BA in European Languages and Cultures University of Groningen

Would you like to become an expert on the cultures, 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, 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 subject-related courses taught in your major language. In addition, you can choose to specialise further by means of Minor, elective courses and/or a short placement. Your Bachelor's degree is finalised with a thesis.

Why study this programme in 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 Dutch in the programme European Languages and Cultures are offered both in English and in Dutch.

Year 1

The first semester compromises introductory course units to the three profiles: European Language and Society, European Culture and Literature and European Politics and Society. In the second semester, 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 chosen language.

Courses

• Introduction Linguistics (5 EC)
• Studying Europe (5 EC)
• Language proficiency 1a + 1b chosen 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 2a + 2b chosen language (10 EC)
• Text and Context (5 EC)
• Themes in European Politics (5 EC)

Year 2

In the second year, you will continue to specialise 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. Within your profile, you can specialise in your chosen language and language area by focusing your written assignments and papers on them. In addition, you will follow more proficiency training and course units in your chosen language.

Courses

• Theme course 3 within the chosen profile (5 EC)
• Elective (10 EC)
• Language proficiency 3a + 3b chosen language (10 EC)
• Language-specific module 1 Politics and Society (5 EC)
• Theme course 5 within the chosen profile (5 EC)
• Elective (10 EC)
• Language-specific module 1 Culture and Literature (5 EC)
• Language-specific module 1 Language and Society (5 EC)

Year 3

In the first semester of the third year, you have your minor. You can choose between the research minor, the work field minor with a placement, the pre-master/minor, the educative minor and the study-abroad minor. During the study-abroad minor you can raise your proficiency to a near-native speaker level and follow in-depth course units. Your Bachelor's degree is rounded off with a thesis which must be written in your target language (with the exception of Russian).

Courses

• Minor (30 EC)
• Theme course 6 within the chosen profile (5 EC)
• Bachelor thesis (10 EC)
• Language-specific module 2 (10 EC)
• Theme course 7 within the chosen profile (5 EC)
• Programme options
• European Politics and Society (profile)
• European Culture and Literature (profile)
• European Language and Society (profile)
• German (specialisation)
• Italian (specialisation)
• Dutch as a foreign language (specialisation)
• English (specialisation)
• French (specialisation)
• Spanish (specialisation)
• Russian (specialisation)
• Swedish (specialisation)
• Minors (minor)
• University of Groningen Honours College (honours program)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is recommended
• Maximum of 30 EC

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, but also a lot of fun. And it looks good on your CV!

Job prospects

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 organisation, a government body, a political party or an international organisation such as the European Union or UNESCO.

Job examples

• Policy officer at a municipality, ministry or non-governmental organisation
• Communications consultant
• Lecturer at a university, university of applied sciences, senior secondary vocational education
• Journalist (newspaper, radio/TV, new media)
• Teacher in secondary education
• Manager in the national or international business world
• Staff member at an international organisation such as the European Union
• Staff member at an embassy
• Researcher at a university
• Political advisor
• Publisher or editor at a publishing house
• Translator