To keep fit for international competition, a number of English-language courses and programmes are available for lighting professionals. 

The German institute for applied lighting research DIAL offers a five-day "Expert for Lighting Design" seminar in Lüdenscheid (Germany), which guides participants through the steps and processes involved in comprehensive lighting design. The seminar looks at lighting design from three angles – function, architecture and user requirements – and consolidates the learning process with practical exercises and workshops. The seminar is manufacturer- and product independent. 

The University of Wismar offers a master's programme in Architectural Lighting Design offering students the chance to spend four semesters specialising in lighting design. They learn how to use light to create good living and working conditions and also how to harness it to generate different atmospheres in a room. Applicants need to have completed a bachelor's or "Diplomingenieur" degree in architecture, interior design, design or electrical engineering. The application deadline is 1 May 2012. Good English language skills are required and a knowledge of German is reported to be useful. 

Click here for DIAL and here for the University of Wismar.