Dutch Studies (BA)

About the programme

This three-year programme offers you a unique chance to gain a specialised qualification in a rich, valuable area of knowledge, plus the freedom to tailor the programme to your own ambitions. And what better place to study than in Leiden, the international centre of Dutch studies?

Programme overview

You can start the BA in Dutch Studies as an absolute beginner with the Programme A for those with no Dutch knowledge. If your Dutch is at an intermediate level, you will be able to start with Programme II. This programme is designed for those with an advanced knowledge of Dutch. This bachelor’s programme offers international students a flexible route to academic-level Dutch fluency as well as a broad and deep understanding of the culture and history of the Netherlands.

First year

Your level of Dutch determines much of the setup of your first year. No prior knowledge of Dutch? Then you will focus on learning to speak, write and understand Dutch. You will attend lectures on Dutch culture, and gain the research, writing and presentation skills needed for your final written paper. You will learn about the great historical impact of this small nation and gain insight into present-day Dutch society.

If your Dutch is more advanced you may be able to complete the programme in two years. For more information please contact the study adviser
Leiden also offers the first year as a one-year programme in Dutch Studies.

Second year

In your second year you will progress into full Dutch fluency, learning to recognise and understand the nuances of the language and culture. As you deepen your knowledge of Dutch history and literature and modern and historical linguistics, you will further learn how to conduct independent scientific research. The advantages of studying at Leiden University include being surrounded by Dutch every day, so you will quickly accelerate in your ability to speak and interact with native speakers.

Third year

During the third year you will have considerable freedom to tailor your studies to your personal interests and ambitions by choosing electives. You can choose courses from other Leiden University programmes; this allows you to build a minor that reflects your interests and future academic or career goals. You will conclude your studies by writing a bachelor’s thesis (in Dutch).

Examples of bachelor’s assignments:

Dutch Culture

Now tell me the truth: An autofictional game in the works of four recent Dutch female writers.
The image of evil: The representation of the SS in Dutch concentration camp literature.

Dutch Linguistics

Morpheme recognition challenges? The influence of the morphological structure of Finnish and Chinese on the recognition of word structure in Dutch as a second language.
The influence of a native language on the distinction between the perfect and imperfect learners of Dutch as a second language.
The acquisition of Dutch articles by Chinese and Hungarian speakers of Dutch as a second language: Has a native language played a role in the acquisition of Dutch articles?
Aardappels of aardappelen, Quantitative corpus research into language variation of the Dutch plural formation.

Dutch History

Power to Widows! A comparison of the influences of Mary of Hungary, Catherine de Medici and Kösem Sultan after the death of their reigning husbands.
In the land of cheese and clogs: Research into the change in the lives of former Turkish migrant workers in the Netherlands between 1987 and 1991.

Check this out!

Do you want to get a taste of the Dutch language and the Netherlands? In the short online course Dutch & More, you will gain a basic understanding of the Dutch language, explore elements of Dutch culture, and get a first impression of Leiden and The Hague.

Start Dutch & More here

One-year programme

If you are interested in Dutch language and culture, but do not want to spend three years at university. If so, you have the option to take just a one-year programme of Dutch Studies.

Perrine Servoin

First year student

"From day one, almost all the lectures and tutorials are in Dutch, and you have to practice a lot. But it works! When I arrived, I only knew a few basic words like 'hello' and 'goodbye'. But now, I can understand Dutch TV shows, as long as they don't speak too fast, and I can read news articles. That's incredibly motivating. In addition to learning the language, we also learn a lot about culture and history. The culture lessons are my favorite. Recently, we had a lecture about Dutch painters, which was amazing - especially because the teacher was so passionate about it."

Paul Dumais

Second year student

"The program has exceeded my expectations; I love the courses and everything around them. As a student, you not only learn the language but also study Dutch literature, history, culture, and society. My favorite subject is literature; I really enjoy reading Dutch novels, and it also helps me learn a lot about the culture of this country. Additionally, it's pleasant to live and study in Leiden. Such a beautiful city, I enjoy it immensely."

Rick Honings

Scaliger Professor

"Dutch Studies is a multidisciplinary programme. This means that, as well as taking language acquisition classes, you will follow specialist courses in linguistics, literature, history and politics, and art history. Outside of the classroom you will visit some of the Netherlands’ world-famous galleries, museums and historical locations. The opportunity for an internship at an organisation will provide you with additional professional skills and experience."

Will tells you everything about the Dutch Studies programme

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Educational methods

As a Dutch Studies student, you can expect a full-time study workload of around 40 hours. You will spend an average of 14 hours in class, for example in lectures or tutorials, and the remainder on independent study. You will attend lectures focused on specific topics. These are complemented by tutorials in which the material is discussed in greater depth and with more student input, for example through individual or group presentations. This approach helps you develop Dutch fluency more quickly.

Student support

Do you need support during your study? We make sure our students receive the guidance they need. A mentor will be available to offer the help or advice you need.

If you have any questions about the programme, our study adviser is available to provide advice or help you make practical arrangements.

Beyond study advice, we offer a range of support services. Our Career Services can help you arrange a study abroad or find an internship position.

If you experience psychological difficulties, you can contact a university psychologist. In the event of chronic illness, dyslexia or a physical or psychological disability, you can contact the university’s Fenestra Disability Centre.