Information

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  •  Second Year - for the the academic year 2025-26, online on Wednesdays 6.30-9.30 pm
  •  First Year online in the academic year 2026-27, please email german@universityofgalway.ie

      Stephanie   Lecturer: Stephanie Burke; stephanie.burke@universityofgalway.ie

The Diploma in German provides an introduction to the basics of the German language, and is designed for those who have little or no previous knowledge of the language. Great emphasis is placed on teacher-student interaction, continuous assessment, written assignments and feedback to students. The native German teacher has been delivering this programme for over ten years and is experienced in teaching German Language at Secondary and Third level.
She gradually introduces the relevant points of grammar to the students and shows how these are used in written and oral German. Each three-hour teaching session is divided between formal language tuition, grammar, listening comprehension and oral skills.
This two-year accredited programme aims to equip students with essential communicative skills in German, both spoken and written (level A1 up to B1 of the European Language Framework),  to introduce students to the history and cultures of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and to familiarise students with a range of contemporary social and political issues from the German-speaking world.
The Diploma programme will consist of lectures on one evening per week over two academic years. The academic year consists of two semesters of twelve weeks. 

Note: For those with German it is possible to be admitted to the 2nd year of the Diploma based on an interview with Stephanie Burke.

Student Testimonial by Fiachra O'Roarke

Pursuing the German Diploma at the University of Galway has been one of the most rewarding academic experiences of my studies. The programme offers a well-balanced combination of language development, cultural insight, and practical communication skills. The lecturer is incredibly supportive and creates an engaging learning environment where students feel confident to grow and challenge themselves.

Studying German at Galway has not only strengthened my linguistic abilities but has also boosted my confidence in using the language in real-world situations. I feel well-prepared to apply my German skills in both academic and professional contexts, and I’m genuinely grateful for the quality of teaching and the sense of community within the programme. I would highly recommend this diploma to anyone looking to expand their horizons and open new opportunities.

Fiachra O'Roarke resized