deadlines are, how much the application fee is, and what documents you need to submit.
Questions? Feel free to write to the International Admissions Office or visit rekrutacja.us.edu.pl and irk.us.edu.pl.
Admission rules
1st cycle studies
Admissions to university is determined by the results of the Matura exam. We take into account the written examination in the selected subjects.
We take into account the following results:
- modern foreign language – weight 60%
- Polish language – weight 20%,
- one subject of your choice with the highest score – weight 20%
Limit of slots: 100
2nd cycle studies
Admission to studies is determined by the grade on the diploma and the grade point average from 1st cycle, 2nd cycle or long-cycle studies.
Limit of slots: 50
Point thresholds
We do not set minimum point thresholds for any field of study at the University of Silesia.
Committees create ranking lists during the admission process. Admission thresholds vary every year, as they depend on the number of candidates, their high school graduation exam results, and the applicable qualification rules.
Internships
During 1st cycle studies:
- as part of the Teacher Training Programme, you will undertake 30 hours of psychological and pedagogical practice internship and 90 hours of teaching practice internship.
Internships will allow you to test your skills, learn about the realities of work, and establish your first professional contacts while still at university.
During your 2nd cycle studies, (Teacher Training Path), you can combine your studies with work whilst completing 60 hours of compulsory work placement.
Cooperation
Would you like to gain experience abroad and in an international environment? Our university offers you this opportunity!
You can take part in workshops led by business professionals (PwC) and translators, as well as in thematic seminars, for example on culture, the media and intercultural communication. You will develop practical skills, including in the areas of interpreting in EU institutions, working with literary texts, business correspondence and business language, as well as analysing intercultural communication in education and the workplace.
Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, you also have the opportunity to study or undertake an internship in 31 EU countries, including:
- Germany,
- Sweden,
- Czechia,
- Italy,
- Spain.
You can also complete part of your studies at our partner universities, including: the University of the Saarland in Saarbrücken, the University of Trier and Uppsala University in Sweden.
As part of the DAAD Eastern Partnership programme, you can go on short-term visits to Saarbrücken, and you can also take part in the annual week-long seminars in Königswinter.
In addition, the University of Silesia in Katowice is part of the European Transform4Europe alliance. This allows you to study in an international environment, take part in joint projects and engage with different languages and cultures.
Contact
More information soon.
Co nas wyróżnia
01.
Elastyczność
Tworzysz własną ścieżkę dzięki różnym formom dydaktycznym oraz świadomemu wyborowi zajęć, opiekunów naukowych i specjalizacji.
02.
Praktyka
Stawiamy na praktykę: staże w firmach, warsztaty oraz zajęcia z ekspertami. Poznasz realia rynku pracy i zasady komercjalizacji badań.
03.
Rozwój
Realizujesz własne projekty badawcze pod okiem mentorów. Wspieramy koła naukowe oraz wyjazdy na wymiany w programach ERASMUS+ i MOST.
04.
JAKOŚĆ
Kształcimy na najwyższym poziomie, co potwierdza akredytacja PKA. Zajęcia prowadzi kadra o wysokich kwalifikacjach i uznanym dorobku naukowym.
Twój profil po studiach
Career paths
After completing your studies, you can continue your development – with a Master’s degree in German Studies, followed by a PhD.
If you want to enter the job market, you have many options. You can:
- become a translator, including a translator of specialist and literary texts, and work in translation agencies,
- work in tourism, the service sector or international relations departments,
- find employment in companies and institutions where German or Swedish is an important working language,
- work in cultural and educational institutions involved in cooperation between Poland and Germany or Sweden,
- teach in primary and secondary schools as well as in private language schools,
- work in publishing houses, editorial offices, the media and business centres,
- gain experience in customer service centres and in diplomatic entities.
A degree in German Studies opens up a wide range of opportunities for you – you can choose the path that best suits your plans and ambitions.
Graduate knowledge
After completing your studies:
- you will be familiar with the structure and principles of the German or Swedish language, as well as your chosen additional language,
- you will understand the functioning of literature, culture and history in German-speaking and/or Scandinavian countries,
- you will understand the mechanisms of communication in various environments, including business, the media and education,
- you will be familiar with the basics of translation work and the principles of intercultural communication,
- you will know with the basics of entrepreneurship as well as copyright and intellectual property protection.
Graduate skills
After completing your studies:
- you will be able to search for and select the information you need and analyse it critically,
- you will be able to solve problems relating to language, translation, culture and communication independently,
- you can communicate with specialists and people outside the industry clearly and comprehensibly,
- you translate texts at B2 level and use subject-specific language in both spoken and written communication,
- you plan and organise your own work and work effectively in a team,
- you are able to resolve problems in intercultural communication and foster a positive atmosphere in professional interactions.
Social skills
After completing your studies:
- you will be able to critically assess your knowledge and draw on expert opinions,
- you adhere to professional ethics,
- you collaborate effectively in a multicultural and multilingual environment,
- you initiate activities for the benefit of the community and the public interest,
- you think and act entrepreneurially, planning your own development and the implementation of projects.
