French for teaching degree programs

The program in French Studies deals with the language, literature and culture in all regions, situations, texts and traditions where French is used. In addition to France, the regional focus of the program is Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg, Quebec, the Caribbean and Francophone Africa. During your studies, you will acquire a wide range of skills in dealing with texts and media as well as the ability to assess public and private situations, to judge representations aesthetically and to work on them in oral and written communication in French. You will become experts for the francophone regions of the world.

Degree
State Examination
Semester fee
71 Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
7 Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No

The program in detail

Contents

In the part of the program devoted to literary and cultural studies, you will become familiar with French literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present, but also with French-language literature from non-European cultures. In the linguistic part of the program, you will systematically deal with the structure and history of the French language. You can already choose your individual specializations from the second semester onwards. In addition, the examination regulations valid throughout Bavaria guarantee that students can take the State Examination, which is uniform throughout the entire federal state.

An essential component of the program is the deepening and broadening of your own French proficiency. You will choose from a wide range of practical language and cultural courses conducted by native speakers.

A further component of the teaching degree program are modules in subject didactics, in which questions of language acquisition and the teaching of language, literature and culture in school lessons are approached. These areas are also interesting for work outside of school contexts, especially with regard to the promotion of intercultural skills, as is required in adult education, in commercial enterprises or in social institutions.

At the KU, French can be studied for teaching at secondary schools (Gymnasium and Realschule) and is completed with the State Examination. Possible second subjects for teaching at Gymnasium are German, English, History, Latin or Spanish and for teaching at Realschule, French can be combined with German, English or Geography. If desired, students of teaching degree programs can also acquire a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree as part of the ‘LehramtPlus’ model.

Structure

Semester 1 to 2

In the first semester, students attend introductory courses in the three sub-disciplines – French Literature or Cultural Studies, Linguistics and Language Practice – which impart basic methodological skills and basic knowledge. In the following semesters, these basic knowledge and skills will be further deepened and expanded in courses that build on them. The first didactic course will be attended in the second semester.

Semester 3 to 4

In the following semesters, students attend courses that build on their previous knowledge; in the teaching degree courses, their knowledge is deepened in all areas. In this way, all students in the second year of study acquire the ability to carry out independent scientific work and thus already learn the basics for finding topics and writing the Bachelor's thesis in the third year of study.

Semester 5 to 6

In the fifth semester, students have the possibility to study abroad in France. The KU has a wide network of partner universities to choose from.

Semester 7 to 9

The last phase of the teaching degree program serves to prepare students for the French State Examination on the one hand, for which they can attend preparatory exam colloquia in the individual sections. In addition, the extensive freedom to choose between practical language, literature or linguistic courses allows for additional in-depth study and placing of individual focus areas. After the ninth semester, students take the State Examination. If desired, they can then make use of the Eichstätt model ‘LehramtPlus’ to write a Master's thesis, with which students can also obtain the scientifically and internationally relevant Master's degree, which qualifies them for an extracurricular field of work as well as for an academic career.

At the KU, the subject can be combined with the subjects German or English for teaching at secondary schools (LA RS or LA GY); in LA RS also with Geography; in LA GY also with History, Latin or Spanish.

Facilities

For optimal acquisition and consolidation of foreign language skills, the KU Language Center has set up a multimedia center for students. Regular guest lectures, guided visits to cultural events and organized field trips to French-speaking regions offer additional opportunities to broaden your linguistic and philological horizons while studying.

Rankings and assessments

StudyCheck2024

KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others. 

"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.

More ranking results

Studying abroad

A semester abroad in France can ideally be completed in the fifth semester. You will gain rich cultural and interpersonal experiences that can be very valuable for your future life and professional career.

The KU Eichstätt has a vast network of partner universities worldwide. In addition, you can spend a self-organized semester abroad at other universities in French-speaking countries.

During the teacher training program, there is also the possibility of spending a practical semester abroad at a school within the framework of the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD), a German educational exchange service organization. You can find more information on the PAD website (https://www.kmk-pad.org/).

Partner universities

We maintain Erasmus partnerships with the following universities in France:

Angers                        Université Catholique de l'Ouest

Arras                            Université d'Artois

Brest                            Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Clermont-Ferrand     Université Clermont Auvergne

Lille                              Université Charles de Gaulle and Université Catholique de Lille

Montpellier                 Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3

Paris                             Université Paris 13 Nord and Institut Catholique de Paris

Reims                           Université Reims Champagne Ardenne

Saint-Etienne              Université Jean Monnet de Saint-Etienne

Toulouse                      Institut Catholique de Toulouse

Further information on the application process and organization of an ERASMUS semester can be found on the website of the International Office of the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.

Practical connection

The teaching degree program also includes practical elements that are accompanied by didactic courses at the University. Some of these can be completed abroad; the International Internship Service provides information on suitable programs and scholarships.

Career possibilities and professional fields

Career prospects

In the course of your studies, you will acquire a differentiated knowledge of the French language and literature as well as practical skills in spoken and written French. In addition, you will develop a critical and structured way of thinking in dealing with texts as well as the ability to dialog with French-speaking cultural spheres in the globalized world.

After completing your program in French Studies you will have access to a broad range of professional fields. In addition to the teaching profession or an academic career, your acquired knowledge will also qualify you for work in the media and journalism. Possible fields of activity include political organizations, press and public relations, cultural institutions, the library and publishing industry, language teaching and adult education.

Alumni testimonials

Foto Katharina Kargl

"Mais Ou Et Donc OrNiCar ?

You thought you knew French, but now you have problems with this sentence? Don't worry, this is just a mnemonic for the correct punctuation of the above mentioned words, which you will be familiarized with right at the beginning of your French studies in the practical language course.

However,…

"Mais Ou Et Donc OrNiCar ?

You thought you knew French, but now you have problems with this sentence? Don't worry, this is just a mnemonic for the correct punctuation of the above mentioned words, which you will be familiarized with right at the beginning of your French studies in the practical language course.

However, Romance Studies not only includes the correct command of the language, which you will be able to deepen authentically guided by native French speakers in Eichstätt, but also allows you to study French literature from all over the world, to discover literary-cultural peculiarities and differences, and to get an insight into the origins of the French language and the development of vocabulary and grammar. In Romance Studies, this often happens in small-group seminars in which it is easy to get into contact with others and you do not get lost in the masses.

The latter can't happen to you in the small university town of Eichstätt anyway, because due to various student groups, university parties, a manageable number of cozy bars and restaurants and regular student parties, you will find numerous opportunities to end a day at university in a relaxed atmosphere.

What are you waiting for? "

- Katharina Kargl(State Examination in Romance Studies / English Studies)

What students say about the program

Foto Selina Hilbig

"When I came to Eichstätt for the first time in the summer of 2016, I immediately fell in love with the Hofgarten, the park in front of the building where enrollment took place. When the weather is nice, the park with its fountains and shady places invites you to relax between lectures.

The great advantage of studying…

"When I came to Eichstätt for the first time in the summer of 2016, I immediately fell in love with the Hofgarten, the park in front of the building where enrollment took place. When the weather is nice, the park with its fountains and shady places invites you to relax between lectures.

The great advantage of studying Romance Studies at the KU is the friendly and informal atmosphere. Courses are often held in small groups, which promises individual attention from the lecturers and makes it easier to make new contacts. In addition, the KU also offers numerous opportunities for those who are drawn from the Altmühltal region to the wide world for part of their studies. On the one hand, there are numerous partner universities on all continents where you can spend some time abroad; on the other hand, the lecturers offer regular field trips (e.g. Cuba, Barcelona, Perpignan, Corsica) for those who want to experience the language and culture on site without spending a whole semester abroad. I also find it a great enrichment that the lecturers in the practical language courses are native speakers, which greatly enhances progress in our language skills and also provides authentic insights into the society of the target country.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the ‘LehramtPlus’ program at the KU offers the unique opportunity to take the State Examination as well as an integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, which is clearly a double benefit for the chances of a successful career entry, especially in times of crisis in the civil service.

So if you are open-minded and want to learn (new) languages in an idyllic friendly and informal environment – then come to Eichstätt.”

- Selina Hilbig(teaching degree student for French / Spanish)

The KU

Sommerresidenz Luftbild

Campus

Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.

Studierende vor der Zentralbibliothek

What sets the KU apart

Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.

It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.

Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?

No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.

At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.

As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.

This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.

Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation. 

Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?

With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.

A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.

Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.

The location

Ortsschild Eichstätt
University town of Eichstätt
Willibaldsburg
Willibaldsburg
Bootsfahrer auf der Altmühl
Canoeing on the Altmühl river
[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten
Relaxing and celebrating in beer gardens

Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities. 

The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.

More on the study location Eichstätt

Advisory Service

Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!

David Guevara
David Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building Domplatz 8  |  Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01 - Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No

Application

The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.

Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!

Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.

Romance Studies - more than just a degree

Romanistik

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