Type of course

Go to ‘Timetable & Registration' to see whether the course is offered as a traditional classroom and/or online course.

Course description

The student learns approximately 600 words. Conversation skills are practised with the class, as well as in groups, and language lab equipment is used. Furthermore, the tutor deals with texts and grammatical topics.

Students are expected to prepare at home; preparation time is estimated to be approximately 3 hours per session. 

Upon completing the course, participants will be able to hold a basic conversation on everyday subjects, such as where they live, family matters, going out, studies, work, medical topics. Participants will also be able to understand basic texts and conversations.

The course is concluded with a final test and a certificate (minimum attendance 80%). If you will be absent for more lessons, please contact your teacher or talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Course material

• Nederlands in gang by Berna de Boer et al.
  ISBN 9789046905609.

This book is not included in the registration fee. Course participants are required to purchase it themselves. We recommend purchasing a hard copy. It’s more convenient to work with than an e-book.

In the first lesson, course participants will receive a reader prepared by teachers of the Academic Language Centre.

Target group and admission requirements

This course is intended for adults with a higher education, including both Leiden University students and staff members and other interested parties with no relation to the University.

The course is open to persons aged 17 and older who have completed a secondary school education.

Basic knowledge of English at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

For this course knowledge of the Dutch language is required. Those who have a certificate from the previous course can enrol directly. Others are required to check by means of an entrance exam if they have sufficient knowledge to take part. Please get in touch with us to make an appointment at talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 14 and for a classroom course is 16.
• The course load is 100 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added at the end of the courses. Please take into account that courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.