Code | HDAGE |
---|---|
Duration | 1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time |
Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
Qualifications | HDip in Arts |
NFQ Level | Level 8 |
Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised. |
Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Arts German is aimed at graduates who may wish to be considered for a Masters programme in the subject area subsequently (but do not have an honours degree in the relevant area) or who may wish to add the Higher Diploma in Arts subject to their qualifications attainments.
The Higher Diploma in Arts shall consist of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing Second and Final Arts modules in the relevant subject. For any given subject, the programme of study to be followed may differ for each individual student, depending on the individual's background, preferred area of specialisation etc.
If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject, please consult with the Teaching Council subject Declaration form to view specific requirements for this subject.
If you are applying for this course for future eligibility into the Professional Master of Education, further information is available here.
Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
Applicants should consult the College Book of Modules for a list and descriptions of the modules currently available in this subject.
The subject modules will be chosen by the student in consultation with Staff of the Department of German, having regard to timetable constraints and suitability of course combinations
Assessment
A mixture of Continuous Assessment (Essay, Presentation, In-Class-Test, Learner Diary, Practical Assignment) and Written as well as Oral End-of-Year Examinations.
Who teaches this course
Click HERE for information on the Department of German academic Staff profiles
Why Choose This Course
German is spoken by the highest number of people in the European Union and was recently voted most important language for business in the UK. Studying German opens the gate to the intellectual, economic and cultural riches of Central Europe. German is the language of “international icons” in, for example, the areas of philosophy (Kant, Marx, Heidegger), literature (Goethe, Kafka), psychology (Freud), science (Einstein) – to name just a few.
While studying German, students will become aware of how important it is to be knowledgeable about the language within the cultural and historical contexts of the German-speaking countries.
Skills and Careers Information
“The lack of people with German language skills in our exporting companies is a major contributing factor to why we have never managed to fully exploit the opportunity the market affords.” (Manager of the Düsseldorf Office of Enterprise Ireland)
Students develop a set of linguistic, intercultural, analytical and critical skills which equip them for a variety of professional fields, including Education/Teaching, Translation/Interpreting, Journalism, Film, Theatre, Media, IT Sector, International Business/Export Industry, Public Sector, European institutions.
Requirements
It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject German intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.
- Candidates are required to have reached a level of German equivalent to B1 (CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference). Please contact the Department for further queries
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
-
You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
-
In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
-
Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
- Please indicate your level of foreign language expertise in any of the languages offered by the programme.
Please note that the Higher Diploma in Arts programme is not a teacher training programme. Graduates must complete the Professional Master of Education to qualify as a secondary school teacher. Please see www.ucc.ie/en/pec01 for further details.
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now