Bachelor - full-time

European Languages and Cultures

Would you like to become an expert on the cultures, languages and politics of Europe?

The degree programme in European Languages and Cultures (in Dutch: ETC, Europese Talen en Culturen) is designed to meet the growing need for academicly trained experts with:

a deep understanding of the major social, political, cultural and linguistic questions in and about Europe today, and
excellent language skills in one or two of the following languages: German, English, French, Italian, Dutch as a second language, Russian, Spanish or Swedish, called 'major language'.

By studying the key linguistic, political, cultural and social topics of contemporary Europe, you will learn to understand the mutual relationship, differences and similarities among national and regional cultures. In doing so, you will learn to understand future challenges and inform advanced decision-making in cultural, political and educational institutions.

The programme has a flexible structure. From your second year onward, you will specialise in one of the profiles:

European Language and Society
European Culture and Literature
European Politics and Society

During your third year, you can study abroad. The second and third year comprises of subject-related courses taught in your major language. In addition, you can choose to specialise further by means of a Minor, elective courses and/or a short placement. Your Bachelor's degree is finalised with a thesis.

Facts & Figures

Degree: BA in European Languages and Cultures
Course type: Bachelor
Duration: 36 months (180 EC)
Croho code: 56124
Language of instruction: Dutch, English
Start: September
Faculty: Arts

Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

In-depth study of Europe's political, cultural, social and linguistic dimensions,
Wide range of languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish,
Three specialisation profiles: Language and Society, Culture and Literature, Politics and Society,
Intensive language learning course units, usually in small groups, leading to a near-native proficiency level,
Wide range of Minors and elective courses to choose from,
Many seminars in the programme European Languages and Cultures are offered both in English and in Dutch.

Programme

The first year compromises introductory course units to the three profiles within our programme: European Language and Society, European Culture and Literature and European Politics and Society. At the end of the first year you will choose one or two of these profiles, in which you will specialize throughout the rest of the degree programme. Furthermore, throughout the first year, you will follow language proficiency course units in your major language.

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Introduction Linguistics (5 EC)
Studying Europe (5 EC)
Language proficiency 1 major language (10 EC)
Culture and Literature (5 EC)
Making Modern Europe (5 EC)
Academic skills (5 EC)
Intro Socio/ Applied Linguistics (5 EC)
Language proficiency 2 major language (10 EC)
Text and Context (5 EC)
Themes in European Politics (5 EC)

In the second year you will start to specialize in one or two of the three profiles (Language and Society, Culture and Literature, and/or Politics and Society) and further develop your academic skills. In addition, you will follow more proficiency training and course units in your major language.

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Theme course 3 within chosen profile (5 EC)
Elective (10 EC)
Language-proficiency 3 major language (10 EC)
Language-specific module 1 Politics and Society (5 EC)
Theme course 5 within chosen profile (5 EC)
Elective (10 EC)
Language-specific module 1 Culture and Literature (5 EC)
Language-specific module 1 Language and Society (5 EC)

In the first semester of your third year, you complete a Minor. You can choose between the research Minor, the work field Minor with a placement, the pre-Master's/Minor, the teacher-training Minor and the study-abroad Minor. During the study-abroad Minor you can raise your proficiency to near-native speaker level and follow in-depth courses.

In the second semester, you take a final language-specific course in your major language and two profile courses. You complete your Bachelor's degree with a thesis.

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Minor (30 EC)
Theme course 6 within chosen profile (5 EC)
Bachelor thesis (10 EC)
Language-specific module 2 (10 EC)
Theme course 7 within chosen profile (5 EC)

Curriculum

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
European Politics and Society (profile) This profile focuses on political and social challenges in Europe, past and present. It deals with pressing questions about democracy, social cleavages and political values. How do citizens relate to their region, their country and Europe? More information about this option
European Culture and Literature (profile) In this profile will study Europe's cultural production - such as literature, films, series, games, theatre, music, or fine arts - and its relevance for society and our daily lives. More information about this option
European Language and Society (profile) In this profile you will study topics such as the emergence and development of European languages within and outside Europe. Attention will be paid, for example, to language use, language change and multilingualism. More information about this option
German (specialization)
Italian (specialization)
Dutch as a second language (specialization)
English (specialization)
French (specialization)
Spanish (specialization)
Russian (specialization)
Swedish (specialization)
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 minor abroad, a career minor with a placement option, an assignment for an employer or entrepreneurship, a faculty minor, an educational minor or a university minor. More information about this option
University of Groningen Honours College (honours program) Honours College gives talented, motivated students the opportunity to challenge themselves even more by offering a programme that is followed in addition to the regular degree programme. More information about this option

Study abroad

Study abroad is recommended
Maximum of 30 EC

An excellent way to further immerse yourself into the language and culture of your choice is to visit the respective country or language area. That is why the third year offers the opportunity for a one-semester stay in a country where your target language is spoken.

The Faculty of Arts has excellent contacts with many renowned universities within and outside Europe. A stay abroad is very useful and looks good in your CV, but is also a lot of fun!

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

VWO Natuur & Techniek

Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal.
VWO Natuur & Gezondheid

Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal.
VWO Economie & Maatschappij

Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal.
VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal.
HBO propedeuse

Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal. Klik op de link voor meer informatie: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	For Dutch as a foreign language, Italian, Russian and Swedish, no previous knowledge is necessary. See the flowcharts below for more information for your prospective major language. For Spanish, we offer two different levels: one for advanced learners and one for beginners. Students with a Dutch 'HBO propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned below. French Plus (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO + French as exam subject (with a sufficient grade) 6 years of French in high school High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level Abitur + French as Leistungskurse or Profilfächer DELF A2 (min 12,5 points for each part) Valid TCF A2 (min 250 pts) German Plus (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO + German Equivalent of A-level + German (obtained within the EU and not older than 2 years) Spanish Plus (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO with Spanish as exam subject High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level DELE A2 English (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO diploma / subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher) Equivalent of a VWO diploma for non Dutch students Internet-based TOEFL test: with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 21 on all components; IELTS Academic Module 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 on all components; Certificate from the University of Groningen Language Centre, at least CEFR C1 with B2 for no more than two components; Cambridge: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180
other admission requirements	Below you will find the flowcharts for your prospective Major language. There you will also find more information concerning the admission form and procedure. Italian, Russian, Swedish or Dutch Major Spanish Major German Major French Major English Major

Specific requirements

More information

previous education

For Dutch as a foreign language, Italian, Russian and Swedish, no previous knowledge is necessary. See the flowcharts below for more information for your prospective major language.

For Spanish, we offer two different levels: one for advanced learners and one for beginners. Students with a Dutch 'HBO propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned below.

French Plus (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO + French as exam subject (with a sufficient grade)
6 years of French in high school
High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level
Abitur + French as Leistungskurse or Profilfächer
DELF A2 (min 12,5 points for each part)
Valid TCF A2 (min 250 pts)

German Plus (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO + German
Equivalent of A-level + German (obtained within the EU and not older than 2 years)

Spanish Plus (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO with Spanish as exam subject
High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level
DELE A2

English (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO diploma / subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher)
Equivalent of a VWO diploma for non Dutch students
Internet-based TOEFL test: with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 21 on all components;
IELTS Academic Module 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 on all components;
Certificate from the University of Groningen Language Centre, at least CEFR C1 with B2 for no more than two components;
Cambridge: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180

other admission requirements

Below you will find the flowcharts for your prospective Major language. There you will also find more information concerning the admission form and procedure.

Italian, Russian, Swedish or Dutch Major

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Explanatory notes

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

Application deadlines

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

Choice of degree programme check

If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching

Admission requirements

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 as mentioned below. For Dutch as a second language, Italian, Russian and Swedish, no previous knowledge is necessary. For Spanish, we offer two different levels: one for advanced learners and one for beginners. French Plus (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO + French as final subject (with a sufficient grade) 6 years of French in high school High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level Abitur + French as Leistungskurse or Profilfächer DELF A2 (min 12,5 points for each part) Valid TCF A2 (min 250 pts) German Plus (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO + German Equivalent of A-level + German (obtained within the EU and not older than 2 years) Spanish Plus (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO with central exam Spanish High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level DELE A2 English (see the flowchart below for more information) VWO + English Equivalent of a VWO diploma for non Dutch students A subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items) IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items) Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.
other admission requirements	Language requirement English: 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. Below you can find the flowcharts for your future Major language. Here, you can also find more information about the application form and procedure. Italian, Russian, Swedish or Dutch Major Spanish Major German Major French Major English Major

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 as mentioned below.

For Dutch as a second language, Italian, Russian and Swedish, no previous knowledge is necessary.

For Spanish, we offer two different levels: one for advanced learners and one for beginners.

French Plus (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO + French as final subject (with a sufficient grade)
6 years of French in high school
High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level
Abitur + French as Leistungskurse or Profilfächer
DELF A2 (min 12,5 points for each part)
Valid TCF A2 (min 250 pts)

German Plus (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO + German
Equivalent of A-level + German (obtained within the EU and not older than 2 years)

Spanish Plus (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO with central exam Spanish
High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level
DELE A2

English (see the flowchart below for more information)

VWO + English
Equivalent of a VWO diploma for non Dutch students
A subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher),
Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items)
IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items)
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.

other admission requirements

Language requirement English: 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.

Below you can find the flowcharts for your future Major language. Here, you can also find more information about the application form and procedure.
Italian, Russian, Swedish or Dutch Major
Spanish Major
German Major
French Major
English Major

Application deadlines

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

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 2601	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 13500	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

If you want to continue with a Master's degree programme after your graduation, as most students do, you will have a wide range of programmes to choose from. With a Bachelor's degree in European Languages and Cultures, you have access to the following Master's tracks at the University of Groningen:

European Literatures and Interculturality
Educational Master: German, French, or Spanish (additional admission requirements apply)
East Asian Studies
European Politics in a Global Perspective
Geopolitics and Connectivity
International Political Economy
International Relations and International Organization
International Security
Euroculture (Erasmus Mundus)
International Humanitarian Action (Erasmus Mundus)
Clinical Linguistics (Erasmus Mundus research)
Natural Language Processing (Erasmus Mundus research)
Arts, Media and Literary Studies (research)
Cultural Leadership (research)
Language and Cognition (research)
Applied Linguistics (with a specialisation or Minor in Linguistics)
Multilingualism (with a specialisation or Minor in Linguistics)
Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics (wit a specialisation or Minor in Linguistics)
Vertalen in Europa (please note: additional admission requirements apply)

Job prospects

There is a growing need for people with excellent language skills as well as an understanding of European issues. These people are needed to help break down barriers, resolve conflicts, negotiate, transfer knowledge, issue advice, and present clear arguments and opinions.

Depending on the choices you make during your studies (such as your language, profile, Minor and Master's degree), you may find a career in teaching, journalism, publishing, business, tourism, within a social or cultural organization, a government body, a political party or an international organization such as the European Union or UNESCO.

Job examples

Policy officer at a municipality, ministry or non-governmental organisation
Communications consultant
Lecturer at a university, university of applied sciences, senior secondary vocational education
Journalist (newspaper, radio/TV, new media)
Teacher in secondary education
Manager in the national or international business world
Staff member at an international organisation such as the European Union
Staff member at an embassy
Researcher at a university
Political advisor
Publisher or editor at a publishing house
Translator

Research

Teaching and research are closely intertwined at the University of Groningen. All professors and most of the lecturers who teach your course units are also conducting research in their own subject fields. This means that your classes will be partly based on the Faculty's current research.

Apply now Brochure Events Contact

Dutch diploma International diploma

Dutch brochure English brochure

Contact

Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
Drs. Deirdre Harmsen (Study Advisor)
Email: bachelorelc rug.nl
Lana Fahham (Student Ambassador)
Cătălina Munteanu (Student Ambassador)
Admission Office (Contact form)

I found everything I like and enjoy within this programme

Hello! My name is Lana Fahham, and I am 20 years old. I am currently in my third year of the European Languages and Cultures BA programme. I am taking English as my major language and following both the Language & Society and the Culture & Literature profiles. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching a movie/series, and swimming. As well as just spending some time with friends.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

I chose this programme because it is quite broad. I have always been interested in different languages, cultures, and literature. I found everything I like and enjoy within this programme. It was quite hard for me to choose what I wanted to study and what suited my interests, but when I visited the Open Day of ELC, I just knew that this programme was the perfect fit for me. There is so much variation and options to choose from regarding languages, subjects, and profiles. Aside from choosing a major language and main profile, you can also take courses in a second language or profile. The three profiles are: Politics & Society, Language & Society, and the Culture & Literature. I found the last two suited me perfectly, because they go in hand with my hobbies and interests. Due to the huge variation within this programme, you do not only develop a broad and critical perspective on Europe, but on the entire world. Hence, the broadness of this programme leads to many opportunities within and after your studies, which is exactly what I wanted.

Read about Lana and why she chose to studie European Language and Culture in Groningen!
Questions? Send Lana an e-mail!

I can confidently say that my expectations were highly surpassed

Hello everyone! My name is Cătălina, and I am 20 years old. I am from Moldova, and I have a deep appreciation for my cultural heritage. I am in my first year of the European Languages and Cultures BA programme, but I am doing a double Bachelor’s, combining it with the BA IRIO. I chose Spanish as my major language, as I have always wanted to manoeuvre such a melodious language. At the same time, I am taking Russian classes, which I find fascinating. I dance in my free time and adore reading and watching movies and series. Additionally, I love travelling and discovering the cultural richness of various societies.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

Throughout my life, I have developed a profound passion for culture, literature and languages, and their impact on societal norms and views. Hence, European Languages and Cultures aligned perfectly with my interests. At first, I was not sure if applying was a good idea, as I was already doing another Bachelor’s degree, which is why I decided to participate in the Web class. For a month I had the opportunity to delve into the subjects of ELC, getting to explore one profile per week. As a literary enthusiast myself, I was looking forward to the Culture & Literature profile, and I can confidently say that my expectations were highly surpassed. Getting to explore society through a literary lens, examining the influence of texts on world politics, and analysing contemporary issues depicted through art are the highlights of my experience.
However, the programme is not limited to literary courses. The three profiles vary on the spectrum, by covering a vast spectrum of themes. From major literary themes and criticism (Culture & Literature profile) to language intricacies (Language & Society profile) and political discourse (Politics & Society), the programme develops a critical view of Europe from a multilateral perspective.

Read about Cătălina and why she chose to studie European Language and Culture in Groningen!
Questions? Send Cătălina an e-mail!

Due to its broadness, the programme can give me access to other domains, such as politics and literature

Hello! My name is Alina Staniloiu and I am an international student from Romania. Currently, I am in my second year of European Languages and Cultures, with European Language and Society as my major profile. Additionally, I am studying two foreign languages, Spanish as major language and French as minor language. I am also a student of the Honours College programme and the vice-chair of the seventh faction of Letteren Vooruit, a party that represents the students of the Faculty of Arts within the Faculty Council. When it comes to my free time, I love to spend time with my friends, and when I am not with them, you can find me biking around the city.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

Ever since I was in primary school, I was inclined towards the linguistic sphere, at first, being more interested in the structural aspects of languages. Later on, I discovered the beauty of the social part which fascinated me even more. As time passed by, I realized that I wanted to follow a path that involved the study of languages and their interplay with our society. Therefore, this study was the perfect match for me. Not only do I love its focus on my main area of interest, but also its broadness which can give me access to other domains, such as politics and literature. From my point of view, this BA programme does not limit your opportunities after graduation, but rather opens multiple doors for you, which is what we are all looking for.

'The programme's modularity enabled me to shape my studies around my interests'

My name is Teun Joshua Brandt. I studied European Languages and Cultures (BA) and completed an MA in Literary Studies, graduating (summa) cum laude in both programmes. Although I began with a broad interest in languages, I became increasingly drawn to literary and cultural studies—particularly perspectives associated with the environmental humanities..

Freedom and a broad perspective
The degree programme fit well with my goal of an academic career and helped me explore my specific interests in cultural studies. It offered both freedom and a broad perspective, which gave me a good foundation to develop my focus.

I fondly remember a great course on the idea of ‘wilderness’—especially one of the texts we read—that sparked my interest in the environmental humanities, a field where I now feel at home. I really appreciated these focused courses over the more general 'introductory' ones.

Biological individuality and literary characters
Still affiliated with the University of Groningen, I am currently pursuing an interfaculty PhD project on biological individuality and literary characters, integrating insights from both literary theory and the philosophy of biology.

Tip
Choose something you genuinely enjoy or are deeply interested in, and later see how it fits the job market—rather than starting with the job market in mind. Although, you might end up doing something completely different anyway.
Alumnus Teun Joshua Brandt

Web Class

Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at university is like? The European Languages and Cultures programme is offering a web class! This online course from the University of Groningen is specially designed for secondary school students.

Are you interested? Please register here.

Study associations

Esperia

Esperia is the study association for the students following the programme European Languages and Cultures at the University of Groningen. The aim of Esperia is to combine academic activities which will help the students with their studies, with social activities that connect all the students in the association. To realize this goal, Esperia frequently collaborates with other organizations in Groningen in order to provide a vast array of activities to its members.

Activities organized by Esperia include socials, company visits, pub lectures, yoga sessions and an annual trip abroad.

https://www.svesperia.nl/

(Binding) study advice

A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the programme, Minors, study abroad and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.

Related master's programmes