Is the Multilingual Bachelor in Linguistics and Literary Studies for you?
Want to know if you are suited for the Linguistics and Literary Studies bachelor's programme? Check the information and activities below to find out.
What does this programme involve?
Do you have a passion for languages and literature? Are you an avid reader, and do you prefer to read books in their original language? Do you have a knack for picking up foreign languages? Are you eager to explore the internal structure of languages, or fascinated by the way in which language and literature give expression to culture in all its diversity?
If your answer to one or more of these questions is ‘yes’, then you are particularly suited to studying our Multilingual Bachelor in Linguistics and Literary Studies!
Same programme in Dutch?
You can also opt to study in Dutch, as we offer our bachelor's programme in a Dutch-taught parallel programme.
Discover our Bachelor and Master of Arts in de Taal- en Letterkunde
What is the difference between this Bachelor and the Dutch-taught Bachelor in de Taal- en Letterkunde?
The Multilingual Bachelor is a programme created completely parallel to our Dutch-taught Bachelor in de Taal- en Letterkunde, the only difference being that the general courses in the Multilingual Bachelor are taught in English, whereas the general courses in the Dutch programme are taught in Dutch. The language-specific courses in both bachelor’s programmes are always taught in the target language.
Why study at VUB?
Studying at VUB offers you more than just a degree. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking, and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity: Who are you today, and who do you want to be tomorrow?
Who is who?
Find out which programme directors, teachers and contact persons are involved in this programme!
Multilingual Bachelor
- Programme Director: prof. dr. An Vande Casteele
- Pedagogical assistants: Ms. Marsha Panikaveettil Shams, Ms. Anastasia Lada, Ms. Sofie Vandepitte, Ms. Selle Denier, Ms. Brenthe Tilburghs, Ms. Tatiana Pieters
- Coordinator internationalisation: Prof. dr. Catharina Peersman
Spread the study load
Create your own studypath
Within the VUB, we want to maximize our commitment to personal development and give as many students as possible the opportunity to continue their studies and develop themselves. Depending on your personal situation, it may be more difficult to devote full time to your studies. For example, you combine your studies with a job, you do top-level sports, ...   
Students enrolling for the first time in their bachelor are required to take their model track. An exception can be made. More information can be found on this page. For our other programs (preparation programs, switching master programs, etc ...), this requirement does not apply. 
After your first bachelor year, you can take fewer ECTS-credits. You can spread your study load over a longer period. If you have a student visa or VUB student room, you have to take at least 54 ECTS credits each academic year! You ALSO have to take into account your growth package, study grants and funds, study progress rules, etc. Do you want some advise? Contact your study path counselor. Need more info?   
Study and examination flexibility
Reflex status
Do you have a physical disability, learning disability or chronic illness, or are you starting a business or finding it harder to study because of your personal situation? If so, you qualify for Reflex Status.
With this you can ask for a flexible approach to your studies and exams, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Elite sports and studying
Elite sports and study
Keen to combine your elite sporting career with a programme at VUB? It makes sense, as it strengthens your position in the jobs market after your sporting career ends.
Our Elite Sports & Study department helps you work out a personal study pathway and guides you through to the end.
Studying with a disability
Studying with a functional impairment
Do you have a disability (for example, a learning disability, chronic medical condition, psychiatric or sensory disability)? If so, you qualify for a flexible approach to your studies and exams through Reflex Status, to maximise your chances of success. You may need access to course materials, for example, or more time to sit an exam, a translator or interpreter, staggered examinations, and so on.
Find out more about Reflex Status
For extra support there are other student services to draw on at VUB. For example, a wheelchair-adapted room, study guidance and a personal study-pathway, mental healthcare, medical care, etc.
Study Guidance
Study Guidance
An experienced team of student psychologists, student counsellors and study-pathway supervisors are there to give you personal study advice, guidance and training. At every phase in your study career.
- Individual - Advice on your choice of programme, stress and anxiety training, help with exam planning, help for students with dyslexia...
- Group (workshops, courses) - Choosing a subject for your bachelor's or master's thesis, learning to present, dealing with stress and anxiety...
- Tools - An example of good weekly planning, tips and tricks for a good study method, a step plan to help you choose the right programme...
Combining your studies with a job
The Linguistics and Literary Studies bachelor's programme is a daytime only programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a fulltime job.