How can you manage diversity; of cultures and languages? How do minorities shape social development? Does the discussion on inclusion and diversity ask for new leadership skills?
Local roots, global outlook
More than ever, our schools, companies and organizations are diverse, and future leaders in education, business, politics and any other field need to be able to deal with this diversity: they need diversity management skills.
Our Bachelor programme Minorities and Multilingualism will train you to become such a diversity manager. You will learn about the languages, cultures, histories and politics of ethnolinguistic minorities across the globe. Furthermore, you will learn how to do research on issues of minorities and multilingualism.
Our three-year programme consists of a versatile combination of courses on linguistics, political and cultural history, and social sciences. Throughout these courses, you will encounter a broad range of topics: minorities, migration, diversity management, and multilingualism. You may also choose to learn the Frisian regional language which is often used as a case-study in courses.
You will learn how to assess, investigate and critically reflect on these topics. You will also become able to formulate solutions, provide consultancy and produce policy advice that will help organisations and communities to better deal with cultural and linguistic diversity.
In the first year, you'll acquire foundational knowledge on the topics in the programme. You'll attend courses on the history of (linguistic) minorities in Europe, language change, multilingualism in society and linguistics.
In History of European minorities I and II you'll learn about the history of different minorities in Europe and how, throughout time, language and culture have played an integral part in this. Minority languages I and II explores the vitality of minority languages and factors that may contribute to language change, and examines whether language change, or even language death, can be predicted.
The course Introduction to linguistics teaches you the foundations of linguistics and the various domains from which linguists examine language (phonology, syntax, semantics, and so forth). In Multilingualism I and II you'll be dealing with questions relating to whether language shapes the way we think, and how different languages in our brain influence each other, but also how we can best deal with multilingualism in the educational domain.
Periods | ||||
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CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Frysk as Minderheidstaal I (5 EC, optional) | ||||
History of European Minorities I (5 EC) | ||||
Introduction to Linguistics I (5 EC) | ||||
Minority Languages I (5 EC) | ||||
Frysk as Minderheidstaal (5 EC, optional) | ||||
History of European Minorities II (5 EC) | ||||
Introduction to Linguistics II (5 EC) | ||||
Minority Languages II (10 EC) | ||||
Eurolab Ia (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Fryske Taalfeardigens Ia (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Landen/samenleving, Midden-Oosten (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Minorities in Contemporary Europe I (5 EC) | ||||
Multilingualism I: Social and Linguistic (5 EC) | ||||
Elective (10 EC, optional) | ||||
Eurolab Ib (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Fryske Taalfeardigens Ib (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Minorities in Contemporary Europe II (10 EC) | ||||
Multilingualism II: Education (5 EC) |
In year two you extend your knowledge. The courses deal with themes relating to the cultural diversity of minorities and their cultural representations in arts and literature. In addition, you'll develop your research skills and apply these in the local 'lab'. You'll also make a start with your minor, or you can opt to specialise in Frisian.
You'll examine the cultural diversity of minorities in Europe and the (un)founded ideas that persist on this in society in the course Minorities in contemporary Europe. Art and literature as a means of rebellion and the creation of an identity is the focus of Minority representations in arts, culture and media. You'll also learn about gender minorities and the position they take in society.
In addition to extending your knowledge, you will put this knowledge into practice. The course Research Methodology teaches you the necessary research skills that you will put to use in the two Into the local lab courses. You will apply the knowledge and skills that you have obtained on multilingualism and minorities in the other courses to your surroundings.
In addition to the courses in the second year of the programme, students get a wide selection of minors to choose from. There is also the possibility to specialise in Frisian. In this Frisian specialisation trajectory, Frisian proficiency is combined with Old Frisian studies, the history of Friesland and Frisian literature.
Periods | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Fryske Taalfeardigens IIa (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Minority representations in Arts, Culture and Media I (5 EC) | ||||
Research Methodology (5 EC) | ||||
Fryske Taalfeardigens IIb (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Minority representations in Arts, Culture and Media II (5 EC) | ||||
Research Methodology (5 EC) | ||||
Geschiedenis van Friesland (10 EC, optional) | ||||
Intersectionality and super diversity (10 EC, optional) | ||||
Into the local laboratory: Cultural Heritage (10 EC) | ||||
Into the local laboratory: Language (10 EC) |
In year three you will complete your studies and look ahead to future study and/or career opportunities. You can spend a semester at a university abroad, or complete an internship. In the final semester, you'll write your Bachelor thesis.
In the first semester you have the opportunity to study at a partner university abroad, follow a career minor, or a university minor. In the second semester, you'll take a course on multilingualism in educational domains and tackle intercultural communication issues in the course Diversity management. In these two courses you will look ahead at possible career paths in the (multilingual) education- or cultural heritage sector.
As an alternative, you can also do an internship at a company or organisation that deals with themes relating to minorities and/or multilingualism. You finish your studies by writing a Bachelor thesis; an intensive research project on a topic of your own choosing, in which you can put everything you have learned into practice.
Periods | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Aldfrysk (10 EC, optional) | ||||
Fryske Literatuer (10 EC, optional) | ||||
Fryske Taalkunde (10 EC, optional) | ||||
BA Thesis M&M (10 EC) | ||||
Diversity in Education (10 EC) | ||||
M&M Diversity Management (10 EC) |
Disclaimer: The second and third-year course units shown in the table are subject to change in the event of alterations to the programme.
Programme options |
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Frisian (track) As part of the full programme Minorities & Multilingualism students can follow a specialisation track in Frisian language and culture. For more information see link above. |
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 ECTS credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme. |
As part of your studies we encourage students who want to, to spend a semester at a university abroad. In this way, you'll be able to experience what you have learned in the courses in a different setting.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
Language requirement 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before May 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
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
01 May 2022 | 01 September 2022 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
01 May 2022 | 01 September 2022 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
01 May 2022 | 01 September 2022 |
If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before May 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. |
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 a Dutch 'hbo propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned above. |
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
01 May 2022 | 01 September 2022 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
01 May 2022 | 01 September 2022 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2021 | 01 September 2021 |
01 May 2022 | 01 September 2022 |
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
---|---|---|---|
EU/EEA | 2021-2022 | € 2168 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2021-2022 | € 10000 | full-time |
The Dutch government is halving tuition fees for first-year students in higher education.
Practical information for:
With a degree in M&M you are widely qualified on the job market. You have knowledge of issues surrounding minority groups in society, which makes you a suitable candidate to work at governmental agencies, as a policy advisor in education, diversity, minorities or cultural heritage. Or report on minority politics by becoming a journalist. Your knowledge of multilingualism and diversity management is valuable in careers where you have to deal with people from different (linguistic) backgrounds.
How can a city deal with multilingualism in the public domain? As a language policy advisor your knowledge of this comes in handy. Or specialise in multilingualism in the workplace and develop communication strategies for (international) companies. With a specialisation in Frisian you are able to work in the Frisian cultural sector; at the Historic and Literary Center Tresoar, the Afûk, or the Fryske Akademy.
Most students continue their studies in a Master programme, for example the Master Multilingualism, or Euroculture. With a specialisation in Frisian language and culture it is also possible to deepen your knowledge in Frisian literature, or to get a teaching qualification.
A diversity manager manages cultural diversity in the workplace and in organizations, and makes policies that provide solutions to societal challenges such as equal opportunities on the job market, in education and healthcare, and the participation of refugees in the community.
With this bachelor, you are able to teach at various universities (of applied sciences). For example in teacher training, cultural education, social work and language related programmes.
A policy maker develops and evaluates a policy and may assist in the execution of the policy.
After your bachelor's, you can obtain a master's degree and choose to enroll in a PhD program in the Netherlands or abroad.
As a communication expert in the field of intercultural communication you advise national and international organizations on efficient and effective communication.
Students may use their language skills to become a translator.
As a graduate, you have gained competency in a broad range of transferable skills in the field of language, culture, politics and minorities. This makes you an asset to public organizations in and outside of the Netherlands.
Students interested in journalism may consider using their language proficiency and knowledge of political and cultural affairs to work as correspondents or reporters for national or international media outlets.
Students who follow the Frisian track can carry out various functions in Friesland after graduation. Think of a job with the provincial government or medium-sized cultural institutions, such as Tresoar, Afûk, Frisian Museum and Omrop Fryslân.
The lecturers in the educational programme also conduct research in the areas in which they teach. With a broad BA programme, the different research fields are also well-represented: language contact studies, multilingualism in education, history of minorities (and of Friesland), literary studies, Frisian phonology, gender studies, (electoral) politics, race and racism, poverty and social exclusion, and psycholinguistics..
Read moreBeing from a minority group myself I want to gain concrete and specific knowledge about minorities and multilingualism in order to apply it to my native context.
Zdravo! I am Helena and I am a second year student of Minorities and Multilingualism. I live near Trieste in Italy and I am part of its autochthonous Slovenian community. As such, I am passionate about topics regarding minority groups and other cultural discourses. I am a member of the M&M Programme Committee, as well as a member of the Multi student association. I like listening to people's stories about themselves, as there is infinite variety and creativity in them..
M&M is a programme that depicts at best our postmodern world. It does not only cover topics about minorities and multilingualism, but relates to many other fields of the humanities and social studies. It helps you understand the whys and how’s of today’s society and provides you with the ability to think critically about such topics. We can say that minorities are nowadays a majority, its significance is increasing and we need to be able to address such matters. Being from a minority group myself I want to gain concrete and specific knowledge about minorities and multilingualism in order to apply it to my native context.
Read more about Helena and why she chose to study Minorities & Multilingualism in Groningen.
Questions? Send Helena an e-mail!
Read moreComing from a bilingual environment I was familiar with the misconceptions surrounding bilingualism, I hope that by studying Minorities and Multilingualism I can be a step into the right direction to help get rid of the misconceptions surrounding both!
Coming from a bilingual environment I was familiar with the misconceptions surrounding bilingualism, I hope that by studying Minorities and Multilingualism I can be a step into the right direction to help get rid of the misconceptions surrounding both!
Read moreTo me, this programme is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn to see the world not only from a top-down but also from a bottom-up view.
As a native Frisian speaker, learning about my mother tongue was one of the reasons I wanted to study M&M and its Frisian track. During my studies, I’ve not only learnt to see Fryslân and the Frisian language in a wider, European context, but I’ve also learnt to see all kinds of matters from completely different perspectives. To me, this programme is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn to see the world not only from a top-down but also from a bottom-up view. One of the things I like most about studying M&M, is that you get to study a very wide range of topics but are also granted a certain amount of freedom to focus on the topics that are most interesting to you. You will not only focus on ethnolinguistic minorities such as the Scots, Frisians and Catalans, but you will also focus on societal minorities, on what multilingualism is and how it works and if you want, you can follow a Frisian track to learn more about the Frisian language, history and culture. Maybe even more importantly, Groningen is a very fun city to study in, with a great student life and a very lively, vibrant vibe. It’s almost as if the city were designed to accommodate students. All in all, I think that studying M&M in Groningen truly is a unique experience!
Read moreWhat I liked most about Minorities & Multilingualism is its multidisciplinarity and that it's small-scale.
What I liked most about Minorities & Multilingualism is its multidisciplinarity and that it’s small-scale. The knowledge of linguistics, politics, anthropology and cultural studies that the programme gave me and the network that you can build in the programme always proved to be valuable in my (academic) life after graduating.
It can be very difficult to choose a degree programme, especially when you are interested in many different things. This programme combines linguistics and multilingualism with culture, politics, history and linguistics and is all about minorities – people who are different, treated as unequal or whose culture is in danger.
I always get very passionate about equality and treating people fairly, and want to do something about it when this is not the case. This programme gives me the opportunity to strive towards that and learn about minorities in many different ways: culturally, politically, linguistically. M&M has taught me that these things are all intertwined. We study how someone's accent can more or less decide their future, how political issues surrounding minorities are addressed, how school systems do or do not support migrant children and how cultural heritage can support a minority. These are just some examples of topics you will encounter in M&M.
A combination of culture, politics, history and linguistics
Read moreIf you have an interest in the sociological impact languages play, then you should really consider this course. It is nice to not be a number in the business of education, but a student in the education of the world.
Read moreI needed a programme that would challenge me, one where I could research rather than search. M&M is an interdisciplinary programme that combines anthropology, politics, history, sociology, linguistics and multilingualism.
After two years of Applied Law (HBO-Rechten) I needed a programme that would challenge me, one where I could research rather than search. M&M is an interdisciplinary programme that combines anthropology, politics, history, sociology, linguistics and multilingualism. The programme has motivated me to be active, and all the support has made it possible for me to take extra course units, do volunteer work at LGBT organisation COC and the Frisian youth association FYK, serve on the board of DAG (student movement for democratization at RUG), and be chairman of the study association Multi. The small class size makes it possible for the professors and lecturers to focus on individual students and lead an active discussion. Living in Groningen gives a boost to your student life, as it is a vibrant, young and exciting city.
Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at
university is like? The Minorities & Multilingualism programme
is offering a web class! This online course from the University of
Groningen is specially designed for secondary school
students.
If you are interested in an Minorities & Multilingualism web
class, register
here.
This study is also available as a part-time study.
The entire programme is taught in English by a multidisciplinary and international staff. Fieldwork is an integral part of the study, in which you will put the theories you have encountered in the programme into practice. For students who want to, there is the possibility to follow a special track devoted to Frisian, the local minority language.
If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact our study advisors. They know 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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