German and Psychology

German

Germany has played a central role in Europe's history and continues to be a key power in the European Union today. The German language is essential to understand more about the Europe in which we live. Whether for the purpose of business, government or culture, German will ensure that you will benefit from a wealth of opportunity in the graduate job market. German graduates are highly sought after, both to work in Europe and in European Companies based in the UK. Aston's German graduates are extremely proficient in the written and spoken language and are also well developed in analytical, communicational and other transferable skills. By choosing German as a subject in a Combined Honours Degree, you will benefit from a degree with breadth and depth significantly enhancing your career prospects on graduation

Psychology

Psychology as a formal scientific discipline emerged in Europe about 130 years ago as the science of mind and behaviour. The focus of psychology is people what and how they think and feel and how they relate to others. Psychology is a research discipline and uses the experimental methods of traditional science as well as an increasingly wide range of other research methods.

Our programme investigates theories of psychology and their applications in contemporary society. We emphasise human rather than animal behaviour, and the applications of psychology. The degree programme integrates theoretical psychology, techniques of psychological investigation and the major areas of applied psychology. Our programme will provide you with a thorough grounding in theory, research and practice in contemporary psychology, a high-level practical and research experience, specialist professional skills and expertise, and a broad intellectual training.

Key benefits

German

Aston is committed to the study of language in context. You will develop near-native proficiency and a high level of communicative skills through an in-depth study of contemporary history, politics, culture and economics of Germany and German-speaking countries. Our programme is taught in German and stresses an understanding of German society and a practical command of the language, emphasising it as a means of communication and mutual understanding in the contemporary world.

Aston's German degrees are nationally recognised as an excellent preparation for a wide range of exciting careers in languages and many other fields. As most classes are taught in German, the study of language is combined with a sophisticated understanding of the German-speaking world. The integrated Year Abroad can be spent in Germany, Austria or German-speaking Switzerland.

Psychology

The Human Psychology degree has been taught at Aston University since 1972 and is highly regarded. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) awarded Aston's Psychology programmes a score of 22 to of 24 in the most recent round of assessments, which places us in the excellent category. Aston is also outstandingly successful in graduate employment. In 2003, 88% of Aston graduates entered employment and in Psychology 75% entered employment compared with 72% nationally.

Teaching and assessment

German

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• lectures, tutorials and seminars

• exercises and case studies

• group and individual project work

• use of our extensive computing facilities

• corporate investigation and analysis

Students will be assessed in individual modules by end-of-semester (January & May/June) examinations and by assignments conducted and submitted during each session. Each module has its own method of assessment. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, presentations and projects.

Psychology

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• lectures, tutorials and seminars

• exercises and case studies

• group and individual project work

• use of our extensive computing facilities

• corporate investigation and analysis

Students will be assessed in individual modules by end-of-semester (January & May/June) examinations and by assignments conducted and submitted

Personal development

German

The placement year at Aston University has an enviable reputation. This year provides the opportunity to develop professional skills by spending a year in paid employment while developing fluency in German.

While the placement year is compulsory, students have a choice of three options. They can undertake an industrial or professional placement in an established and leading German company. Alternatively students could choose to study at one of our prestigious partner ERASMUS institutions in Germany or Austria. The third option available is to work as an English Teaching Assistant at a German or Austrian school.

The School of Languages and Social Sciences has a full-time placement officer who is dedicated in assisting students finding suitable placements.

Aston has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK. Aston University ensures that you will gain academic knowledge as well as developing a wide range of skills that are valued by employers. Aston's German graduates offer potential employers strong communication and problem-solving skills and have a proven record of securing lucrative, varied and stimulating positions after completing their studies at Aston University.

Psychology

You can choose between a 3 year, full time and a 4 year sandwich Combined Honours degree with Human Psychology. You will have the option to set your studies in context by taking a psychology or related professional placement. The placement year is one of the key factors in Aston's employment success and its educational value was highly praised by the QAA inspectors. Recent psychology placement employers include North Birmingham Mental Health Trust, Birmingham Childrens Hospital, and the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA).

Many students also take business placements, often in human resource management, where a psychology degree is highly valued. A years work will improve your employment prospects and prepare you for your future career. A placement year can also transform your academic progress, as you return to study refreshed from seeing the practical relevance of psychology in action.

Our emphasis on applied and Human Psychology provides an excellent springboard for careers in diverse professions. The decline in manufacturing and the growth of the service sector puts psychology graduates at a premium-they have insight into motivation and behaviour and know about people, relationships and group dynamics, have excellent communication and teamwork skills, are trained the critical and analytic and can design, conduct and analyse and evaluate research, all of which are valued by employers.

Combined Honours Psychology Graduates go on to pursue a very wide range of career paths. Graduates can enter business and commercial careers, caring and social careers, teaching and local government careers and many others. Progression rate to a first job is very high for Aston students and career prospects are good.

Career prospects

German

Britain's increased involvement with the European Union as well as the process of globalisation have led to an ever-increasing demand for top-quality graduates with practical, near-native language skills and an in-depth knowledge of other European countries and their business and communication cultures. They require an expertise in contemporary, social, economic and political issues as well as the ability to work comfortably and competently in a variety of media. As one of our German graduates, you will match these criteria fully. Recent graduates have entered careers in UK and international business/marketing, the languages and communications professions, education, European institutions and research. Career prospects for languages graduates in the UK are proven to be better than those studying IT, Business, Management and Economics degrees.

Psychology

Combined Honours Psychology Graduates go on to pursue a very wide range of career paths. Graduates can enter business and commercial careers, caring and social careers, teaching and local government careers and many others. Progression rate to a first job is very high for Aston students and career prospects are good. For example, employment destinations for Combined Honours Psychology students in 2003 included Lloyds TSB, NHS, Xerox UK Ltd and Vodafone.