Language diversity in Europe is seen as an added-value of studies in Europe. Students are provided with the possibility of using the official languages of the five host countries (English, French, Portuguese, Norwegian, Spanish or Basque), the language of instruction (English) and the language of the country where they carry out their thesis project (other than English, French, Portuguese, Norwegian, Spanish or Basque).

Instruction languages

The instruction language for the MSc Degree Programme is English at all of the Partner Universities. Teaching is offered in English, at least to ensure that every student is offered the possibility to follow 120 ECTS in English.

Modules in Spanish and Basque at UPV/EHU, in French at UBx, UPPA and ULiège, in Portuguese in UPO and in Norwegian in NTNU may be selected by students, after approval by the JPB.

Students may take the assessments in other languages with the approval of the JPB. This aspect will be indicated also as recommended action in the mentor’s report and the Student Agreement.

The MSc Thesis can be presented in English, French, Portuguese, Norwegian, Spanish, or Basque. In every case, a summary in English must be provided.

English language proficiency

English language proficiency is a pre-requisite. The minimum requirements for non-native speakers are an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 570/227, or an equivalent approved by the JPB.

Tests recognised by the ECT+ Consortium

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) & TOEFL iBT
  • IELTS (Academic) (International English Language Testing System)
  • PSI Services (UK) Ltd; Skills for English UKVI (4 component)
  • Trinity College London ISE (Integrated Skills in English)
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency and Advanced
  • PTE Academic
  • Duolingo English Test

Nationals of these countries are not required to demonstrate their English language proficiency

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America.

Other means of assessing English language proficiency

Studying a degree taught and assessed in English in a non-majority English speaking country: Applicants who have successfully completed a degree taught and assessed in English in the two years preceding the date of first enrolment at the ECT+ programme will be considered for admission. Applicants will be required to evidence this by means of an official letter from the awarding institution confirming that they have been taught and assessed in the medium of English. We will also consider the whole application and accompanying documents to assess the level of competence in the language. The ECT+ Consortium reserves the right to ask for additional evidence of English language if we have concerns about an applicant’s abilities.

Training facilities and local language learning

The Partner Universities offer language learning support through training courses in several European languages. All universities procure language courses for foreign students, taught by specific departments; they promote the national languages, in order to facilitate social integration.

Partners dispose of the necessary resources to enforce this policy (International Offices, Language Centres, Intensive training sessions offered twice a year); these are sponsored and paid for by the universities.