Do you love reading? What effect does literature and storytelling have on modern society? How does the way we use language shape identity?
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, from medieval classics to fan fiction.
The bachelor 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.
In an ever-growing international environment, there is an increasing need for employees and researchers with a high level of English. Taught by lecturers at the top of their fields, this programme provides a personal approach, prioritizing working in small classes in close contact with staff. You will be part of a lively international community of students and teachers who bring their innovative research into the classroom. This programme develops your writing, presentation and debating skills for a professional context, preparing you for entering an international job market.
| 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/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.
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.
