How to establish a degree programme in English?

Primary Note:

Currently a lot of German universities are establishing English degree programmes. Often these programmes are described as “international” and as such explicitly address students from outside of Germany.

According to HRK, international degree programmes are “internationally accredited study courses, are completely or predominantly in English (or in another foreign language) and include international references in their curriculum. Internships abroad and/or the integration of international guest lecturers assure a specialized professional support of international students.”

Please note: The special quality of the programme has the first priority in the establishment or reorganisation of an existing German programme into an English degree programme.

Some suggestions for the establishment of an English degree programme:

Plan at least 1 year ahead(!)

Content of study

• Is all the necessary literature available in English?
• Does the programme include the German language and culture?
• Did you make arrangements with the BUW Language Centre about special Language Courses?
• Is it possible to acquire sufficient foreign language skills during the Bachelor’s studies (for the consecutive Master’s degrees)?

Teaching staff

• Do you have to reduce the teaching assignments for the reorganization?
• Are all teaching staff prepared to teach in English?
• Do teaching staff have sufficient knowledge in the foreign language?
• Do teaching staff have to provide a language certificate and/or their ability to teach in English?
• How do you prepare for the “intercultural classroom”?

Administration

• Are all the necessary documents available in English?
• Is all administrative staff prepared to support students in English?

Translation

• Are all relevant documents, websites, brochures etc. available in English or do you have to translate them?
• Do you have enough funds for the translations of the relevant documents, websites, brochures etc.?

Marketing

• How will you promote the study programme?
• Is there a special target group and if so, where?
• How do you prevent German students from getting “scared away”?

Funding/Scholarship

Scholarship are often requestedby international student and do increase the public attention for the study programme.

• Do you have the opportunity to attract more funds (for the funding of student and lecturer mobility, student services and support, etc.)
• How do you promote scholarships to the target group?

International Cooperations

• Do you offer the study programme together with international strategic partners/partner universities?
• Do you have to extend/replace/establish agreements of cooperation?

Regulations for Studies and Examination

The reorganization of study programme requires new regulations. Please contact the Office of Student and Academic Affairs (DSL).

• You have to determine the language admission requirements (German and English), for example the Commen Eurpean Framework of References for Languages, TOEFL, IELTS.
• In which language can students write the thesis?
• You might need to determine interim regulations for already matriculated students.
• If the programme does offer credit points for language classes you should involve the Language Centre in the planning at an early stage.
• Please check, if the Language Centre is obligated by the study conditions to offer courses on a special level and standard – consider as well financial aspects