Commerce (International) with German (BComm International)
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Programme Description
Combining business subjects with the study of the German language and culture, this degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work in a fast-changing global business environment.
This four-year degree course will educate you in the field of business and commerce, as well as in the language, literature, culture and society of German-speaking countries.
It also provides you with the possibility of gaining practical commercial experience in Germany and Austria through internships during your year abroad.
Year 3 of the course is spent studying and or working abroad, in a German-speaking country.
Modules
Year 1 Modules:
- AC1102 Financial Accounting (5 credits);
- EC1202 Business Economics I (5 credits);
- GV1102 Introduction to Government and Politics (5 credits);
- IS1105 Business Information Systems (5 credits);
- LW1108 Introduction to the Legal System (5 credits);
- LW1109 Introduction to Business Law (5 credits);
- MA1100 Introductory Mathematics for Business I (5 credits);
- MG1003 Introduction to Marketing (5 credits);
- MG1004 Introduction to Management and Organisation (5 credits);
- GE1101 (10 credits) and GE1102 (Intermediate Level German) (5 credits) and GE1103 (10 credits) and GE1104 (Beginner Level German) (5 credits)
Year 2 Modules:
Core
Introduction to Management Accounting; Business Economics; Principles of Food Marketing; European Government and Politics; Management Information Systems; International Management and Organisation; Introduction to Business Statistics; Integrated German Language Course for BComm International Students
Electives
Cultural and Intercultural Learning: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Year Abroad; Political and Social Culture since 1945; German Love Poetry; Linguistics I; Novelle and Kurzprosa; German Literature from 18th to 21st Century; Constructing and Deconstructing German National Identity; German Business and Culture Today; Memory and Identity in Contemporary Generational Narratives
Year 3 Modules:
Study of a programme of approved courses at a partner university in Germany or Austria, with the option of spending a part of the year engaged in Work Placement.
Year 4 Modules:
Core
Advanced Integrated Language Course; Commercial Language: German
Electives
Linguistics II; Teaching German as a Foreign Language; German Film in Focus: A thematic Approach; Interpreting Heinrich von Kleist's Prose Fiction; German Irish Relations; Nietzsche fur Alle und Keinen; Language and Interpretation; The Double Face of Germany: Representing the Holocaust; The German Company from the Perspective of the Employee; Ideas of Europe: Imagining European Identity; European Cultural Identity, Living Rooms, Houses, Woods, Rivers, Villages & Cities: Fiction and Topographies; Loneliness with a Trilling 'R': Migration, Multilingualism and Literature
plus modules to be taken from one of the subject groups: Accounting, Finance & Information Systems; Business Economics; Food Business and Development; Government; Law; Management and Marketing; Mathematics and Statistics
See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.
Why Choose This Course
The BComm International with German course in UCC distinguishes itself through the particular emphasis put on cultural and intercultural expertise in the context of business studies, as well as providing tailored business German content courses.
Skills and Careers Information
The double focus of the course on both business and linguistic studies will provide you with an additional expertise which significantly improves your career chances in an increasingly globalised economic environment.
In recent years, the department has successfully worked towards including practical business elements and strengthening the intercultural communicative skills of our students.
Study Abroad
During Year 3, students will take an array of business subjects through German at one of our partner universities in Germany (Konstanz, Leipzig, Rostock, Jena, Bayreuth, Regensburg or Passau) or Austria (University of Klagenfurt, Economic University of Vienna).
While on the year abroad, you can gain practical experience in Semester II by undertaking a placement in Germany or Austria (details must be approved with the Programme Co-Ordinator, Dr. Claire O Reilly, in advance).
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Communicate and work effectively to a professional standard;
- Demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice;
- Engage in the application of frameworks and techniques in organizational settings;
- Communicate effectively in German;
- Develop an in-depth appreciation of the culture and the environment for business in Germany.
Practicalities & Assessment
Language modules: 3-4 contact hours in Year 1; 4-5 contact hours in Years 2 and 4 (commercial language, discussion and essay writing, translation, grammar, oral practice). You will be expected to spend a minimum of six hours a week on self-directed study (homework, e-learning, reading). All language classes are taught in small groups and are communicatively oriented.
Full module information is detailed in the section below.
Assessment
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including essay, presentation, in-class test, learner diary, practical assignment as well as oral end-of-semester examinations.
Modules
Year 1
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Economic Reasoning for Business
Year 1
Economic Reasoning for Business (EC1202)
EC1202 To develop an understanding of the methods of economic reasoning in a business context.
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Introduction to Government and Politics
Year 1
Introduction to Government and Politics (GV1102)
To provide students with an introduction to government and politics
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Business Information Systems
Year 1
Business Information Systems (IS1105)
To introduce students to computer based information systems (IS) and to illustrate the roles of IS in business.
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Introduction to the Legal System
Year 1
Introduction to the Legal System (LW1108)
LW1108 To afford a foundation for further studies in the law affecting business activities.
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Introduction to Business Law
Year 1
Introduction to Business Law (LW1109)
LW1109 To introduce students to aspects of contract and tort law and to afford a foundation for further studies in the law affecting business activities.
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Introduction to Marketing
Year 1
Introduction to Marketing (MG1003)
MG1003 To introduce students to the principles of Marketing.
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Introduction to Management and Organisation
Year 1
Introduction to Management and Organisation (MG1004)
To introduce students to the history and development of management thought and to explore the challenges of managing individuals and groups within organisations
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Introductory Mathematics for Business I
Year 1
Introductory Mathematics for Business I (MA1100)
To provide an introduction to fundamental quantitative techniques for business.
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Integrated Written and Oral German Language Course for Beginners
Year 1
Integrated Written and Oral German Language Course for Beginners (GE1103)
To introduce students to the German language and to help them develop both productive and receptive language skills (writing/speaking, listening/reading). The overall objective is to bring students, therefore, to the same level of language competence as
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Introduction to German Culture and Literature for Beginners
Year 1
Introduction to German Culture and Literature for Beginners (GE1104)
-To raise students' interest, encourage active responses and provide the terminology and strategies needed for a critical assessment of selected texts. -To explore and discuss aspects of cultural life of the German speaking countries. - To improve languag
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Integrated Written and Oral Language Course for German
Year 1
Integrated Written and Oral Language Course for German (GE1101)
To further independent learning and both productive and receptive language skills (writing/speaking, listening/reading) and complete CEFR level A2.
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Introduction to Literature
Year 1
Introduction to Literature (GE1102)
To raise students' interest, encourage active responses and provide the terminology and strategies needed for a critical assessment of selected texts.
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Year 2
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Introduction to Management Accounting
Year 2
Introduction to Management Accounting (AC2200)
To provide participants with an introduction to Management Accounting.
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Macroeconomic Context and Business
Year 2
Macroeconomic Context and Business (EC1203)
EC1203 To develop an understanding of the methods of economic reasoning in the macroeconomic business environment.
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Principles of Food Marketing
Year 2
Principles of Food Marketing (FE2401)
To provide a grounding in Food Marketing principles, which underlie decision-making at each stage of the Food Sector.
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Integrated German Language Course
Year 2
Integrated German Language Course (GE2801)
Development of communicative competence; acquisition of techniques for text production; extension of vocabulary, including commercial/business terminology; acquisition of translation techniques.
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European Government and Politics
Year 2
European Government and Politics (GV2218)
Introduce students to the comparative study of European politics.
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Management Information Systems
Year 2
Management Information Systems (IS2201)
To give students an awareness of the role of information systems in supporting the operations and improving the flow of information in modern organisations.
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International Management and Organisation
Year 2
International Management and Organisation (MG2005)
To examine the nature and process of management and organisations in the context of globalisation and internationalism.
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Year 4
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Accounting in Business
Year 4
Accounting in Business (AC4406)
To apply the theory of management accounting principles and practices to the analysis of actual decisions in firms.
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Financial Reporting 1
Year 4
Financial Reporting 1 (AC4407)
To provide coverage of Corporate Financial Reporting.
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Financial Reporting 2
Year 4
Financial Reporting 2 (AC4408)
Further coverage of Corporate Financial Reporting.
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Business Microeconomics 1
Year 4
Business Microeconomics 1 (EC2204)
EC2204 To provide an understanding of how intermediate microeconomic theory can be used as a methodology for understanding economic behaviour in the modern business environment.
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The Macroeconomic Environment in the Short term
Year 4
The Macroeconomic Environment in the Short term (EC2214)
EC2214 To discover the impact of government policy on the macroeconomic business environment.
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The Macroeconomic Environment in the Long term
Year 4
The Macroeconomic Environment in the Long term (EC2215)
EC2215 To discover the impact of government policy on the macroeconomic business environment.
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International Financial Economics
Year 4
International Financial Economics (EC4217)
To provide students with a thorough foundation in the principles of financial economics and to develop a critical approach to the discipline.
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Global Food Policy
Year 4
Global Food Policy (FE4002)
To analyse both the development and the impact of food policy in Europe, the USA and other selected countries.
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Consumer Behaviour in Food Markets
Year 4
Consumer Behaviour in Food Markets (FE4205)
This module provides an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour in the food marketing process. Students will develop an appreciation of the determinants of food choice at the macro and micro levels.
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International Food Retail Marketing
Year 4
International Food Retail Marketing (FE4206)
To elucidate current marketing practices within the global food-retailing sector and to assess the strategic implications for food manufacturers.
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Global Food Supply Chain Management
Year 4
Global Food Supply Chain Management (FE4207)
The purpose of this module is to provide a holistic understanding of the dynamics of global food supply chains and introduce analytical frameworks and tools to continually improve strategic planning and operational performance.
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Advanced Integrated German Language Course
Year 4
Advanced Integrated German Language Course (GE3801)
Building on their year abroad, students further develop linguistic skills with increased emphasis on Business German language.
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Commercial Language: German
Year 4
Commercial Language: German (GE3807)
Building on their year abroad, students further develop linguistic skills with emphasis on business German.
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Global Governance
Year 4
Global Governance (GV4401)
To develop an understanding of contemporary global governance and its challenges
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Electronic Business Foundations
Year 4
Electronic Business Foundations (IS3302)
IS3302 To provide students with a knowledge of the principles and operation of electronic business.
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Electronic Business
Year 4
Electronic Business (IS3303)
IS3303 To provide students with a knowledge of the principles and operation of electronic business in commercial organisations
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People and Organisation
Year 4
People and Organisation (MG2001)
MG2001 To develop an understanding of the complexities and challenges facing individuals in their roles as members of organisations.
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Enterprise Planning and Processes
Year 4
Enterprise Planning and Processes (MG2007)
To provide students with insights into the processes by which enterprises operate, deliver products and services to the market and adapt to external forces in order to remain sustainable and grow.
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Strategic Marketing
Year 4
Strategic Marketing (MG4035)
This module draws together the areas of strategic marketing analysis, marketing strategy formulation and implementation. Core topics include: Strategic marketing process, situation assessment (the external environment and the company), marketing strategy
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Strategic Management
Year 4
Strategic Management (MG4036)
To develop expertise in applying the methods, principles and processes of strategic analysis and strategy implementation to current business issues experienced by firms competing in today's turbulent environment
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Methods of Business Statistics
Year 4
Methods of Business Statistics (ST2200)
ST2200 To provide an understanding of further techniques of business statistics.
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For full programme requirements, please refer to the University College Cork Academic Calendar here
Back to topEntry Requirements
Leaving Certificate entry requirements:
At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H3 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English |
Irish |
Maths |
Other Language |
O6/H7 |
O6/H7 |
O6/H7 |
H3 in a language other than English |
Specific language requirements for German: Students wishing to sign up to beginners German must have a H3 in a modern European language (including Irish, Latin or Greek). Students wishing to select non-beginners German must have a H4 in German in addition to their H3 in another language.
Mature students:
Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. Leaving Certificate Maths is recommended and applicants must have a H3 in a language other than English (HB3 if presenting a pre-2017 Leaving Certificate). Approximately three places are available on this programme for mature applicants.
International Students should visit the International Education website.
Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.
For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .
Application Process
EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.
Mature Applicants: Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry. Find out about the mature entry requirements here.
Non-EU Applications
For full details of the non-EU application procedure please 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.
Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.
For more information please contact the International Office.
Information for Parents
This section contains information for parents ranging from:
- the CAO process, including important dates and deadlines
- support services and facilities that UCC provides for its students
- dates of forthcoming events for prospective parents and students
Information for parents can be found on the UCC website here (including the Parent Information Guide): Parent Information (UCC)
Additional information is also available on Student Financial Information.
Advisory Service
I also offer an advisory service for prospective students (second level and mature) on their course choices throughout the year.
Alternatively, you can contact our BComm Student Recruitment and Liaison Officer.
Anne Wallace
Student Recruitment & Liaison Officer
College of Business & Law
Room 3.03A O'Rahilly Building
University College Cork
Tel: +353 21 420 5102
Email:a.wallace@ucc.ie
New Leaving Cert Scale
Revised Common Points Scale for Entry into Higher Education
The revised scale, which has been developed collaboratively by the universities and institutes of technology, builds on the package of reforms announced by the Minister in April, and will apply to students who sit the Leaving Certificate from 2017.
The main features of the new scale are that:
- it maintains the current alignment between the points awarded for achievement at Higher Level and the points awarded for achievement at Ordinary Level;
- the difference in the points awarded for each grade varies, reducing the probability that students will achieve the same overall points score. This will help to minimise the allocation of places in higher education by random selection;
- it will encourage the take-up of Higher Level subjects through the introduction of points for the new H7 grade.
- it continues to award Bonus Points for Higher Level Maths