The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is Otago's most flexible undergraduate degree programme, enabling students to study from a selection of more than 40 arts and social science subjects, as well as papers offered elsewhere in the University. Academic breadth is complemented by in-depth knowledge gained through majoring in one or two subjects with the option of minors in one or two others.

Students are taught by research-active scholars, are expected to undertake a diverse range of learning tasks and are challenged to develop their intellectual independence. Graduates of the programme are well-informed, versatile, independent thinkers with the information literacy, communication, research and interpersonal skills necessary for a career or further academic study. The completed BA is an possible qualification for the PGDipArts in the major subject of the degree.

Why study German?

Today, there are more reasons to study German than ever before. German is the most commonly spoken language in the European Union. Germany is Europe’s largest economy, the world’s third largest exporting nation, an influential member of the European Union, and a key player at the United Nations.

German speakers have left a trace on every aspect of Western culture: music, literature, art, theatre and film, architecture and philosophy.

Career opportunities

A degree with a major in German will open job opportunities in both the private and public sectors – in business, trade, consultancy, tourism, education, as well as in foreign affairs and other government agencies.

Recent Otago graduates who have included German in their degree now work as consultants, marketing managers, journalists, teachers and librarians, all around the world.

German studies graduates are generalists and have many transferable skills. Your ability to analyse and communicate effectively as well as the international perspectives that you will have gained by studying German at Otago will certainly give you an edge.

Combining another degree with German as a minor or as a Diploma also increases students’ options in the job market. Increasingly, studies in law, commerce, international business and communications are enhanced when you can offer cultural experience or language skills alongside your major area of study

Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in German (for students who have not previously studied German)

100-level

GERM 131 Introductory German 1; GERM 132 Introductory German 2; GLBL 101 Introduction to Intercultural Communication

200-level

GERM 230 German Language 3; GERM 231 Intermediate German 1; One of EURO 202, GLBL 201, GLBL 202

300-level

• GERM 331 Intermediate German 2
• GERM 334 Advanced German 1
• Two of GERM 335, EURO 302, GLBL 301, GLBL 302, MFCO 316

Plus

162 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.

Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts

Note: July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.