The following contribution deals with the concept of research-orientated learning through the implementation of the "design-based research" methodology in the field of Romance languages education at the University of Bremen. This approach is implemented in the context of B.A. classes introducing students to general aspects of theories and methods in the field of foreign language education. The first part of the article offers an introduction to design-based research, explaining the main characteristics as well as the differences in contrast to more conventional approaches in educational studies. The second part focuses on the specific curricular implementation of this methodology in the field of Romance languages education, which is described in terms of its structure and content.