European Languages and Cultures
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Deze opleiding
Would you like to become an expert on the cultures, languages and politics of Europe?
open_in_newstudy website
| locatieGroningen |
| diplomaBA |
| typeregulier, 180 EC |
| start1 september |
| taaldeels Dutch deels English |
| opleidingsduur3 jaar voltijd |
| accreditatiesNVAO |
| croho-code56124 |
| numerus fixusnee |
| honoursheeft honours track |
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.
Waarom aan de University of 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.
Studieprogramma
opbouwPlease 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.
From 2026-2027, the courses of this programme will change. More will be announced in autumn 2025.
1e jaar 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.
| periode | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||
Studying Europe | 5 EC | ||||||||
Introduction Linguistics | 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 | ||||||||
2e jaar 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.
| periode | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||
Language-proficiency 3 major language | 10 EC | ||||||||
Theme course 3 within chosen profile | 5 EC | ||||||||
Elective | 10 EC | ||||||||
Theme course 5 within chosen profile | 5 EC | ||||||||
Elective | 10 EC | ||||||||
Language-specific module 1 Politics and Society | 5 EC | ||||||||
Language-specific module 1 Culture and Literature | 5 EC | ||||||||
Language-specific module 1 Language and Society | 5 EC | ||||||||
3e jaar 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.
| periode | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||
Minor | 30 EC | ||||||||
Theme course 6 within chosen profile | 5 EC | ||||||||
Language-specific module 2 | 10 EC | ||||||||
Bachelor thesis afstuderen | 10 EC | ||||||||
Theme course 7 within chosen profile | 5 EC | ||||||||
minors
profiel European Politics and Society
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?
profiel European Culture and Literature
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.
profiel European Language and Society
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.
specialisatie German
specialisatie Italian
specialisatie Dutch as a second language
specialisatie English
specialisatie French
specialisatie Spanish
specialisatie Russian
specialisatie Swedish
minor Minors
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.
Onderwijs
| taal van onderwijs | 50% nl 50% en |
|---|---|
| avondonderwijs | n.v.t. |
| afstandsonderwijs | n.v.t. |
onderwijsvormen
case study, excursion, group assignment, group discussion, individual assignment, integration module, internship, lecture, literature study, research, research project, oral presentation, self study, seminar, tutorialstudy guidance
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.
study abroad
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!
bindend studieadvies
- minimaal 45 EC in de eerste 12 maanden
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.
honours-/excellence program University of Groningen Honours College
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.
Toelating en kosten
startmomenten
1 september 2026
aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2026
wettelijk tarief : € 2695 (€1348 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 12200
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 14000
toelaatbare profielen
| VWO N&T | aangevuld met Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal. |
|---|---|
| VWO N&G | aangevuld met Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal. |
| VWO E&M | aangevuld met Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal. |
| VWO C&M | aangevuld met Met het VWO examen voldoe je aan de taaleis Engels. Zie 'vooropleiding' voor de specifieke eisen per major taal. |
| hbo-p | 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 |
toelatingseisen
vooropleiding
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
De stad
studievereniging
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.
Keuzehulp
Kijk ook eens naar ..
| opleiding | gelijkenis met European Languages and Cultures | |
|---|---|---|
| Midden-Oostenstudies | bekijk |
Na de studie
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:
- 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)e
- 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 en Technologie (please note: additional admission requirements apply)
Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt
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.
aansluitende masteropleidingen
| instelling | opleiding | instroomeisen |
|---|---|---|
| University of Groningen | American Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Applied Linguistics - TEFL | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Arts, Cognition and Criticism | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Arts, Media and Literary Studies research | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Arts, Policy and Cultural Entrepreneurship | + aanv. eisen |
| Universiteit voor Humanistiek | Burgerschap & Kwaliteit van Samenleven | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies research | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Communicatie en Educatie | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Communicatiekunde | + 60 EC pre-master |
| University of Groningen | Computercommunicatie | + 60 EC pre-master |
| University of Groningen | Cultural Leadership research | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Digital Humanities | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | East Asian Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Educatie in de Taal- en cultuurwetenschappen - Franse Taal en Cultuur full-time,part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Educatie in de Taal- en cultuurwetenschappen - Spaanse taal en cultuur full-time,part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Educatie in Taal en cultuurwetenschappen - Duitse taal en cultuur full-time,part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Euroculture (EM) | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | European Politics in a Global Perspective | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Europese Letteren en Interculturaliteit | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Europese Studies | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Film and Contemporary Audiovisual Media | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Geopolitics & Connectivity | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Geschiedenis | + 30 EC pre-master |
| University of Groningen | Griekse en Latijnse Taal en Cultuur | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Heritage and Religion | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | History and Heritage Consultancy | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | History of Architecture and Town planning | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Informatiekunde | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Political Economy | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Relations and International Organization | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Security | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Internationale Betrekkingen (60 EC) | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Kunstgeschiedenis | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Landschapsgeschiedenis | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Language and Cognition research | + aanv. eisen |
| Utrecht University | Leraar VHO Duits full-time,part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | Leraar VHO in Engels educational | + 60 EC pre-master |
| Utrecht University | Leraar VHO Spaans full-time,part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Amsterdam | Lerarenopleiding Engels educational | + 60 EC pre-master |
| Leiden University | Linguistics (Research) research | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | English Literature and Culture | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | French Literature and Culture | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | German Literature and Culture | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | Italian Literature and Culture | + aanv. eisen |
| Universiteit voor Humanistiek | Master Humanistiek | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Universiteit voor Humanistiek | Master Zorgethiek en Beleid | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Midden-Oostenstudies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Multilingualism | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Music, Theatre and Performance Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Neerlandistiek | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Neurolinguïstiek | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Noord-Amerika Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Oude Geschiedenis part-time | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Politics, Organizations and Learning Histories | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Religion, Conflict and Globalization | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (EM) research | + cijfergemiddelde + toelatingsgesprek + motivatiebrief |
| University of Groningen | Theologie & Religiewetenschappen research | + cijfergemiddelde + toelatingsgesprek + motivatiebrief |
| University of Groningen | Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Radboud University Nijmegen | Tourism and Culture | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Past, Present and Future | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Vertalen in Europa | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Werk en Zingeving | + aanv. eisen |
Potentiële beroepen
beleidsmedewerker bij een gemeente, een ministerie, of een non-governmental organisation
communicatieadviseur
docent aan een universiteit, hbo, mbo of taleninstituut.
journalist (krant, radio/tv, nieuwe media)
leraar in het middelbaar onderwijs
manager in het (internationale) bedrijfsleven
medewerker bij internationale organisaties zoals de europese unie
medewerker op een ambassade
onderzoeker aan een universiteit
politiek adviseur
uitgever of redacteur bij een uitgeverij
vertaler
Contact
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