Is English your favourite subject at school? How does the Netflix series Bridgerton combine the novels of Jane Austen with modern thoughts on women, race and equality? In an ever-growing diverse society, how will studying linguistics improve your communication and analytical skills?
English is a global language. In literature and films, international politics and the corporate world, English is everywhere. It is only by studying the language and its cultures that we can understand its impact across the world. While acquiring key skills in analysis, interpretation, critical thinking, research and independence, you will have the opportunity to study your favourite authors from across the English-speaking world. The bachelors in English Language and Culture at the University of Groningen is the oldest in The Netherlands and over the past decade has been the highest rated programme.
At the University of Groningen, you will gain a deep understanding of the literary, cultural and linguistic evolution of the English language from its early medieval origins up to the present day. Our programme covers the rich literatures, language developments and cultures of the British Isles and North America, as well as other countries where English is used. Throughout the course of their study, students have the opportunity to tailor their study to their specific interests and needs.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| 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) | ||||
Unlike many BA English programmes, Groningen's curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in a variety of literary and linguistic approaches to a range of texts from different historical periods. After attaining this knowledge, students then will gain a deep and nuanced understanding of their chosen specialisation.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| EAP: Popular Contexts (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Language Change (5 EC) | ||||
| Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature (5 EC) | ||||
| EAP: Research Reports (5 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Meaning and Use (5 EC) | ||||
| Literature and the Supernatural (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Reading Middle English (5 EC) | ||||
| EAP: Debate and Discussion (5 EC) | ||||
| English as a Lingua Franca (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Urban and Hip-hop Linguistics OR, in alternate years: English Linguistics: Phonology Laboratory (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| King Arthur, Romance and Empire. Or, in alternate years, Marvels, Monsters, and Mysteries (5 EC, optional) (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| The Class Struggle in Modern Fiction (5 EC, facultatief) (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Victorian Literature and Culture OR, in alternate years, The Romantic Revolution (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| English Employed (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| English Employed (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Psycholinguistics, OR, in alternate years, Linguistics: Research Tools (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Syntax OR, in alternate years, English Linguistics: First Language Acquisition (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Legacies of the Enlightenment Or, in alternate years: Broken Images: Anglophone Modernism (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Pirates and Poets: Viking Encounters in the British Isles (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Saints and Sinners in Medieval England. Or, in alternate years, Controversy and Dispute in Medieval English Literature (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Shakespeare at Stratford (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| World Literatures in English OR, in alternate years: American Literature and Social Justice (5 EC, optional) | ||||
In year 3, students can choose from a range of modules to hone their specialisation. During the course of your degree, you may choose to pursue a minor or undertake a work placement. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad. Groningen has established links with British and Irish universities, as well as several other top institutions from across Europe. In addition, students will have the opportunity to write a dissertation.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Crossing Borders (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Minor (30 EC) | ||||
| Controversial Literature (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Language Variation (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Language and Culture of Early Medieval England (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| BA Dissertation (Linguistics, Medieval Literature or Modern Literature) (10 EC) | ||||
| English Linguistics: Language in Interaction (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Intersectional Approaches to Twenty-First Century Women's Writing (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Special Topic Medieval Literature and Culture (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Please note that above is the programme for the current academic year (2025-2026). From 2026-2027, the courses of this programme will change. More will be announced in autumn 2025.
| Programme options |
|---|
| 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. |
Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.
Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.
Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.
Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.
Taaleis Engels: een VWO diploma, een deelcertificaat voor VWO Engels (cijfer 6 of hoger), minimum TOEFL eis iBT 90 (met een minimum van 21 voor alle onderdelen), of IELTS 6.5 (met een minimum van 6 voor alle onderdelen) of Cambridge C1 Advanced of C2 Proficiency met een minimum score van 180. Klik op de link voor meer informatie: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.
If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.
If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
A 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. For other VWO-equivalent qualifications, see: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/with-non-dutch-diploma/entry-requirements/bachelor-entry-requirements/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. Students with Dutch 'hbo-propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned below. |
| other admission requirements |
English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), 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) of Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
After graduating from the BA English Language and Culture programme, you will be equipped with academic and professional skills that will prepare you for further study at MA and PhD levels and for the job market. You will have developed the ability to:
Your degree in English Language and Culture is the perfect preparation for your future career. As an English graduate, you will not only have obtained a broad and detailed understanding of the English language, its history and cultural contexts, but will have acquired specialist skills that are highly sought after by numerous institutions and companies. Our graduates think critically, are self-motivated, disciplined, reflective and have an excellent style of communication.
Hi! My name is Lineke, I’m twenty-two years old, and currently a third-year student of the BA English Language and Culture, where I’m specializing in linguistics. Besides my studies, I am involved in the study association NUTS, the programme committee, and a student organization. In my free time, I like to watch films and series, hang out with my friends, and read.
I chose to study English Language and Culture because English was my favourite subject in high school and I have a broad interest for language and literature in general. This made the programme a great fit for me, because you get the opportunity to study linguistics, modern literature, and medieval literature. In years 2 and 3, you can choose specific course units that fit your skills and interests, making the programme really diverse and personal.
Read more about Lineke and why she chose to study English Language and Culture in Groningen!
Hi! My name is Nora de Beer and I am a third-year student of English Language and Culture. I am also an active member of our study association NUTS. I was on the board last year and will continue to be very involved this year. I also live in Groningen with four lovely housemates, who I have lots of fun with. In my free time, I love to read, bake, cook, and do fun things with my friends.
As an avid reader growing up, I was always interested in languages, so when my high school English teacher suggested I look into studying English, I was hooked. I went to Open Days and Student for a Day events and I loved it. My initial favourite subjects were literature-related, as I had expected. However, very soon I fell in love with linguistics and that has since become my main focus.
Hi, my name is Thirsa Hiemstra! I’m a second-year English Language and Culture student. In my free time I, unsurprisingly, like reading, watching TV series, and cooking for my friends and housemates.
I have always been interested in languages for as long as I can remember, so a language-focused study was always high on my list. During high school, I fell in love with the whole process of essay writing: the literary analysis and formulating my thoughts in an understandable way. In Groningen, I can dissect texts to my heart’s content! After completing my first year here, I discovered I want to specialize in medieval literature, which I would have never expected when I first started.
My name is Sézaïg Vije and I am a second-year English Language and Culture student. I am also an active member of our study association NUTS, where I do not shy away from a few drinks. In my free time I like playing rugby, reading, and watching movies or series.
I chose to study English because I really enjoyed the literature in secondary school. When I started with this programme, I fell in love with everything it had to offer: linguistics, modern literature, medieval literature, even academic writing. You get a broad view of English, especially in the beginning of this study, but later you also get to specialize in your favorite aspect. You will obtain extra skills as well, like critical thinking and a broader world view.
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.
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.
