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, international centre of Dutch studies?

Programme overview

You can start the BA 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 the Programme II. This programme is designed for those with an advanced knowledge of Dutch. This bachelor’s study 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.

Your level of Dutch determines much of the setup of your first year. No previous Dutch? Then you will work hard at 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 2 years. For more information please contact the study advisor
Leiden also offers the first year as a one-year programme in Dutch Studies.

In your second year you cross into true 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 also learn how to conduct independent scientific research. The advantages of studying at Leiden University include being surrounded by Dutch every day, so you will start to really accelerate in your ability to speak and interact with native speakers.

During the third year you will have a lot of freedom to tailor your studies to your personal interests and ambitions by taking electives. You may choose to follow courses from other Leiden programmes; in this way you will structure 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 Literature

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

The most difficult word in Dutch: Which reference particle 'er' is the most difficult for learners of 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?

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: A research into the change in the lives of former Turkish migrant workers in the Netherlands between 1987 and 1991.

Dutch Art History

Vilmos Huszár (1884-1960), a Hungarian artist from the Dutch art movement: De Stijl.

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 learn a very basic understanding of the Dutch language, a small taste of Dutch culture and a brief impression of Leiden and The Hague.

Start Dutch & More here

Maybe 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

Due to the selected cookie settings, we cannot show this video here.

Watch the video on the original website or

Educational methods

As a Dutch Studies student, you can expect a full working week of about 40 hours. You will spend an average of 14 hours in-class, for example lectures or tutorials, and the rest of the time in independent study. You attend lectures focused upon a particular topic; the lectures are complemented by tutorials in which the material is discussed in greater depth and with more student input, for example in solo or group presentations, all of which help you to grasp Dutch quickly and with more fluency.

Student support

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

Should you have any questions about the programme, our study advisor is available to provide advice or help you make practical arrangements if needed.

Apart from study advice, we offer many more support services. Our Career Services can help you arrange a study abroad or find an internship position.

In case of psychological issues, a university psychologist can be consulted. In the event of chronic illness, dyslexia or a physical or psychological disability, you can contact the university’s Fenestra Disability Centre.