The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year. A DipGrad is a great way to retrain or to update existing qualifications. Many students also find it a convenient way to continue learning and that it is a useful bridge to postgraduate study. German involves the systematic study of a language that is a close cousin of English. German culture has contributed greatly to the development of literature, science, philosophy, music and the visual arts in the western world. Consequently the study of German enhances the study of many other disciplines. German is one of the major European languages and Germany's influence in Europe has been growing steadily since the opening up of Eastern Europe in 1989. Courses at all levels in German are based on active use of the language, both oral and written, and not only in the classroom. The teaching programme is supported by a variety of extra-curricular activities: German films, cultural events, camps, and the production of an annual play. Through your studies you will encounter a major European culture and meet central figures in European literature such as Goethe, Thomas Mann, Kafka, Brecht, Dürrenmatt and the 1999 Nobel Prize-winner Günter Grass. Papers Required Approved papers from those prescribed at 300-level for the major subject or endorsement requirements for the subject concerned and/or from those available at a higher level in the subject concerned. Of the 72 points required above 200-level for the programme, a minimum of 54 points shall be from papers for the subject concerned, but papers worth up to 72 points may be required for certain subjects. Other papers at 100- and/or 200-level in the subject concerned may also be required in some cases as a condition of endorsement. Structure of the Programme Every programme of study for the diploma shall consist of papers worth at least 120 points; include at least 72 points for papers at or above 300-level; include such other work as may be prescribed in particular cases. Students who have been granted credit for study elsewhere that has not been counted towards any other qualification may include up to 60 points for such credit in a programme. The credit may be at 100- or 200-level only, except in the case of students participating in the Student Exchange Programme, who may be credited with papers at 300-level or above.