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Accessibility & LanguageGerman (Diploma)
Diploma in German
Course Overview
This two-year course will help students develop the skills to communicate successfully in the German-speaking world. Through the programme’s module on German culture, students will gain a deeper insights into a region that plays a vital role in central Europe's intellectual and economic life, as well as in its cultural history. In its language and culture elements, the course aims to excite students’ curiosity for other cultures since German is not only the official language of Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, but is spoken in regions of France, Italy, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Poland and many other East European countries.
Mode of Study: Blended learning
Applications and Selections
There is no intake for this course in September 2025. Applications will reopen from the 1st April, 2026.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Classes are held on Wednesday evenings (6:30 - 9:30pm). All modules in the Diploma are individually assessed. The assessment for each module takes the form of essays, written assignments or presentations during the semester and a written examination at the end of the semester.
The teaching method is mainly based on a communicative approach, which focuses on teaching language structures through conversation and exercises rather than on memorizing forms. This approach helps students develop productive skills (speaking and writing) as well as receptive skills (listening and reading), as vocabulary and grammar activities progress from controlled and form-focused to open-ended and interactive. Whenever useful, grammatical structures are contrasted with parallel structures in English.
Students are encouraged to spend time at home incorporating language practice in their everyday routines and availing of the self-access language-learning facilities at the University.
As this course is delivered via Blended learning most of the material is delivered online, please visit to our Online Learning webpage for further details on what is required to participate in a blended learning course.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.). There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in German.
*The English language requirement does not apply to this language diploma.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
2 years, part-time
Next start date
September 2026
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
7
Mode of study
Blended Learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
The course aims to equip students with appropriate written and oral skills in German. Much emphasis will be placed on teacher-student interaction, continuous assessment, written assignments and feedback to students. Students will begin with the basic elements of German grammar and vocabulary and will progress to the study of a selection of social and cultural issues in the contemporary German-speaking world. By the end of each term, students will have learned to converse on, and comprehend, a variety of topics in situations that are normally encountered in a modern German-speaking environment. There are six modules are on offer throughout the two-year programme. Students must successfully complete three modules per year.
Course Content - Year 1
Introduction to Beginners’ German – written and spoken
Beginners’ German continued – written, spoken and comprehension
Introduction to aspects of 20th Century German, Swiss, and Austrian culture
Course Content - Year 2
Intermediate German – written, spoken, and oral comprehension 1
Intermediate German – written, spoken, and oral comprehension 2
Contemporary German, Austrian and Swiss Culture and conversation
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
German language skills are essential in many professions, such as international finance & marketing, careers as translators and interpreters and in a wide range of business sectors where companies are required to trade in international markets.
Who’s Suited to This Course
The Diploma in German is designed for those who have little or no previous knowledge of the language and wish to gain German language skills for personal or professional reasons.
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€1,035 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€1,000 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€35 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€1,535 p.a. 2025/26
A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2025_26 Fees Scholarship Form
Find out More
What Our Students Say
Charles Doyle | Diploma Graduate
Taking the Diploma in German at NUI Galway was easily one of the best moves I’ve made, both personally and professionally. I’ve always had a keen interest in linguistics but sadly I had neglected German since school. As it turned out, when I went back to college to pursue postgraduate research, German proved quite essential for my line of work in Classical Philology. After one year of trying (and failing) to teach myself German, I decided the Diploma was the best option. I started the Diploma to develop reading comprehension in German but by the end of the course I had gained so much more. The method of teaching and learning allowed me to pursue the coursework at my own pace, in tandem with my own research and teaching. The regular practice gave me so much more confidence in speaking the language, and has opened up a whole new world of media, literature, film, music and culture. The Diploma has instilled a strong desire to travel and explore Germany.
