Dutch and German

Dutch and German is a degree that combines two major European languages, both central to the cultural and economic life of Northern Europe, while developing your understanding of the distinctive literatures, histories, and cultures associated with each. German is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union and the language of a country that has shaped European and world history profoundly. Dutch opens access to the Netherlands and Belgium, two of Europe's most commercially significant and culturally rich nations, and is the gateway to a further dimension of European intellectual and artistic tradition.

At University College London, this four-year, full-time BA is split equally between the two languages. You will take modules not only in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and translation in both Dutch and German but also in cultural topics including literature, history, film, linguistics, politics, and other fields designed to complement your language learning. The programme gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests within each language's cultural context.

The third year is a year abroad, split between two countries where your languages are spoken, which is essential for developing genuine fluency and cultural understanding in both.

Graduates with proficiency in both Dutch and German are well placed for careers in international business, translation, journalism, the civil service, European institutions, publishing, and education, particularly in roles that involve working across Northern European and German-speaking contexts. The combination of two closely related but distinct languages also develops a refined understanding of how languages work that is valuable in applied linguistics and language teaching. Postgraduate study in German, Dutch, European studies, or translation provides routes to further specialisation.