BA European Languages & CulturesAdd to shortlist

Programme profile

Would you like to really get to know a language and culture? And be able to link that language and culture to wider European linguistic, literary, historical, social and political phenomena?

This programme is designed to meet the growing need for people with excellent language skills as well as an understanding of the major questions relevant in Europe today. You will not only study a modern language ( German, English, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish  or  Swedish), but you will also look at that language from the perspective of other languages and cultures in Europe.

By studying European history, literature, society and politics you will learn to understand the mutual relationships, differences and similarities among national and regional cultures in Europe.The programme has a flexible structure, through which you  will specialise in one of three profiles:

- Europe: Language and Society
- Europe: Culture and Literature
- Europe: Politics and Society  

During your third year you will spend some time abroad and be immersed in your chosen language and culture. The second and third years will comprise subject-related course units taught in your chosen language. Your degree is rounded off with a thesis,

The following languages are available:
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Russian
Spanish
Swedish

Programme content

1st year
The first semester comprises a number of introductory course units to introduce you to the three profiles that the programme offers. In the second semester you will choose a profile to specialise in throughout the rest of the degree programme. Students choose either:

- Politics and Society, with a focus on history and politics
- Literature & Culture, with a focus on literary movements and analysis
- Language and Society, with a linguistic focus.

In addition, in the first semester you will start following language proficiency course units in your chosen language (you must make your definitive language choice at the end of the first semester)

2nd year
In the second year you will continue to specialise in one or two of the three profiles and further develop your academic skills. Within your profile you can specialize in your chosen language and language area by focusing your written assignments and papers on them. In addition, you will follow more proficiency training and course units in your chosen language area. In this year, you will need to follow an elective subject which could include In the first year second semester students can choose an elective where they can, or example, take a second language, a second profile or other modules in the realm of American, European or Middle Eastern Studies. (These are just a few examples of the elective options.

3rd year
The third year comprises a compulsory stay abroad, during which you can raise your proficiency to near-native speaker level and follow in-depth course units. You can also follow a placement after you return. Your Bachelor's degree is rounded off with a thesis which must be written in your target language (with the exception of Russian). In this year, you take a minor where students can choose from: 1) a career-focused minor, 2) a minor abroad, 3) a pre-master minor, 4) a university minor from very diverse themes offered by the university, and 5) Education minor that includes teacher training for high schools.

Entry Requirements