European Languages and Cultures, Bachelor Degree, University of Groningen

the Netherlands

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
Bachelor Degree	find out	find out	September	EUR 2530 per year	EUR 13100 per year

About European Languages and Cultures, Bachelor Degree - at University of Groningen

Would you like to become an expert in the culture(s), languages and politics of Europe?

The degree programme in European Languages and Cultures (in Dutch: ETC, Europese Talen en Culturen) is designed to meet the growing need for academically 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 foreign language, Russian, Spanish or Swedish

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 be able to understand future challenges and inform advanced decision-making in cultural, political and educational institutions.

The programme has a flexible structure. You will specialize 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 years will comprise subject-related course units taught in your chosen language. In addition, you can choose to specialize further by means of a Minor, elective courses and/or a short placement. Your Bachelor's degree is finalized with a thesis.

Learn more about European Languages and Cultures, Bachelor Degree - at University of Groningen

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Entry requirements

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.

For Dutch as a foreign language, Italian, Russian and Swedish, no previous knowledge is necessary.

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

VWO + French as examenvak (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

VWO + German
Equivalent of A-level + German (obtained within the EU and not older than 2 years)

Spanish Plus

VWO with centraal examen Spanish
High school diploma that clearly states an A2 level
DELE A2

English

Vwo + English
Equivalent of a VWO diploma for non Dutch students
Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT TOEFL, minimum score 92) minimum of 22 for each part.
IELTS, Academic Module, minimum score 6.5 for each part.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Groningen

The university is committed to recognising excellence in academic achievement through offering a number of scholarships for international students and researchers. Several scholarships are available for international students who are motivated to study Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes, as well as for exchanges, short courses and research stays at our university.

Besides scholarships awarded by the University of Groningen, a number of grants awarded by the Dutch government, the EU and (inter)national organizations, such as World Bank or the Ford Foundation, can be used for study or research at the University of Groningen as well.

Find out what is available through our grant finder page.

Student reviews of University of Groningen

Find out what students say about University of Groningen

If I had to choose a Master's programme again, I would be on a flight to Groningen.

Ana Quintana, Mexico, Strategic Innovation Management

I gained a Bachelor's degree in Management & Marketing in Mexico City before I came to the Netherlands to undertake my Master's programme. During my Bachelor's studies, I spent a semester in Canada and I wanted to expand my international (study) experiences before starting work. I was keen to focus on innovation which is not usually offered in Mexico hence the combination of Innovation and Strategy in one programme directed me to Groningen.

My Master's thesis dealt with Innovation in family businesses and I now benefit from the intense research modules offered during the programme. Now I am working as a Promotion Manager in charge of the several customer loyalty programs offered by one of Mexico's biggest hotel chains. Although the Master's program was rather theoretical, I feel that it prepared me very well for my current job.

There was nothing about Groningen that I did not like: the city is just beautiful. I especially enjoyed going everywhere by bike, the variety of offers for students and, of course, the Queensday (now Kings Day) celebrations. Groningen has everything to make (foreign) students feel at home.

Looking back a year after my return to Mexico, I feel that I especially enjoyed getting to know Dutch culture. In addition, the courses offered and the beauty of the city made my stay in Groningen an unforgettable experience. If I had to choose a Master's programme again, I would be on a flight to Groningen.

I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of law

Lejla Terzimehic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Global Criminal Law

Thanks to the European Commission Scholarship and the Talent Grant from the University of Groningen, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of law that I am most passionate about, at one of the oldest and most prestigious European universities.

Being very intellectually challenging, the master programme truly met my expectations. Sharing knowledge with my colleagues, all coming from different legal traditions, and learning from inspiring professors enriched me with the skills I hadn't attained during my previous education.

What I found to be the most beneficial is that the Dutch education system which, taught us to develop a critical opinion on law-related issues. Moreover, this master programme had a unique approach in tackling controversial contemporary legal issues. Due to its strong comparative emphasis, it encouraged us to keep at constant track with our national law, which is of a huge significance.

Both the master and a 6-month long internship at the International Criminal Tribunal for The Former Yugoslavia strengthened my belief in Justice. Furthermore, besides this academic benefit, I believe that studying abroad unequivocally broadens our horizons and tests prejudices we even are not aware of.