In the Bachelor's English Language and Culture, you study the rich and vibrant cultural, literary and linguistic heritage of the English-speaking world. You are introduced to fields of study such as World Englishes and World Literature in English.
In this programme you develop a broad foundation in the field of English studies through language, literature and linguistics. You cover the traditional canon of English literature and examine the newest forms of contemporary English literature from around the globe. You also explore the history and structure of the English language, and its variation around the world. The programme offers you the opportunity to specialise in either ‘World Literatures in English’ or ‘English Linguistics and Literature’ during your second and third years. Alongside the core programme, you can select a minor in one of your fields of interest. You can also decide to study abroad for a semester or do an internship.
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. As part of your core literature and linguistics courses you will take classes on Academic Skills, where you will learn and refine the tools and approaches needed for academic research and writing. You will work on improving your argumentation, presentation and research skills using a variety of multimedia tools.
During the second and third years, the programme offers students the opportunity to specialise in either ‘World Literatures in English’ or ‘English Linguistics and Literature’ through a choice of new and innovative courses, such as ‘Contemporary World Literature’ and ‘Language in Society’.
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.
Please note: This is the study schedule of the shared programme of the Bachelor's English Language and Culture. View the UvA Course Catalogue for the programmes of the specialisations.
English Language and Culture is a three-year Bachelor’s degree that consists of 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. Each academic year accounts for 60 ECTS spread across two semesters, with each semester comprising two 8-week blocks and one 4-week block of classes.
As a Bachelor’s student, you are expected to spend an average of 42 hours a week on your studies.
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.
It is possible to enrol in this programme as a part-time student.