Dutch with Film Studies

Dutch with film studies is a combination that brings together the study of a European language and its cultural context with the academic analysis of cinema. Dutch is a language spoken by some 24 million people in the Netherlands, Belgium, and beyond, and it provides access to a distinctive literary, artistic, and intellectual tradition, as well as to one of Europe's most internationally connected economies. Film studies examines the moving image as an art form, an industry, and a cultural force, developing the skills to analyse how films work, what they mean, and how they are made and distributed within specific social and economic contexts.

At University College London, this four-year, full-time BA divides on a 75 to 25 basis between Dutch and film studies. The Dutch component is taught in the School of European Languages, Culture and Society and covers all aspects of language ability: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and translation. You will also study cultural topics including literature, history, film, linguistics, and politics in the Dutch-speaking world, building a contextual understanding that goes beyond purely linguistic training.

The film studies strand develops your critical and analytical skills in relation to cinema, engaging with global film traditions and the theoretical frameworks used to interpret them. Your third year is a year abroad, spent in a country where Dutch is spoken, which consolidates your linguistic ability and cultural knowledge through immersion. The typical entry tariff is 152 UCAS points.

Graduates with Dutch and film studies bring a rare combination of linguistic competence and media literacy. Careers in the cultural sector, film and television industries, journalism, translation and interpreting, international business in the Netherlands or Belgium, academia, and cultural diplomacy are all natural directions. The year abroad often leads to professional contacts and opportunities in Dutch-speaking countries.

Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in film studies, European languages, or translation.