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Education Bachelor's degree programmes European Languages and Cultures
Header image European Languages and Cultures

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:

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 ECTS)
Croho code
56124
Language of instruction
Dutch, English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Studie in Cijfers
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 Dutch 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 specialise 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 >1a1b2a2b
Introduction Linguistics (5 EC)
Studying Europe (5 EC)
Language proficiency 1a + 1b chosen 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 2a + 2b chosen language (10 EC)
Text and Context (5 EC)
Themes in European Politics (5 EC)

In the second year you will start to specialise 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 >1a1b2a2b
Theme course 3 within chosen profile (5 EC)
Elective (10 EC)
Language proficiency 3a + 3b chosen 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 the third year you have your minor. You can choose between the research minor, the work field minor with a placement, the pre-master/minor, the educative 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 course units. Your Bachelor's degree is rounded off with a thesis which must be written in your target language (with the exception of Russian).

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
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)
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 foreign 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 requirementsMore 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.

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 studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Choice of degree programme check

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

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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 foreign 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 studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time

Practical information for:

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:

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.

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open dagdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

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.

Read more

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/
Read more
(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.

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