Literature and Society: English

Literature and Society: English at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching program designed for students passionate about understanding the complex relationships between literary works and societal developments. This program explores how literature reflects, influences, and shapes cultural identities, social structures, and historical contexts across different periods and regions. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from classic to contemporary, gaining critical insights into literary theories, cultural studies, and social sciences. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to analyze literature not only as artistic expression but also as a mirror of societal values and political movements. Throughout the program, students will develop essential skills in literary analysis, research methodologies, and academic writing, preparing them for careers in education, culture, media, publishing, or further academic pursuits. The program benefits from VU Amsterdam's vibrant academic community, extensive library resources, and close connections with cultural institutions. Students have opportunities for internships, international exchange programs, and participation in seminars led by acclaimed scholars. By studying Literature and Society: English, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the role of literature in societal change and develop a global perspective on cultural diversity. The program aims to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication skills, equipping graduates to contribute meaningfully to an increasingly interconnected world.

The BA-program Literature and Society (English) offers a unique opportunity to combine classic literature study with two cutting-edge specializations. You will read canonical British works, such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, en Virginia Woolf. But also explore contemporary novels from different English-speaking countries. In our courses, you will analyse these texts from two cutting-edge perspectives: English literature in a changing world, and English literature in a visual culture.

1 year

In the first year you are introduced to literary analysis and literary theory. You learn how to read a Brontë novel as well as a film version of a Shakespeare play. We train your general academic skills and also kindle your creative writing practice.

2 year

After the first year, you have a solid base from which to explore the relations between literature, culture and society. We take you from the Renaissance to the twenty-first century, reading canonical English works of literature as well as new and lesser known genres such as travel literature, graphic novels and gothic genres.

3 year

You become a specialist either in ‘English literature in a changing world’ or ‘English literature in a visual culture,’ and conduct your own research project, resulting in your BA thesis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

You start the application procedure through the Studielink.nl national application system. You will then receive an e-mail inviting you to complete your application in the VU student portal, where you will also be asked to submit all documentation needed for the admission procedure. You do not have to complete your application in one session; you can save it and come back to it as often as you want before completing and submitting it.

Required application documents:

• CV
• Copy of valid passport or ID (ID for EEA students only)
• Copy of your diploma (if obtained, can also be provided after conditional admission)
•  Copy of your latest transcript of records (if you have not graduated yet, please send us an official transcript listing the marks you have received to date). For A-level and IB applicants: include predicted Grade transcript if available.
• Proof of sufficient English language test results (can also be provided after conditional admission)

A (to be obtained) secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO is a primary admission criteria.

English language requirements

VU University Amsterdam requires all applicants to take an English test and to submit their score as a part of the application before the given deadline.

Exceptions are made for students who have completed their score as a part of the application before the given deadline.

Exceptions are made for students who have completed their education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia or who have obtained an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma (English taught).

The following tests and scores are accepted: 

• IELTS 6.5 
• TOEFL paper based test: 580 
• TOEFL computer based test: 237 
• TOEFL internet based test: 92 
• Cambridge Advanced English score A, B or C, or equivalent 

Applications to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are done completely online. You start the application procedure through the Studielink.nl national application system. You will then receive an e-mail inviting you to complete your 

application in the VU student portal, where you will also be asked to submit all documentation needed for the admission procedure. You do not have to complete your application in one session; you can save it and come back to it as often as you want before completing and submitting it.

Prepare documents and apply online. Please note that it is always possible to apply online, even if your English test results or your diploma are not yet available. There is no specific place to upload your English language test in Student Portal. After finishing uploading the other documents you can send a copy of the test score per email:admissionsls@vu.nl to your International Student Advisor. 

The Financing studies for the Literature and Society: English program at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam typically include a detailed overview of the financial aspects involved in pursuing this degree. Tuition fees are an essential component, varying depending on the student’s nationality—EEA students generally benefit from statutory tuition fees, which are usually around €2,200 per year, while non-EEA students may pay higher fees, approximately €11,000 annually. These fees are subject to change annually and should be verified on the university’s official website.

In addition to tuition, students need to consider living expenses in Amsterdam, which are estimated to be around €1,000 to €1,200 per month. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Many students opt for student housing, which can cost between €400 and €700 per month, or choose private rentals, which tend to be more expensive but offer more flexibility.

Financial aid options include the Dutch government’s student loan scheme for eligible students, offering low-interest loans that can be repaid after graduation. The university also provides scholarships for international students, such as the VU Fellowship Programme, which offers partial tuition fee waivers based on merit. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek externally funded scholarships and grants from their home countries or international organizations.

Part-time work opportunities are available for students, allowing them to earn supplementary income while studying. International students from outside the Netherlands are permitted to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays, which can help offset living costs.

Additionally, the university’s dedicated financial aid office provides guidance on funding opportunities, budgeting, and managing expenses to ensure students can focus on their studies without undue financial stress. It is vital for prospective students to plan their finances carefully, considering all sources of income and expenditure, to successfully complete the program. Overall, financing a degree in Literature and Society: English at VU Amsterdam requires thorough planning and utilization of available resources, scholarships, and employment opportunities to support academic and living expenses throughout the duration of the program.

Literature and Society: English at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers students an in-depth understanding of literary texts and their relationship to social, historical, and cultural contexts. The program emphasises critical analysis, interpretation, and the development of insights into how literature reflects and influences societal issues. Students explore a wide range of English-language literary works from different periods and genres, examining themes such as identity, power, and social change. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical skills in literary analysis, enabling students to develop nuanced perspectives on texts and their societal impact.

Throughout the programme, students engage with various approaches, including literary theory, cultural studies, and media analysis. They learn to interpret literature within diverse societal frameworks, fostering an awareness of how language and narrative shape social realities. The programme also emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing, preparing students for careers in education, media, journalism, publishing, and cultural management.

In addition to academic coursework, students have opportunities for internships, international exchange, and participation in research projects, enhancing their practical experience and global perspectives. The programme encourages independent thought and intellectual curiosity, equipping students with the tools necessary to analyze complex societal issues through the lens of literature. By studying Literature and Society: English at VU Amsterdam, students become well-rounded scholars capable of contributing thoughtfully to discussions on literature's role within society’s ongoing cultural dynamics.