Dutch Studies
Spoken across the Netherlands, Belgium, Suriname and parts of the Caribbean, Dutch is one of the world's top 10 languages in terms of economic importance. Needless to say, this makes it a useful skill to have in an increasingly competitive job market.
The Dutch are internationally-minded and outward-looking, but they also have a real pride in their own national identity. And well they might; the Netherlands and Flanders have made huge contributions to literature, politics, the visual arts, architecture and sport, and Amsterdam is one of the world's great capital cities. And there is Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp of course.
So, it's a great practical skill to have and its culture demands exploration, but there is another reason to study Dutch: we think you'll really enjoy learning it with us...
Dutch at Sheffield
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With around eighty students on our programmes, we are the largest Dutch department in the UK in terms of student numbers. This popularity is a testament to the lively, friendly nature of the department; there is always something going on and you’ll quickly feel included and at home with us. In your first or second year you can take our beginners’ class, and you will progress to a good level of competence in a relatively short period of time. Once you have mastered the basics, we offer a variety of modules to introduce you to the culture behind the language. We try to be as flexible as possible, so you can study Dutch over a period of one, two or three years and can start at either beginners’ or intermediate level. |
Students talk about their experience with studying Dutch during the Dutch Student Days 2013 |
How can I study Dutch at Sheffield?
As an Honours degreeYou can study Dutch part of an Honours degree with German, French or History, spending 1/3 of your time on Dutch and 2/3 on the other subject. If you combine it with French or German you split your year abroad between your languages. For History with Dutch you spend the whole year in a Dutch-speaking country. |
As free credit modulesYou can study Dutch as free credits as long as you have some experience with modern language learning. If you study Dutch as part of a Single Honours Germanic Studies and Dual Honours degrees involving German then you get the chance to spend part of your year abroad in a Dutch-speaking country. |
As BA Modern LanguagesYou can study Dutch as either a major or minor component of a BA Modern Languages. If Dutch is a major part of your degree you will spend half of your year abroad in the Netherlands. If it is a minor component you still have the option of attending summer schools in a Dutch-speaking country. |
Dutch links at home and abroad
We have links with three universities in the Netherlands and one in Belgium. Dutch-speaking students from these institutions attend courses at Sheffield, and there is the opportunity to study at one of these universities during your year abroad.
Beyond the classroom you are encouraged to join in with our packed events calendar which includes activities, workshops and conferences. Our own student society also organises social evenings and an annual trip to Amsterdam in spring.
Enquiries
If you have any questions about Dutch at Sheffield please contact Dr Henriette Louwerse.
Email: h.louwerse@sheffield.ac.uk