The BA in English Language and Culture (Engelse taal en cultuur) at the University of Groningen is consistently rated as the best in the country. We teach exclusively in English, and all of our students profit from our strong research culture.
The programme concentrates on different aspects of the English language and and on literature written in English: language proficiency, linguistics, and the literature from the Middle Ages down to the present day, from the birthplace of the language in England to the United States and all parts of the Commonwealth. We cover theory, the entire range of genres and modes of writing, besides placing a strong emphasis on the cultural context of literary texts.
Important information for prospective students starting a BA or MA in September 2020
In the first year of the BA in English Language and Culture you will read a broad range of literary texts and you will learn about English as a language. You will analyse many important works, study literary theory, and engage with writings in English from the beginning to the present.In the second year you will be able to choose courses on medieval literary studies, modern literature, and linguistics. For instance, you can study the writings of premodern women, the myth of King Arthur, the modernist novel, Shakespeare and his time, contemporary American and post-colonial literature, or Language in use or Phonology. You can fully dedicate yourself to your main interest by writing a dissertation on your preferred topic in your third year. There is a range of minors that complement an English Language and Culture degree, and many students spend time at a foreign university, for example in the UK or New Zealand. After the BA degree, many students pursue one of the two MA programmes we offer: such as English Literature and Culture; Writing, Editing, and Mediating or Applied Linguistics. You can also combine your MA in English with a teacher training course.
At the University of Groningen we offer an integrated approach to the English language, linguistics, literature and culture. In addition, we concentrate on training academic skills.
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Persuasive Expression (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Sentence Structure (5 EC) | ||||
| Making Meaning: Introduction to English Literatures 1 (5 EC) | ||||
| English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Composition (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Sound Structure (5 EC) | ||||
| Knowledge and Power (5 EC) | ||||
| English Literatures: The Beginnings until 1550 (5 EC) | ||||
| English Literatures from 1550: Periods and Contexts (5 EC) | ||||
| EAP: Argumentation (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Sociolinguistics (5 EC) | ||||
| Chaucer: Works and Background (5 EC) | ||||
| Literary Theory for English Studies (5 EC) | ||||
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| EAP: Popular Contexts (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Meaning and Use (5 EC) | ||||
| Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature (5 EC) | ||||
| EAP: Debate and Discussion (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Language Change (5 EC) | ||||
| Reading Middle English (5 EC) | ||||
| EAP: Research reports (5 EC) | ||||
| Group A: English Linguistics: Phonology Laboratory. Or, in alternate years: English Linguistics: Morphology (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: English Linguistics: Research Tools (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: King Arthur, Romance and Empire (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: Modern Literature option (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: Revolutionaries and Romantics in English Literature. Or, in alternate years: Sensation & Victorian Culture (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Broken Images: Anglo-American Modernism. Or, in alternate years: Sick Jokes: Postmodernity & English Literature (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: English Employed (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: English Linguistics: Lexicon. Or, in alternate years: English Linguistics: Syntax (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Medieval Literature option (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Saints and Sinners in Medieval England (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Shakespeare at Stratford (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: World Literatures in English (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Minor (30 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: English Linguistics: Language Variation (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: Language and Culture of Anglo-Saxon England (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: The Century of the Self: English Literature & Identity (1900-) (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| BA Dissertation (Linguistics, Medieval Literature or Modern Literature) (10 EC) | ||||
| Group D: English Linguistics: Language in Interaction (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group D: Modern Popular Literature (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group D: Special Topic Medieval Literature and Culture (5 EC, optional) | ||||
In years 2 and 3 students choose modules from a number of options. In year 2: Group A: In block 2a 10 ECTS choice of 2 out of courses Group A; Group B: In block 2b 15 ECTS choice from courses Group B. In year 3: Group C: In block 2a choice of at least one module out of Group C; Group D: In block 2b choice of at least one module out of Group D
| Programme options |
|---|
| Premodern Literature and Culture (track) |
| Modern Literature and Culture (track) |
| English Linguistics (track) |
| Minors (minor) The fifth semester of your studies is dedicated to your Minor: a coherent set of future-oriented course units. It prepares you for a follow-on Master's degree program or for entering the labour market. You can opt for a Career Minor, a Minor abroad, a University Minor or a Faculty Minor. |
| University of Groningen Honours College (honours program) The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities. The Honours College comprises a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 45 EC credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme. |
Additional requirements English: Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Language Centre English Test (LCET) level C1 (B2 for a maximum of 1 component). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. For more information on the LCET, refer to site of the language center: https://www.rug.nl/language-centre/testing-unit/english-lcet/
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is compulsory. The advice is not binding.
Are you a Dutch student planning to start a Bachelor's degree programme at the University of Groningen in September? If so, you need to register with Studielink by the 1 June at the latest. The Faculty will then invite you to take part in a matching activity to find out whether the degree programme is the right one for you.
The precise nature of the matching activity differs according to degree programme. After the activity you will be advised as to whether the degree programme is a good match for you. Registration by 1 June at the latest and participation in the matching activity are both mandatory. If you have any questions about matching, go to www.rug.nl/matching.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before June 1 in Studielink. The degree programme will give you the option to participate in a matching activity to see if you and the degree programme are a match. Which matchings activity they provide depends on the faculty and programme.
Any questions about matching? Check www.rug.nl/matching
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| language test |
Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Language Centre English Test (LCET) level C1 (B2 for a maximum of 1 component). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. For more information on the LCET, refer to site of the language center: https://www.rug.nl/language-centre/testing-unit/english-lcet/ |
| previous education |
Dutch VWO diploma, a German Abitur, an International Baccalaureate diploma, a European Baccalaureate or another diploma that is sufficient for acceptance to a Dutch university. Students with Dutch 'hbo-propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned below. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2020-2021 | € 2143 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2020-2021 | € 9500 | full-time |
The Dutch government is halving tuition fees for first-year students in higher education.
Practical information for:
As a graduate, you can find a career in teaching, translating and publishing, government, cultural organisations, tourism, PR and communications, or consultancy firms. The positions you could hold are varied, but your communication skills will always be very important.
Research in the Department covers all areas of English literature and linguistics. Our particular strengths lie in modernism, pre-modern culture, and language development. We publish widely on topics such as critical theory, visual culture, travel literature, women's writing, medieval learning, and language acquisition and loss. Our staff members run or participate in a number of international research projects, including the Language Attrition project and the Hakluyt Editorial Project.
Read moreThe Bachelor's programme in English is highly regarded and very varied
Hi! I’m Charlotte, I’m 21 years old and I’m now in the third year of my Bachelor’s degree programme in English Language and Culture. I’ve been born and raised in Groningen, so I’m a real stadjer as well as a student. Alongside my studies, I like to read, cycle and go to the gym.
I’ve always been interested in the English language and culture. My love for reading, literature and history played a big role in my choice of programme. Apart from that, the Bachelor’s programme in English is highly regarded and very varied. It has something for everyone, whether you prefer literature or linguistics. As there aren’t that many students, you get to know most people in your year. This creates a personal, positive and safe atmosphere.
Read more about Charlotte and why she chose to study English Language and Culture in Groningen.
Read moreLanguage, as well as literature
I have had an interest in the English language for years, and the Groningen programme is rated as the best in the country. I enjoy how the courses all seem to intertwine (e.g. subjects from sociolinguistics used in proficiency classes, for instance). The teachers are not there anymore to hold your hand and guide you through the entire process, though they are always willing to help if you are struggling. You go through a number of books every 8 weeks or so, instead of studying from the same books for an entire year. Once you get used to this speed, you will not experience that much stress. I find Groningen to be one of the nicest cities of the Netherlands.
Read moreMeeting the most fascinating people
Ever since I was in secondary school, I knew I wanted to work in a field involving reading and discussing literary works. This passion led me to enroll in the English Language and Culture programme here at the University of Groningen.
This degree programme entails so much more than simply reading a lot of big books. The courses delve into creative and professional writing, the origins of the English language and its linguistic patterns, the numerous literary periods, key works and authors, as well as honing one’s oral skills. In addition to my course load, I am also the chairperson of the Groningen University Theatre Society. In that role, I have not only been able to practice public speaking, but I have had the opportunity to meet the most fascinating people from all over the world. Both seeing and hearing about their experiences has helped me realise that upon completion of the Bachelors program I will be furthering my studies by doing the Research Master in Literary and Cultural Studies here at this university.
Read moreI like the fact that it is a mix between linguistics, old literature, modern literature, and proficiency
My name is Eline Spoolder and I am a second-year English Language and Culture student. Before starting this programme, I studied to become an English teacher for one year. I like to read (for pleasure), watch a film or series, or play board games with my friends. If I am not in the University Library, you can find me in a pub with a glass of cider!
I chose to study English because I wanted to get to know everything about the English language. I like the fact that it is a mix between linguistics, old literature, modern literature, and proficiency because that way I could get a taste of everything and decide what I want to specialise in. You do not only learn how to write phonetically or analyse poetry, but you also learn how to look at the broader scope of texts, get the history of the English language and literature, and learn how to think critically. These skills are very helpful, whichever career you want to pursue.
Read
more about Eline Spoolder and why she chose to study English in
Groningen!
Questions?
Send Eline an e-mail!
Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at university is like? The English Language and Culture programme is offering a web class! This online course from the University of Groningen is specially designed for secondary school students. Get to know English Language and Culture by doing some reading and answering some essay questions or multiple choice questions. The course takes about 10 hours in total.
If you are interested in an English Language and Culture web class,
register
here.
