German language skills

If you would like to study at the Hamburg University of Music and Drama, please note that the language of instruction in most degree programs is German. The colloquial language in the administrative and service areas is also German. Applicants whose native language is not German must therefore have specific knowledge of German for admission to the degree program and must also provide proof of this in the form of a language certificate.

The following regulations apply to most Bachelor's and Master's degree courses.

Admission requirements

Applicants from non-German-speaking countries must provide proof of good knowledge of German at level B 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as a prerequisite for admission to a Bachelor's or Master's degree course in addition to proof of artistic and academic aptitude.

This is done by submitting the following certificates or examination levels:

Language certificate of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages from B 2 upwards

Goethe-Institut,

Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP),

Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS),

Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS),

TestDaF (German as a foreign language) - level 3,

German Language Test for University Entrance for Foreign Applicants Level DSH Level I (The Hamburg University of Music and Drama does not offer a DSH examination),

German Language Diploma of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - DSD Level I.

The certificate must not be older than two years, unless the applicant has taken up studies in Germany or has a recognized professional qualification after completing the German examination.

Exceptions

Applicants who cannot provide proof of good German language skills with their application may be admitted to the course on condition that they can present a certificate of good German language skills at level B 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages by the beginning of the first semester in the case of a Bachelor's degree course or by the end of the first semester in the case of a Master's degree course. If the certificate of good German language skills at level B2 is not available by the specified dates, the Bachelor's program can still be started with the obligation to attend the language course: "German for Musicians" at the Hamburg Conservatory to acquire the language certificate in addition to the courses of the core module until the certificate is obtained . The curriculum of the Bachelor's degree programs builds on this language course. The course is intended to enable students to obtain proof of good German music-related language skills at level B 2 and is a prerequisite for admission to study at the HfMT.

During the first two semesters, only courses from the core module, the artistic elective module and the mediation module may be attended.

The courses of the music theory and musicology modules may only be attended after the language competence has been acquired.

The Presidential Board of the Hamburg University of Music and Drama decides on cases of hardship.

The language course is subject to a fee and must be paid by the student. The fee per semester is € 1,100.

If proof of enrolment in the language course is not submitted by the beginning of the first semester of a Bachelor's degree course, students cannot be enrolled.

If the certificate of good German language skills at level B2 is not submitted by the end of the first semester of a Master's degree course, students will be de-registered.

In the case of a Master's degree course, students are obliged to prove to the university that they are taking part in a recognized German course and making progress until the relevant certificate is submitted.

Applicants for a higher semester must submit proof of good German language skills at level B 2 with their application.

"German for musicians"

If the university only finds out during the course that students are unable to follow the lessons to a sufficient extent despite submitting a certificate, it may require them to take part in the "Language course: German for musicians".

Degree programs with other regulations:

In the Bachelor Composition/Theory, Master Composition with the respective focus, Master Music Theory, Dr. Langner Jazzmaster, all teacher training courses with the sub-course Music, in all courses of study in Cultural and Media Management as well as for doctoral students.

Please refer to the respective study and examination regulations to find out which language requirements must be met. You can find these in the "Course details" in the "Important documents" section.

English is the language of instruction in the Master's degree programs Contemporary Performance and Composition (CoPeCo) and Master of Art Multimedia Composition.