Language policy

The Language Policy at The Royal Danish Academy of Music (RDAM) clarifies to all stakeholders the role of Language at RDAM and how RDAM can ensure the best possible integration of international students while optimising learning outcomes through an active language policy.

The Policy is one of several strategies that RDAM has implemented to develop and improve the international environment at RDAM to attract the highest skilled international applicants. RDAM sees increased internationalisation and a focus on foreign language use in education as part of preparing all Danish and international students for a global labour market.

The Language Policy has primarily been formulated concerning the difficulties that Non-Nordic students may encounter during their studies.

The Policy will provide any interested persons with an overview of how RDAM can accommodate the particular circumstances that apply at a higher music education institution that aims to admit students from all over the world, what are expected of international students and teachers at the Academy, and what RDAM offers to meet the needs of international students.

Guidance and Information

RDAM wants international students to have equal access to information relevant to their studies. The Academy is therefore committed to providing the necessary information and communication to international students.

RDAM aims to make all relevant information accessible in English, such as the most important regulations, guidelines and curricula. Depending on relevance, the material is available at either www.dkdm.dk or on the Academy’s intranet.

If a certain material is not available in English, the student or teacher’s responsibility is to seek out and obtain the required information. Study Administration and other relevant departments are always able to assist with information, support and guidance.

All employees in administrative or technical positions at RDAM are expected to provide verbal guidance, information and assistance in English. In addition, it is RDAM’s objective that all study administrators have the necessary English skills for satisfactory, accurate and correct guidance of students and teachers in all aspects of their affiliation with RDAM.

Just as their fellow Danish students and colleagues, international students and teachers are expected to be fully informed about rules and regulations and other obligations concerning their studies or employment at RDAM. In principle, information and guidance in English should be equally accessible as in Danish, regardless of the form of communication.

Language at The Royal Danish Academy of Music

In addition to their native language, applicants to RDAM are expected to have the necessary English skills for communication and instruction in English upon enrolment. Applicants from Non-EU/EEA countries are required to account for their language skills in their application. All students at RDAM are expected to have the necessary language skills to study and receive instruction in English.

All international students are encouraged to enrol in Danish courses. Under special circumstances, tuition fee-paying students are offered an English course.

International students are encouraged to participate in Danish courses to achieve the necessary Danish skills for instruction in Danish and to further integration with their fellow students. RDAM organises Danish courses for international students in cooperation with relevant partners.

Instruction

The primary language of instruction at RDAM is Danish. Because RDAM aims to enable equal access to full participation for all students, the Academy offers tuition in English in relevant subjects such as Music History, AuralTraining, Theory, Analysis/Communication, supplementary subject and more.

The Academy is an educational institution with many international students where it is natural for teachers to conduct instruction in English. This includes daily communication in the teaching situation and all other direct or indirect relevant concerns. Therefore, teaching materials, bibliographies etc. and communication in gatherings such as group rehearsals and meetings should meet the necessary standards to include all students at RDAM.

Non-Danish faculty members are not required to teach in Danish but are expected to have the necessary language skills to teach English. Nonetheless, they are encouraged to participate in Danish classes to acquire a basic knowledge of Danish. In one-to-one teaching, the student and teacher are free to choose the teaching language concerning the language skills of both parties.

All students at RDAM, both Danish and international, must have the necessary language skills to receive instruction in English if teaching is undertaken by English speaking faculty. Likewise, faculty can expect certain communication in English amongst the teaching staff.

Exams

If relevant and language barriers may influence student performance, RDAM will offer special forms of examination to international students. RDAM registers exams taken in other languages than Danish for use in preparation for Certificates.

Other Language Policy Principles

The primary language at RDAM is Danish. Please see recommended guidelines on correct language use from Dansk Sprognævn and Retskrivningsordbogen

• Courses are offered in English where relevant.
• English is used as a second language in instruction and information material from the Study Administration. In written material, British English is preferred.
• The abbreviation of The Royal Danish Academy of Music is RDAM.
• The official language at RDAM is Danish. English is used and recognised as a necessary supplement. RDAM employs no other languages.
• The Academy website, www.dkdm.dk is available in both Danish and English. RDAM aims to ensure that the homepage and relevant news are always up to date in both languages. Certain parts of the website are, however, only available in Danish.
• RDAM aims to provide information, postings and other internal communication on the RDAM intranet in Danish and English. If the complete translation in English is not possible or appropriate, RDAM aims to either summarise the most relevant information in English or a note on where the information can be obtained.

The Academy evaluates the language policy continuously with the assistance of international students, the International Committee, department Heads and management.

Approved by management 9 August 2017 with immediate commencement.