Unicert
The UNIcert certificate system enables international language training in over 20 languages at European universities accredited by an independent commission. The aim of UNIcert is the equivalence of language training at universities and a certificate that is accepted outside of universities as proof of foreign language skills. The certificate is linked to the actual language training, so an exam is not possible without prior training. UNIcert is an internationally protected brand in the education sector.
history
The UNIcert system came into force in 1992 through the Working Group of Language Centers (AKS) with the participation of representatives from universities and colleges. According to the AKS, the motivation was the “impression of increased demands on language training in view of the advancing European integration and the internationalization of practically all areas of science”.
In 2002, the Institut National d'Horticulture in Angers , France, was able to accredit a language center outside of Germany for the first time. In 2013 a university in Georgia was accredited. In 2008 it was 50,000. UNIcert certificate issued, the mark of 100,000 certificates was reached in January 2015.
Levels
The level levels are based on the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
| level | corresponds to CEFR | description | Number of certificates issued (as of December 2014) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNIcert basis | A2 | Basic knowledge of the language | (UNIcert Basis can be part of UNIcert I) |
| UNIcert I | B1 | Basic knowledge of a foreign language that can be expanded | 34338 |
| UNIcert II | B2 | (subject-specific subject) - advanced knowledge of the language (knowledge necessary for studying abroad) | 29244 |
| UNIcert III | C1 | (specific subject area possible) - knowledge to be particularly well equipped for studying abroad (e.g. for postgraduate courses abroad) | 33435 |
| UNIcert IV | C2 | (specific subject area possible) - knowledge comparable to that of a native academic speaker | 2658 |
classes
According to the UNIcert framework regulations, the lessons must be in interactive small groups of max. 25 participants take place. The formats lecture and distance learning are therefore excluded . Oral and written expression as well as listening and reading comprehension are taught. Basically, the lessons should follow the concept of action orientation. Certificates are issued if you have taken part in lessons regularly, completed tests accompanying the course (oral and written) and, at UNIcert III or IV, also passed a final examination (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written and oral language production). The exact examination procedures vary from institution to institution.
certificate
The certificate is issued by the language center of the respective university in the language of the country in which it was obtained, in English and in the language in which the certificate was obtained. It contains the grades and, on the reverse, a detailed description of the knowledge of the certificate holder. It is a requirement for admission to the Master’s degree at various universities.
Accreditation
Institutions that want to offer UNIcert have to go through an accreditation process that determines whether the institutions are able to offer modern international foreign language training. This process is repeated every three years.
Members
The membership structure of UNIcert includes both public and private colleges and universities from Germany and other European countries. Over 50 institutions are accredited.
swell
- ↑ UNIcert® - The foreign language certificate for higher education . In: aks-web.de . Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ↑ UNIcert® history . In: unicert-online.org . Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ↑ 100,000 successful graduates - UNIcert® awards anniversary language certificate . In: unicert-online.org . January 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ↑ Archived copy ( memento of the original dated June 3, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ UNIcert® in numbers . In: uni-tuebingen.de . Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ↑ http://www.unicert-online.org/de/dokumente/unicert%C2%AE-rahmenordnung
- ↑ list
literature
- Karl-Heinz Eggensperger, Johann Fischer (Ed.): Handbook UNIcert . Bochum: AKS 1998 (foreign languages in teaching and research (FLF); 22)
- Thomas Tinnefeld: Technical-language exams in the UNIcert context - with special consideration of the “Reading Comprehension” section . In: Nübold, Peter (Ed.): Foreign languages at universities: What is university-specific foreign language training. Bochum 2001, 279-290.
- Bernd Voss (Ed.): UNIcert Handbook 2 - Status - Developments - Perspectives . Bochum: AKS 2010 (foreign languages in teaching and research (FLF); 45)