Is English your favourite subject at school? How does the Netflix series Bridgerton combine the novels of Jane Austen with modern thoughts on women, race and equality? In an ever-growing diverse society, how will studying linguistics improve your communication and analytical skills?
The bachelor programme English Language and Culture at the University of Groningen is consistently rated one of the best in the country. The three pillars of this programme are language, literature and culture. In an ever-growing international environment there is a need for employees and researchers with a high level of English in writing, reading and speaking. In addition, the programme develops your presentation and debating skills.
Studying English literature not only means you get to read a lot of books, but it also allows you to explore topics related to present-day issues such as gender, identity, crime and punishment and social cohesion. These topics are not only present in modern literature, but they also dominate the popular plays of William Shakespeare, and are also found in a number of medieval works such as The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer and the Old English epic Beowulf. The medieval world, like today’s, was full of controversy. People debated about the position of women in society, ways of combatting disease, the virtues and vices of different classes, which way best to pursue one’s religion and many other issues which are debated today.
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. By studying linguistics you will not only learn about the English language and its position as a lingua franca, but you will also see how the English language has changed throughout the years and how it continues to change. Knowledge of linguistics is essential for understanding the role of communication and how language can vary between people and situations.
There is a range of study options that complement an English Language and Culture degree, and many students spend time at a foreign university, for example in Ireland, the UK or New Zealand. After the BA degree, many students continue their studies at one of our MA degrees in the field of literature, linguistics or communication. You can also combine your MA in English with a teacher training course.
At the University of Groningen, we offer an integral approach to the English language, linguistics, literature and culture. In addition, we concentrate on developing academic skills and transferable skills.
| 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) | ||||
In years 2 and 3, students can choose from a range of course units. In the second semester of Year 2, all students take EAP: Debate and Discussion. In addition, they choose 5 modules from the 12 offered.
| 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) | ||||
| Group A: English as a Lingua Franca (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: English Linguistics: Urban and Hip-hop Linguistics OR, in alternate years: English Linguistics: Phonology Laboratory (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: King Arthur, Romance and Empire. Or, in alternate years, Marvels, Monsters, and Mysteries (5 EC, optional) (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: The Class Struggle in Modern Fiction (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group A: Victorian Literature and Culture OR, in alternate years, The Romantic Revolution (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) | ||||
| Group B: English Employed (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Legacies of the Enlightenment Or, in alternate years: Broken Images: Anglophone Modernism (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Pirates and Poets: Viking Encounters in the British Isles (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Saints and Sinners in Medieval England. Or, in alternate years, Controversy and Dispute in Medieval English Literature (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: Shakespeare at Stratford (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group B: World Literatures in English OR, in alternate years: American Literature and Social Justice (5 EC, optional) | ||||
In years 2 and 3, students can choose from a range of course units. In year 3 second semester, students should choose two modules in each block, in addition to the compulsory BA dissertation. At least two modules must be from the third year as outlined in the table below, including Crossing Borders (from semester 1a); the other two could also be second-year modules (including Literature and the Supernatural from semester 1b).
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Crossing Borders (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Minor (30 EC) | ||||
| Group C: Controversial Literature (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: English Linguistics: Language Variation (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: Language and Culture of Early Medieval England (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| BA Dissertation (Linguistics, Medieval Literature or Modern Literature) (10 EC) | ||||
| Group C: English Linguistics: Language in Interaction (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: Intersectional Approaches to Twenty-First Century Women's Writing (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Group C: Special Topic Medieval Literature and Culture (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| 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). 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 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
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/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 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 13100 | full-time |
Practical information for:
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 English Language and Culture, you have access to the following Master's tracks at the University of Groningen:
Once you have graduated, you can pursue a career in the education sector, translation and publishing, the government sector, cultural organizations, tourism, PR and communication or in consultancy. The job positions open to you are diverse, but your communication skills will always be highly important.
Departmental research covers all areas of English literature and linguistics. Our strong points lie in modernism, premodern culture and language development. We publish a lot on topics including critical theory, visual culture, travel literature, women's writing, learning in the Middle Ages and language acquisition and loss.
Our staff members lead and take part in international research projects, such as the Language Attrition Project.
Hi! My name is Lineke, I’m twenty-two years old, and currently a third-year student of the BA English Language and Culture, where I’m specializing in linguistics. Besides my studies, I am involved in the study association NUTS, the programme committee, and a student organization. In my free time, I like to watch films and series, hang out with my friends, and read.
I chose to study English Language and Culture because English was my favourite subject in high school and I have a broad interest for language and literature in general. This made the programme a great fit for me, because you get the opportunity to study linguistics, modern literature, and medieval literature. In years 2 and 3, you can choose specific course units that fit your skills and interests, making the programme really diverse and personal.
Read more about Lineke and why she chose to study English Language and Culture in Groningen!
Hi! My name is Nora de Beer and I am a third-year student of English Language and Culture. I am also an active member of our study association NUTS. I was on the board last year and will continue to be very involved this year. I also live in Groningen with four lovely housemates, who I have lots of fun with. In my free time, I love to read, bake, cook, and do fun things with my friends.
As an avid reader growing up, I was always interested in languages, so when my high school English teacher suggested I look into studying English, I was hooked. I went to Open Days and Student for a Day events and I loved it. My initial favourite subjects were literature-related, as I had expected. However, very soon I fell in love with linguistics and that has since become my main focus.
Hi, my name is Thirsa Hiemstra! I’m a second-year English Language and Culture student. In my free time I, unsurprisingly, like reading, watching TV series, and cooking for my friends and housemates.
I have always been interested in languages for as long as I can remember, so a language-focused study was always high on my list. During high school, I fell in love with the whole process of essay writing: the literary analysis and formulating my thoughts in an understandable way. In Groningen, I can dissect texts to my heart’s content! After completing my first year here, I discovered I want to specialize in medieval literature, which I would have never expected when I first started.
My name is Sézaïg Vije and I am a second-year English Language and Culture student. I am also an active member of our study association NUTS, where I do not shy away from a few drinks. In my free time I like playing rugby, reading, and watching movies or series.
I chose to study English because I really enjoyed the literature in secondary school. When I started with this programme, I fell in love with everything it had to offer: linguistics, modern literature, medieval literature, even academic writing. You get a broad view of English, especially in the beginning of this study, but later you also get to specialize in your favorite aspect. You will obtain extra skills as well, like critical thinking and a broader world view.
My name is Eline Spoolder and I am a second-year English Language and Culture student. Before starting this programme, I studied to become an English teacher for one year. I like to read (for pleasure), watch a film or series, or play board games with my friends. If I am not in the University Library, you can find me in a pub with a glass of cider!
I chose to study English because I wanted to get to know everything about the English language. I like the fact that it is a mix between linguistics, old literature, modern literature, and proficiency because that way I could get a taste of everything and decide what I want to specialise in. You do not only learn how to write phonetically or analyse poetry, but you also learn how to look at the broader scope of texts, get the history of the English language and literature, and learn how to think critically. These skills are very helpful, whichever career you want to pursue.
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.
