GER-90007 - Module Specification
Language Centre
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

German 6 or equivalent (e.g. AS-level grade 6-9 / B-A, CEFR level B1).

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This course is designed for students with a solid foundation in German —such as completion of German 6 or equivalent (e.g. CEFR level B1, AS-level grade 6-9/B-A). It aims to strengthen and expand your ability to communicate effectively in both everyday and more complex situations, with particular focus on discussing topical issues and understanding contemporary German-speaking societies.
You will consolidate previously acquired skills and progress towards more advanced tasks, such as writing a CV and cover letter, broadcasting information, composing reviews, and narrating past events. The module also introduces more sophisticated grammatical structures and significantly broadens vocabulary.
All core competences (reading, writing, listening and speaking) are integrated into each seminar, alongside the pragmatic and sociocultural dimensions of language use. You will also explore language learning strategies, reflecting on motivations and challenges in acquiring German.
Learning is supported by a structured set of class materials, supplemented with video, audio and online resources. A variety of interactive activities —including discussions, role plays, comprehension tasks and collaborative writing— will foster engagement and fluency. Regular formative and summative feedback will support your progress and confidence.
The language level of this module corresponds to B1 work leading to Level B1+ in the European Common Framework for Languages (CEFR).

This module aims to develop students’ ability to communicate with greater confidence and accuracy in a range of familiar and some unfamiliar contexts. It strengthens receptive, productive and interactive skills at B1 level, while deepening understanding of cultural perspectives and key education, social, and political issues across the German-speaking world. The module also promotes independent learning and critical reflection on language use.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Understand the main points of clear standard speech including radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively clear: 3
Interpret, summarise and extract key information from a variety of written texts that consist of everyday or job-related language and description of events, feelings and wishes: 1,2
Interact and enter unprepared into conversations on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events): 3
Write clear coherent texts on topics which are familiar, of personal interest, describing experiences and impressions or expressing points of view: 1,2
Recognise and use different complex linguistic structures in the target language and compare them to the English language: 1,2,3
Demonstrate awareness of cultural issues, as well as accurate use of the language with regard to vocabulary, grammar, register and style, and of different varieties of German: 1,2,3

Study hours

22 hours of contact time in class.
40 hours assessment preparation and completion.
88 hours guided independent study.

School Rules

Admission to the module must be confirmed through completion of a language level self-assessment form
Students are only permitted to take one German language module per semester.

Description of Module Assessment