Modern Language and Business & Management (German) (4 Years) [BA]

BA (Hons) Modern Language and Business & Management (German) gives students a thorough grounding in the principles of business, management and economics and their application in the workplace in both European and global contexts 

• This is a four-year course with the third year being spent abroad under approved conditions in a country where the language of study is spoken. Students may be able to weight their course towards either business and management or towards the language.
• Student's studies in German will provide the opportunity to study German literature, culture, history and linguistics, developing a solid grounding in German language, proficient enough in German to live and work effectively in a German-speaking environment.
• Core German language courses at all levels of study are complemented by a variety of other subject areas, and by a period spent in a German-speaking country. We have specialists in an unusually wide range of German-related subjects, so that students can focus on subjects that really appeal to them in their final year of study.

• You will have the opportunity to take part in the Manchester Leadership Programme; this is a unique opportunity that will not only broaden your horizons but also enhance your CV.
• There is a huge choice of management and related units covering economics, finance, accounting, technology and business.
• Our students have an enviable employment record and the combination of business knowledge and language skills is an attractive one for employers.
• You will be introduced to a range of academic expertise that is amongst the widest in UK German studies. At Manchester conventional distinctions between a 'traditional' approach, focusing on language plus literature, and a 'progressive' approach, with its emphasis on modern German life and culture, are superseded by a broader vision, recognising both the relevance of tradition and the ever-present need for innovation. Our specialisms include historical and contemporary linguistics, literary studies, film and cultural studies, women's studies, modern history and the Holocaust.
• Our teaching, which has been praised in the Teaching Quality Assessment and by our External Examiners, is backed up by an innovative Independent Language Learning Programme, which enables students to take control of their own learning experience.

• You will be equipped with a range of important skills such as linguistic expertise, the ability to read and analyse material, skills in presentation, group work and independent language learning.
• Your time will be divided equally between your language and culture studies and your studies in business and management.
• Compulsory modules introduce finane, management, microeconomics, macroeconomics and develop transferable skills
• You will choose one further module from a range of options accross management, finance and economics
• You are trained in modern spoken and written German through a core language course in which you work with German texts, write short essays and engage in discussions in German (this language instruction takes place in German and is taught principally by native speakers). At the same time you reinforce your grammar and vocabulary through monitored self-study.
• In addition you study a set of courses relevant to your degree designed to give you an essential grounding in key areas of German culture, history or linguistics. Most of the teaching on these courses is in English, so that you can focus fully on the new concepts introduced to you. In this way we hone not only your German language skills, but also your expression and accuracy in English.

• You may be able to study up to two thirds of your course in either business and management or language and cultural studies
• You will have a large degree of flexibility to tailor your business and management units to your interests
• Opportunity to study the 'Leadership in Action' module as part of the Manchester Leadership Programme.
• In the second year of your programme you build on the grounding already established in year one. This year's core language course develops that of the previous year and prepares you for the linguistic challenges of your year abroad. Within it you can continue with a study of culture and society in Germany and Austria, or take a course in business German - Wirtschaftsdeutsch.
• You also continue your programme of monitored self-study to complement your language classes.
• The other courses available in your second year are more numerous and specialised than in the first year.

• Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions.
• For further information on the year abroad please see the residence abroad webpage.

• You may be able to weight your course toward either subject
• Large reange of specialized modules available in business and management
• You will resume your studies in Manchester with a core language course and a choice of a very wide range of specialised courses. Language study is centred on translation into and out of German, essay writing, and oral work involving discussion of texts, debates and presentations.
• Also available in this year are course units which cover topics closely related to the research interests of individual members of staff, covering a broad range of linguistic, literary, historical and cultural topics.
• Depending on the programme you are following, you may, as part of your final-year work, write a dissertation on a theme of your choice which is related to one of your courses. Most students find this an especially rewarding part of their degree programme.

Languages qualify you for a wide range of employment.  Your high-level language skills will open up numerous paths with an international dimension (e.g. business, industry and finance).  You will also have excellent all-round communication skills making you a strong contender for openings in the media, PR and similar areas.

In our experience, many graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications.  Others opt for postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (in England or abroad) or enter the Civil Service. 

Did you know?

• MI5 actively recruit graduates with language skills
• Past students have gone into areas as diverse as Radio Reporting, Advertising, Accountancy, Events Management, Commercial Management and International Sales.
• Graduates from The University of Manchester are amongst the highest paid in the country
• More employers recruit at The University of Manchester than at any other UK university
• The University of Manchester's Careers Service is consistently voted the best in the country by both students and employers
• The School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures is one of the largest and most diverse in the UK and has received the prestigious European Award for Languages from CiLT, the National Centre for Languages.

• The University hold open days twice a year (usually June and October) where you have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about the facilities and courses we offer.

• If your application is successful you will be invited to a visit day specifically for your area of study.  On this day you will find out more about the School and its resources, meet members of staff and current students and discuss study aims and qualifications with admissions staff.

• We do not normally interview applicants.  We make offers after carefully considering your UCAS application.

A level: AAB-BBB including a modern foreign language plus GCSE maths grade B

Duration of A level study: Data Code not configured

AS level: Two AS-Levels may be accepted in place of the third A-Level.

Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.

GCSE: Grade B in maths

Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University.

International Baccalaureate:

31 - 36 points overall

Higher Level requirements - 6,6,5 - 5,5,5 including a modern foreign language

PLUS - GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths

Additional entry requirements

English language:

Candidates must be proficient in the English language, which is the language of instruction and examination at the university.

Acceptable English Language qualifications include IELTS 6.5 (with no individual component below 5.5), CPE grade C, CAE Grade B or another equivalent

To be successful on and to enjoy this course, you will need certain skills and personal qualities. You will need linguistic skills, in order to cope with the language side of the degree. You will need intellectual curiosity, in order to make the most of the diverse range of course units available to you. You will need an interest in immersing yourself in another culture, in order to help you meet the challenges of the year abroad. Finally, you will need dedication and enthusiasm: this is a rigorous degree programme, but committed students have the potential to derive great personal, practical and professional dividends from it.

Decisions are made on the basis of the application as a whole with a particular focus on educational acheivement and predicted grades.

The conditions of offers will be determined by an applicants predicted grades.

We welcome applicants who are seeking a return to study.  We may be able to make alternative offers in light of your experience but it is important that you have studied languages to an advanced level (please see entry requirements for subject specific criteria).  We may interview you if you have not studied languages recently.

The University of Manchester has now closed all undergraduate full time courses for deferred entry to 2012. If you are a Home/EU student applying through UCAS as a late applicant, for those courses that have vacancies, we will only allow application for 2011

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

• You will be taught through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars and tutorials.  You will spend approximately 12 hours each week in formal study sessions.  For every hour spent at University you will be expected to complete a further 2 - 3 hours independent study.  You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
• The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants from the Disability Support Office. Email: disability@manchester.ac.uk