English Language and Culture

The Bachelor's program in English Language and Culture at the University of Amsterdam offers students an in-depth exploration of the English language, its history, and its diverse cultural contexts. Designed for those passionate about language, literature, and cultural studies, this comprehensive curriculum provides a solid foundation in linguistic analysis, literary critique, and cultural understanding. Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of topics, including the development of the English language over centuries, contemporary linguistic varieties, and the ways in which literature and culture influence one another. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in education, publishing, media, diplomacy, translation, and other fields requiring advanced language competence and cultural literacy. Students have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in internships, and undertake research projects that enhance their practical skills and global perspective. The University of Amsterdam's vibrant academic community and excellent faculty members provide an inspiring environment for learning and personal development. With a strong focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, the Bachelor's in English Language and Culture aims to produce proficient, culturally aware individuals ready to contribute to a globalized society. The program culminates in a bachelor’s thesis that allows students to demonstrate their expertise and research capabilities. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue further academic studies or enter a wide array of professional environments, making a meaningful impact in fields where language and cultural insights are essential.

The first year

The first year of the programme provides you with a broad, general overview of the entire field of English studies.

• The literature courses serve as an introduction to the history, literature and cultural theories of the English language.
• The linguistics courses introduce you to World Englishes; the origins, development and spread of English, and ways of analysing language in use.  
• In the Academic Writing courses, you will learn and refine various skills necessary for academic writing as well as develop your academic skill set. You will work on improving your argumentation, presentation and research skills using a variety of multimedia tools.

The second and third years

In the second and third years of the programme, you will build on the courses in linguistics and literature.

• In the linguistics courses, you examine the complex relationship between language and society, both in the present-day as well as over time. The courses in literature explore contemporary literary and cultural theory.
• In addition to the core courses, you will be able to tailor the programme to your specific interests by choosing from a range of elective courses. 
• In the third year, you will have the opportunity to spend a semester or year studying abroad, and/or completing an internship.

Learning and assessment

As a Bachelor’s student, you are expected to spend an average of 42 hours a week on your studies.

• In your first year, 12 to 15 of those hours will be spent attending lectures, while in your second and third years you will have approximately 8 to 10 hours of class. 
• The remaining time will be spent on self-study, preparing for lectures and seminars, completing coursework and assignments, as well as exams.
• You will attend both lectures and small group seminars.
• Lectures generally introduce the main topics of the course, discussing and explaining course readings and literature.
• In the seminars, you will work closely with your fellow students, collaborating on assignments, presentations and talks.
• You will be tested by means of written and oral exams, presentations, essays, reports and assignments.
• Your final grade for a course is determined by the results you receive for each of these.

Honours programme

Highly-motivated students may qualify to take part in a selective honours programme. This programme accounts for an additional 30 ECTS and will help familiarise you with various other aspects of academic research and prepare you for a subsequent Research Master's degree.

Studying part-time

It is possible to enrol in this programme as a part-time student.

• Part-time students follow the same programme as full-time students. However, the course load of the programme will be 40 credits per year instead of the full-time course load of 60 credits per year.
• The duration of the programme is four and a half years.
• Part-time students need to be flexible with regards to the timetable as the courses will be taught during the daytime – there are no separate nighttime courses. Additionally, the timetable changes approximately every eight weeks. 
• Students who are interested in studying part-time need to contact the study adviser to discuss the options and consequences. 

Prior education

• Studying with a foreign diploma at the University of Amsterdam means that a student's preparatory education must be equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, with English included in the final examination.
• The starting level of a regular study programme at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other European countries, which is usually one or two years higher than in most countries outside of Europe.
• A student's diploma or certificate from prior education will be compared with the list of country qualifications that has been drawn up by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Nuffic).

Required documents

In this application you will need to indicate your previous education and upload all of the required documents:

• Final secondary school/higher education diplomas and grade lists obtained;
• Proof of recent results (if you are still attending a programme);
• Official translations in English or Dutch if the diploma and/or transcripts are not already in English, Dutch or German;
• A sufficient English test result, if required and already available. If your results are insufficient, do not upload this test, but send another one at a later date;
• A curriculum vitae;
• UvA Matching form.

What is it?

UvA Matching for international students is an introduction to the Bachelor’s programme for which you have applied. It is designed to help you assess whether you have chosen the right programme, through a combination of online activities such as assignments, reading course literature and/or making a test. The activities may differ per programme.

Once you have completed these activities, you will receive personal advice based on your test results. This will help you determine whether the Bachelor’s programme matches your interests and capabilities and whether you have the motivation and study skills to start the programme in September.

After submitting your enrolment application in Studielink you will receive more information on UvA Matching for international students.

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

• Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject
  
  Exceptions:
• Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
• Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628. 

 IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

• Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Exceptions

• Artificial Intelligence,  Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5 
• Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
• The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.    

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

The English Language and Culture bachelor's program at the University of Amsterdam offers various financing options for prospective students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's nationality: for Dutch and EU/EEA students, the annual fee is approximately €2,200, while non-EU/EEA students pay around €11,000 per year. These fees are subject to change annually and should be verified with the university's official sources. The university provides information about possible financial aid, scholarships, and grants that can help offset the costs of studying. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities such as the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AES), which are awarded based on academic excellence and offer partial or full tuition fee waivers. Furthermore, Dutch students and residents can apply for student grants and loans through the Dutch government’s student finance system, which includes options for both supplementary grants and loans to support living expenses and study costs. Part-time work is also a common way for students to finance their studies; the university’s location in Amsterdam affords students access to numerous employment opportunities in the city, with regulations governing student work hours and minimum wages. Additionally, the university provides guidance on applying for external scholarships and funding schemes offered by various organizations, foundations, and government agencies. International students may also consider private student loans or sponsorships from their home countries to support their studies. Budgeting advice and financial planning assistance are available through the university's student support services, helping students manage their expenses throughout their academic career. The university promotes the importance of early financial planning to ensure that students can focus on their studies without undue financial stress. Overall, the University of Amsterdam offers a range of financial resources designed to make studying in the Netherlands accessible and affordable for talented students from all around the world.

The Bachelor's programme in English Language and Culture at the University of Amsterdam offers an in-depth exploration of the English language, its structure, history, and the diverse cultures associated with it. The programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of linguistic theories, language acquisition, and the societal influences on language. Students will examine various forms of English used around the world, diving into dialects, accents, and regional variations, as well as the role of English in global communication, media, and literature.

Throughout the course, students engage with critical analysis of texts, linguistic data, and cultural artifacts, fostering analytical skills and cultural awareness. The curriculum includes core courses in phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics, complemented by courses in literature, film, media studies, and intercultural communication. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical foundations and practical skills, such as advanced writing, presentation, and research methods.

The programme encourages active participation and critical thinking, preparing graduates for careers in education, media, publishing, international relations, and cultural consultancy. It also offers opportunities for internships, international exchanges, and collaborative projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. The academic staff is comprised of experts in linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, ensuring a rich learning environment.

Studying in Amsterdam, a vibrant, multicultural city, enhances the educational experience by providing exposure to diverse linguistic and cultural environments. Graduates of the programme are equipped with the linguistic competence, cultural sensitivity, and analytical skills necessary to excel in a variety of international and domestic professional settings. The degree fosters lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing global landscape, making it a highly valuable choice for students interested in language, culture, and communication.