The three-year Bachelor’s programme is divided into two semesters and four periods per year. At the end of each period, you will have a series of exams to test what you have learned. You can find the dates of the teaching periods, holidays and national celebrations on the Academic calendar on the Radboud University website.
Programme
When you apply for the Bachelor programme in English Language and Culture, you choose one of two tracks: English Language and Culture or American Studies. More information on the American Studies track can be found on the American Studies website.
During the Bachelor programme, you will explore all aspects of English language and culture. You will learn about the history and structure of the language and get acquainted with English literature throughout the centuries. And of course you will perfect your spoken and written English until you reach a professional level of proficiency. With this goal in mind, all classes are taught entirely in English from the first day on and the programme offers various language acquisition courses to provied you with a solid asis for your further academic and professional development.
Courses
A complete year at Radboud University consists of 60 course credits (European credits), divided over several courses.
Curriculum
Curriculum year 1
The first year of the Bachelor's programme will introduce you to the main aspects of the academic study of English language and culture (including literature, history, politics and linguistics) and provide you with English language proficiency training. In addition you will learn to critically read English literary texts, and to apply methodologies needed to analyse literary texts in an academic context and critically approach the history of Great Britain.
During the second year of the Bachelor’s programme in English Language and Culture you will deepen and broaden the knowledge acquired in your first year. Your English fluency will continue to improve, as will your understanding of language structure, the linguistic diversity of English and its spread across the globe as a world language. At the same time, you will expand and deepen your understanding of the most important works, genres and traditions in English literature.
In addition to your compulsory courses, the second year also includes 30 ECTS of minor space, giving you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your own interests. You can choose to specialise in specific areas of English linguistics or literature and culture. Alternatively, you may opt for an interdisciplinary elective package focused on a particular theme or a language and culture package offered outside of your own programme.
In the third year, you will follow four compulsory courses and write your Bachelor's thesis, allowing you to demonstrate that you can conduct your own research on a topic of your choice, under the supervision of a member of staff with expertise to match your project.
In addition, there is a free space in which you can choose courses to further develop yourself and broaden your studies by taking courses from other programmes. Or you can choose to take the educational minor, which will qualify you to teach lower secondary education (havo and vwo) as well as vmbo-t education. An internship or stay abroad are also among the possibilities.
This study programme consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) per year. At the end of the first year you will need to have accumulated a minimum of 45 ECTS in order to receive a positive BSA to continue your studies in the second year. Failing to meet this minimum requirement and receiving a negative BSA means that you are no longer allowed to continue with your studies. Of course, we will consider exceptional circumstances such as illness or other personal factors. Your study advisor or mentor will regularly discuss your study results with you so that you are not faced with any surprises.
Study abroad
During your Bachelor's programme, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to view things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will enhance your CV. Please see the International Office web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.
Additional challenge
Are you up for an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student.
