Romance Studies-Economics-Geography

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Semester fee
71 Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
6 Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No

The inter- and transdisciplinary degree program specifically combines the three disciplines of Romance Studies, Geography and Economics and is aimed at all those who are interested in the complex interrelationships between people, spaces, economics and cultures and wish to acquire a basic knowledge of the three subjects, but at the same time wish to place a clear focus in one of the areas in line with their interests.
If the chosen focus is in Romance Studies, students earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.); if it is in Geography or in Economics, they complete the program with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

Romance languages around the world

The program in detail

Contents

The degree program comprises three pillars:
In addition to language, literature, and culture of Romance-speaking countries, students also gain knowledge in economics and business administration as well as human and economic geography.

Romance Studies

In the area of Romance Studies, students can choose between French, Italian or Spanish; in addition, they also have the option to acquire knowledge of Portuguese. Students deal with the cultural and historical conditions of the respective Romance language and culture as well as the corresponding regions and states and learn basic techniques of literary and linguistic work.

Business and Economics

In the field of business and economics, the course provides a substantiated insight into the sub-areas of business administration, economics and business law and enables students to use this scientific-theoretical basis for analyzing current issues in economics.

Geography

In the area of geography, students are introduced to the main contents, scientific-theoretical foundations and theory formation in human and economic geography. In addition, the course provides students with knowledge on contemporary approaches to regional geographic issues and the management of spatial development processes.

Practical language courses

Furthermore, there are also practical language courses, some of which deal with economics or regional studies.

Studying abroad

It is recommended that students spend a semester abroad in a country where the chosen Romance language is spoken; the degree program also provides for an internship abroad, which brings students into contact with possible professional fields at an early stage.

Structure

Semesters 1 and 2

In the first two semesters, students acquire basic methodological skills and fundamental knowledge of the individual disciplines in all three sub-areas – the chosen language and culture, geography and economics. This first phase of the program provides the necessary basic knowledge and skills, which are deepened and expanded further in subsequent years of study in courses that build on this first phase. In addition, this common foundation phase enables students to make a well-founded decision regarding their own area of specialization, which will be a priority for the rest of their studies.

Semesters 3 and 4

In the following semesters, the selected focus area is deepened and students acquire further skills and the ability to conduct independent scientific work. This second year of study thus represents the indispensable prerequisite for finding a topic, writing and completing the Bachelor's thesis in the third year of study, and for the next steps that follow the Bachelor's degree program, whether it is entering into professional life or enrolling in a suitable Master's degree program. At the same time, however, sufficient modules are completed in the two areas that students have not chosen as their major. This ensures that students can also demonstrate sufficient knowledge in these fields equivalent to a minor subject, for example when transferring to another university for their Master’s program.

Semesters 5 and 6

It is recommended to use the fifth semester to study abroad in a country where the chosen Romance language is spoken: Students can choose from numerous partner universities worldwide. Overall, students spend this advanced phase of the studies, and especially of course the final semester, preparing their Bachelor's thesis in the chosen major. It is also used to take special account of the inter- and transdisciplinary character of the degree program. Based on fundamental knowledge acquired in previous semesters in all three sub-areas and the in-depth study in the focus area, students complete a module consisting of two courses from different disciplines that approach related topics. In addition, students attend the interdisciplinary research colloquium, in which they present and discuss the research project they have chosen for their Bachelor's thesis, as well as a colloquium on career prospects, in which professionals from the field hold guest lectures on their respective fields of work and participants exchange internship experiences and lecturers present organizations, institutions, and companies, etc.

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

It is envisaged that students spend one semester in the course of their studies abroad in a country in which the chosen Romance language is spoken: Students can choose from numerous partner universities worldwide. In addition, the international internship that is integrated into the course of studies enables students to get to know future professional fields in an international context at an early stage.

Semester abroad in Sicily

Studentin im Portrait

“Most Germans know that Bella Italia is a great travel destination. The south, especially peripheral Sicily, is unfortunately often ignored. But the island is absolutely worth seeing with its archaeological treasures and natural resources! In any case, the ideal opportunity for getting to know the traditional south is…

“Most Germans know that Bella Italia is a great travel destination. The south, especially peripheral Sicily, is unfortunately often ignored. But the island is absolutely worth seeing with its archaeological treasures and natural resources! In any case, the ideal opportunity for getting to know the traditional south is when spending a semester abroad.

As far as Italian studies are concerned, Catania offers a wide range of courses, even though the university system is quite different from what we know from Eichstätt – I mainly attended lectures in the classical sense. The atmosphere at the university was also more hierarchical rather than friendly and open. 

The experiences I made in Catania were really positive: I felt at home in the medium-sized city. Distances are short and all within walking range and the city center offers an attractive and wide-ranging recreational program. From cultural sites to breathtaking nature – everything is possible if you want to discover the area. The active volcano Etna or the coast of Catania are just two of many destinations that you can visit both in summer and winter. Even in December, I could enjoy the fresh sea water under my feet at a pleasant 18 degrees.

If you want to experience “la dolce vita” first-hand without spending a fortune for your trip, you should definitely visit Catania! However, I would recommend at least basic knowledge of Italian in addition to English. 

What are you waiting for , mbare?“

- Viviana König (6th semester)

Practical connection

The clear practical relevance of the degree program, which already becomes evident in the combination of the three disciplines, is also achieved through the required internship, as well as in the module "Career Perspectives”, which deals with professional perspectives of graduates based on the internship experiences of the students and on guest lectures by representatives of various professional fields. Furthermore, numerous practical language courses provide direct practical relevance, such as the courses in the respective business language, in thematically oriented business language modules (such as "Négotiation professionelle"), in the area of business communication or also in journalistic skills (e.g. in the module "Periodismo online").

Career possibilities and professional fields

Career prospects

The comprehensive understanding of the chosen Romance-speaking countries and regions as well as of the impact and effects of material and symbolic practices acquired during the course of study allows students to subsequently work in various professional fields both in Germany and in the respective countries. Possible career paths include, for example, jobs in publishing and education, in journalism, in cultural organizations and institutions and political organizations as well as in the field of international cultural, trade and economic relations.

Due to the interdisciplinary orientation of the degree program, it is very well suited for a later career at the intersection between city or local government and companies in the field of service, consulting or research. Other possible professional fields lie in the area of sales or in marketing, in customer service or consulting, in public institutions, in the tourism sector or in tourism management, in the media industry or in urban and regional planning with regard to responsible tourism. The interdisciplinary degree program also trains students for jobs in German-speaking countries as well as in international and internationally active organizations and companies.

What students say about the program

Selfie Studentin in der Natur

“When I visited the Catholic University in Eichstätt for the first time on its Open Day, I had only positive impressions of the University as well as of Eichstätt itself. This was the day that also ultimately sparked my interest in the program in Romance Studies-Economics-Geography. I find the combination of these three…

“When I visited the Catholic University in Eichstätt for the first time on its Open Day, I had only positive impressions of the University as well as of Eichstätt itself. This was the day that also ultimately sparked my interest in the program in Romance Studies-Economics-Geography. I find the combination of these three subject areas very exciting, as it gives you the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in three different disciplines, which then complement each other more and more during the course of your studies. 

I also appreciate the possibility to tailor the program to your individual profile by choosing required electives over the course of your studies. This allows you to align and deepen your studies according to your personal interests.

For me, the special thing about the University is the friendly and open atmosphere and the close supervision by the lecturers, and also how quickly and easily you make new friends among your fellow students. Especially in the field of Romance Studies (in my case with Spanish), the courses are held in relatively small groups and the contact with other students and lecturers is thus all the more intensive. In general, I personally find it very good that you come into contact with so many different lecturers and students because you are involved in three different disciplines.

I can recommend the program in Romance Studies-Economics-Geography to all those who are enthusiastic about languages, open-minded and interested in regional and global issues alike, for example in relation to the actions of people in interaction with economic structures, natural landscape conditions or environmental factors.”

- Laura Scheler (2nd semester)

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

Application

Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01 - Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No

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.