English is the language of instruction in this course and each program can be successfully completed entirely in English. We offer a few additional optional modules, which may be taught in German, however, most transparencies as well as the greater part of the other learning material and recommended literature will be in English. Also, for presentations, lab reports and examinations you will be allowed to use English. Although English is the language of instruction in our course, it will be most important that you have a reasonable understanding of written and spoken German before you take up your coursework.

For both languages, you will have to provide certification of your level of proficiency.

If English was the main language of instruction at your institution of higher education, this needs to be documented by your university and you are exempt from taking a test. If this is not the case and you are not a native speaker of English, you must take an English language test, e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent.

The minimum score/level for admission is:

• TOEFL: 550 paper based / 213 computer based / 79 internet based
• IELTS: Level 7.0
• For European Students: C1 Level according to Common European Framework of Reference Level Descriptions

Indian nationals please notice: Indian nationals who wish to travel to Germany for studying purposes require a visa prior to their departure.

At present the following documents have to be submitted, if you apply for a visa:

• Proof of Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS, not older than 12 months, Original and A4 sized copy)

German

For several reasons, you need to acquire a basic understanding of German (preferably "Basic user", A2 according to Common European Framework of Reference Level Descriptions) prior to your arrival in Germany: You should be able to

• understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment),
• communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters,
• describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

We request that you take language classes offered either by a university or a Goethe-Institut (or equivalent) near you and have your level of proficiency documented by a certificate. Furthermore, it is expected that you enrol for both German language modules offered in the Master's course.

If German was a main language of instruction at your institution of higher education, this needs to be documented by your university.

At the end of the second semester you have the opportunity to take an official test of German as a foreign language, the TestDaF or the Certificate ZD (Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache – German as a foreign language; issued by the Goethe-Institut), documenting your improvement as part of your newly acquired qualifications.