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 has made huge contributions to literature, politics, the visual arts, architecture and sport, and in Amsterdam it boasts one of the world's great capital cities.

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

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.

With many similarities to English, learning Dutch is easier than you may think. And considering how many of our students stay on for a full three years of study - and how many go on to use Dutch in their graduate lives - we’d say it’s a step worth taking.

How can I study Dutch at Sheffield?

As an Honours degree You 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 modules You can study Dutch as free credits with any degree which involves German (apart from German with Dutch). This applies to both Single Honours Germanic Studies and Dual Honours degrees involving German. This option gives you the chance to spend part of your year abroad in a Dutch-speaking country.

As BA Modern Languages You 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.