BA Dutch and Swedish
About this course
BA in Dutch and Swedish, a German degree focused on language acquisition and the cultural history of the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes a compulsory year abroad split across two terms to provide immersion in both language regions. The first year establishes foundational competence through An Introduction to Dutch Language and Culture, Introduction to Dutch Studies 1, Introduction to Dutch Studies 2, Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture, Introduction to Nordic Studies 1, and Introduction to Nordic Studies 2. The second year builds proficiency via Intermediate Dutch Language and Culture and Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture, alongside optional modules such as Modern Dutch Literary Texts, Multiculturalism and Identity, and Topics in Scandinavian Linguistics. The third year consists of SELCS Year Abroad Term 1 and SELCS Year Abroad Term 2. The final year consolidates mastery through Advanced Dutch Language and Culture, Advanced Swedish Language and Culture, and Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, complemented by optional choices like Translation from the Scandinavian Languages, Nordic Cinema, and a Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (Previous study of a foreign language is preferred (not necessarily one of the named languages) but not required. Applicants may study two languages at beginner level and may seek advice from the departments concerned if needed.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 62%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 58%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 70%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- An Introduction to Dutch Language and Culture
- Introduction to Dutch Studies 1
- Introduction to Dutch Studies 2
- Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 1
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 2
- Intermediate Dutch Language and Culture
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture
- Born out of Rebellion: The Netherlands from the Dutch Revolt to the Eve of World War I
- Modern Dutch Literary Texts
- Multiculturalism and Identity
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture 1
- Nordic Literature in Context
- Intermediate Old Norse
- Intermediate Swedish Language and Culture 2
- Topics in Scandinavian Linguistics
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Advanced Dutch Language and Culture
- Advanced Swedish Language and Culture
- Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish
- Northern Sites and Cities: Perspectives of Urban and Cultural Geographies of the Nordic Region
- Translation from the Scandinavian Languages
- Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies
- Crime and Small Communities in Nordic Literature
- Advanced Old Norse
- The Vikings in Europe
- Nordic Cinema
- Nordic Landscapes
- Vikings and Valkyries in Contemporary Culture
- Viking-Age Scandinavia A
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Dutch and Swedish at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £10,000 more than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of BA Dutch and Swedish at University College London do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Dutch and Swedish at University College London?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Dutch and Swedish at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Does BA Dutch and Swedish at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Dutch and Swedish at University College London?
70% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.