English Language and Culture

The Bachelor's degree in English Language and Culture at the University of Groningen offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the English language, its history, and its various cultural contexts. This programme is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of linguistic structures, language variation, and the socio-cultural significance of English across different regions and communities. Throughout the three years of study, students will engage with a wide range of subjects, including phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, semantics and pragmatics, as well as the rich literary and cultural traditions related to the English-speaking world. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to analyze language use, produce academic writing, and develop critical insights into texts and media. The programme also offers opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as historical linguistics, language acquisition, or cultural studies, allowing for personalized academic development. Interdisciplinary modules link linguistics with literature, media, and cultural history, fostering a broad perspective necessary to understand the global influence of English today. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, language practice, and international exchanges, which enhance their employability and intercultural competence. The faculty provides a stimulating academic environment with small class sizes and close student-teacher interaction, supporting students every step of their academic journey. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in teaching, translation, publishing, media, public relations, and further academic research. With a strong foundation in both language and culture, alumni are equipped to navigate diverse professional settings and contribute meaningfully to society's multilingual and multicultural landscape. The University of Groningen’s English Language and Culture programme combines rigorous academics with practical application, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about the English language and its cultural contexts.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 1951 Year (EEA)
• EUR 7800 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Specialisations / Tracks

• Minors English Language and Culture (minor)

  Through the choice of a Minor, you can tailor-fit the curriculum to meet your academic, personal and professional interests. See which Minors you can choose from.

• Premodern Literature and Culture (track)
• Modern Literature and Culture (track)
• English Linguistics (track)
• 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.

  The Honours College comprises a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 45 EC credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme.

Programme schedule

Courses year 1

• Introduction to English Literature (5 EC)
• Introduction Ling.: Phonology (5 EC)
• English Proficiency 1, Major (B2/C1) (10 EC)
• Survey I: Engl. Literature before 1550 (5 EC)
• Introduction Ling.: Words and Sentences (5 EC)
• Survey II: Engl. Literature after 1550 (5 EC)
• English Linguistics II: Sociolinguistics (5 EC)
• Minor (10 EC)
• English Proficiency 2, Major (B2/C1) (5 EC)
• Approaches to English Literature: Theory (5 EC)

Courses year 2

• Students must choose four of the six available electives of option group A
• Shakespeare & Early Mod. Engl.Literature (Option Group A) (5 EC, optional)
• English Proficiency 3, Major (C1) (5 EC)
• English Linguistics: English Words (5 EC)
• Minor (or electives) (30 EC)
• English Linguistics IIIb: Sounds (Option Group A) (5 EC, optional)
• Saints and Sinners in Medieval England (Option Group A) (5 EC, optional)
• The Long 19th Century English Literature (Option Group A) (5 EC, optional)
• King Arthur, Romance, and Empire (Option Group A) (5 EC, optional)
• English Proficiency 4, Major (C1) (5 EC)

Courses year 3

• Students must choose two of the six available electives of option group C and one of the three BA Thesis course units of option group B
• English Linguistics: Language in Use (Option Group A) (5 EC, optional)
• Reading Middle English (5 EC)
• Minor (or electives) (20 EC)
• Modernism and Beyond: English Literature (5 EC)
• English Proficiency 5, Major (C1) (5 EC)
• Contemporary Writing I (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)
• Contemporary Writing I (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)
• Language & Culture: Anglo-Saxon England (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)
• English in Time and Space 1 (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)
• Ba Thesis English (Modern Literature) (Option Group B) (10 EC, optional)
• Shakespeare at Stratford (5 EC, optional)
• Ba Thesis English (Older English Lit.) (Option Group B) (10 EC, optional)
• Ba Thesis English (Linguistics) (Option Group B) (10 EC, optional)
• Contemporary Writing II (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)
• Special Topic: Medieval Literature&Cult. (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)
• English in Time and Space 2 (Option Group C) (5 EC, optional)

The programme concentrates on different aspects of the English language and and on literature written in English: language proficiency, linguistics, and the literature from the Middle Ages down to the present day, from the birthplace of the language in England to the United States and all parts of the Commonwealth. We cover theory, the entire range of genres and modes of writing, besides placing a strong emphasis on the cultural context of literary texts.

Study abroad

• Study abroad is optional
• For an average of 16 weeks
• Maximum of 30 EC

(Binding) study advice

• A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months ( binding )
• A minimum of 60 EC in the first 24 months ( binding )

You will be offered study advice after first and second years 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.

In addition, you are also expected to pass all your first-year exams by the end of your second year of study. If you don't, you will be issued a negative result and will have to leave the 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.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Specific requirements / More information

• previous education

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.

Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 on all items or TOEFL 580/237/92 (with a minimum of 22 on all items)

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

• CM
• EM
• NG
• NT
• HBO-p

  As of 1 September 2015, students will no longer be automatically granted admission to this degree programme on the basis of a Dutch HBO propaedeutic certificate (in combination with a Dutch HAVO diploma). The degree programme may set additional requirements. Please contact the study advisor for more information.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Groningen.

The Bachelor's degree programme in English Language and Culture at the University of Groningen offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the English language, its structure, history, and cultural context. The programme is designed to develop both linguistic and cultural competencies, preparing students for a wide range of careers in fields such as education, translation, international communication, publishing, and media. Throughout the course, students explore the evolution of the English language from Old and Middle English to modern varieties, examining syntax, phonetics, semantics, and pragmatics. They also study the rich cultural history associated with English-speaking countries, including literature, media, and societal developments. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including research methods, academic writing, and communication strategies. Students have opportunities to engage in various project-based tasks, fostering critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and teamwork skills. In addition to classroom learning, the programme encourages intercultural exchange through international partnerships and exchange programmes, allowing students to experience different cultural perspectives firsthand. The programme typically includes options for specialization, such as linguistics, literature, or cultural studies, enabling students to tailor their education according to their interests and career ambitions. The faculty contributors are renowned experts in their fields, providing high-quality education rooted in current research. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue further studies at the master’s level or to enter the professional world, leveraging their advanced language skills and cultural knowledge. The University of Groningen’s modern facilities, diverse student community, and vibrant academic environment enhance the learning experience, making it a compelling choice for students passionate about the English language and its cultural dimensions.