Now that the 'Code of conduct official languages' has been adapted and passed by the University Council, nothing stands in the way of introducing English language master's programmes. But how good or how bad is the English of the average person at the UT? Tests will tell. Those who fail will have to attend a course.
Because all regular master's programmes will be accessible for both Dutch and international students English will be the official language during lectures and exams. But the introduction will not take place without problems. 'Introducing education in English should not impact negatively on the quality of education', policy staff member Angela Rijnhart explains.
Stammering teachers who irritate students with their Dunglish, or students who cannot keep up; scenes the UT wants to prevent.
'Students sometimes say that the teachers' English is bad', Rijnhart says. 'But apart from that the teacher also has to have didactal skills in relation to the use of the English language.'
The responsibility for the quality and studiability of programmes lies with the faculties. 'But as it concerns a UT-wide phenomenon, it seems obvious that the programmes should take care of this together', says Rijnhart. 'The Dinkel Institute is already working on a plan. There are international tests to determine someone's level. The UT has to decide which of these tests are suitable for its programmes.'
Someone who fails the test and does want to take the master's programme needs to brush up his knowledge. Are funds for that available? 'We also need to agree on that', Rijnhart says. 'I can imagine that for a master's connecting seamlessly to a bachelor's programme, command of English will be part of the bachelor's. But for other master's programmes this might be less obvious and students may have to improve their English themselves.' Cost-effective courses may help.
Rijnhart emphasises that not all master's programmes will immediately switch to English. 'It is a phased process, which actually takes place at almost all universities. Not all students will have to deal with it straightaway.'
