Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in German

The Bachelor of Arts in German is a four-year degree programme that develops proficiency in the German language alongside knowledge of German-speaking cultures, literatures, and societies.

The curriculum covers German language across all proficiency levels, German literature, German phonetics and phonology, translation, intercultural communication, background studies of German-speaking peoples, contemporary German history, German politics, writing skills, and selected readings in German.

Students develop competencies in German language proficiency (CEFR levels B1 to C1), translation and interpretation, intercultural communication, academic writing in German, literary analysis, and research methods. The programme combines classroom instruction with oral practice, comprehension exercises, and cultural studies.

Graduates pursue careers as German teachers, translators, interpreters, tour guides, international relations officers, cultural exchange coordinators, and professionals in organisations with German connections. They find employment in schools, Goethe-Institut, German development organisations, tourism companies, NGOs, and international businesses.

The programme is offered at Moi University, Kenyatta University, Pwani University, and the University of Nairobi. Fees range from KSH 116,280 at Pwani University to KSH 183,600 at Kenyatta University per year.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with B- in German at KCSE or equivalent certification from the Goethe-Institut (Zertifikat Deutsch), following university-specific requirements.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 202,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

German Language
German Literature
German Phonetics and Phonology
Translation
Intercultural Communication
Background Studies of German-Speaking Peoples
Contemporary German History
German Politics
Writing Skills in German
Linguistics

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to German Language
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational German language instruction covering basic grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.
Oral Expression and Comprehension
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Development of speaking and listening skills in German through structured oral practice.
Background Studies to German-Speaking Peoples
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduction to the cultures, histories, and societies of German-speaking countries.
Writing Skills in German
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Writing Skills in German: Development of academic and creative writing skills in German. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Advanced German Language
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Intermediate-level German language instruction building on first-year foundations.
Introduction to German Literature
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduction to German Literature: Introduction to German literary works, genres, and analytical methods. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
German Phonetics and Phonology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
German Phonetics and Phonology: Study of German speech sounds, pronunciation, and phonological systems. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Translation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Theory and practice of translating between German and English, including techniques and challenges.
German Literature II
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced study of German literary works, focusing on specific periods and authors.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Practical attachment in a school, cultural institution, tourism company, or organisation using German.
Advanced Translations
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced translation techniques and practice with complex texts between German and English.
Communication Skills in German
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication Skills in German: Advanced communication skills for professional and academic contexts in German. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.

Specialisations

German Language
Development of German language proficiency from beginner to advanced levels, covering speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
German Literature
Study of German literary works, authors, and literary movements from classicism to contemporary periods.
Translation and Interpretation
Theory and practice of translating between German and English, including advanced translation techniques.
Intercultural Communication
Study of communication between German-speaking and Kenyan/African cultures, including cultural exchange and comparative studies.
German for Tourism and Hospitality
Application of German language skills in tourism and hospitality contexts, relevant to Kenya's tourism industry.

A day as a student

A typical day combines language practice with cultural studies. Morning sessions focus on German language instruction, grammar, and oral expression, while afternoons cover literature, translation, or background studies. Students practise speaking, listening, reading, and writing in German. Small class sizes enable interactive learning, group discussions, and oral presentations. Cultural events and German film screenings complement classroom learning.

The trade offs

In its favour

German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU, opening career opportunities across Europe.
Programme is offered at four universities, providing institutional choice.
Small class sizes enable interactive learning and individual attention from lecturers.
DAAD scholarships provide opportunities for further study in Germany.

Against it

German is perceived as a difficult language, requiring significant study time and dedication.
Career opportunities in Kenya are more limited compared to English or Kiswahili.
Requires B- in German at KCSE, which limits eligibility to students who studied German in secondary school.
Programme may require additional certification (Goethe-Zertifikat) for international recognition.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private199k to 203k

199k at Daystar University203k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN BA 189,004/yr, KU 153,000/yr (KUCCPS). Daystar 199,200/yr, CUEA 202,800/yr (official).

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. DAAD offers scholarships for German studies students to study in Germany.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
DAAD Scholarships

Scholarships

4 recorded

County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
DAAD Scholarship
International scholarship
Students of German studies demonstrating academic excellence, for study in Germany.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE with C in German plus Zertifikat Deutsch (B1) from the Goethe-Institut; OR Diploma in German or related field from a recognised institution; OR equivalent certification recognised by the university Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, oral examinations, translation exercises, and class participation during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering German language, literature, and cultural studies.
Oral Examinations
Practical100% of the mark
Oral proficiency assessments evaluating speaking and comprehension skills in German.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of attachment performance in a German-language workplace, including supervisor evaluation and report.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

German Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Teaches German at secondary schools or language institutes, requiring additional teaching qualification.
Translator
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 100,000
Translates documents and materials between German and English for organisations and companies.
Tour Guide
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 80,000
Guides German-speaking tourists, providing cultural and historical information in German.
Interpreter
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Provides simultaneous or consecutive interpretation between German and English at conferences and meetings.
International Relations Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 130,000
Works in diplomatic missions or international organisations requiring German language skills.
Cultural Exchange Coordinator
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Coordinates cultural exchange programmes between Kenya and German-speaking countries.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as German teachers, translators, interpreters, and tour guides. Demand is moderate with opportunities in education, tourism, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Goethe-Institut Learning Platform
Language learningPrimary
Official German language learning platform providing courses, exercises, and examination preparation.
DW Learn German
Language learningPrimary
Deutsche Welle's free online German learning platform with courses at all levels.
Anki
Vocabulary building
Spaced repetition flashcard software for vocabulary acquisition.
Duden Online
Reference
Authoritative German dictionary and language reference resource.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for assignments, presentations, and translation work.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

German is too difficult to learn.
With structured instruction over four years, students achieve proficiency from beginner to advanced levels, supported by proven teaching methodologies.
German language skills are only useful in Germany.
German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in the European Union and is valuable in Austria, Switzerland, and international organisations.
A German degree only leads to teaching.
Graduates pursue careers in translation, tourism, international relations, diplomacy, and development cooperation.
German is not relevant in Kenya.
Germany is a major trading partner and development cooperation partner for Kenya, creating demand for German-speaking professionals.