What do you learn in the bachelor's programme?
VUB offers an English-taught three-year bachelor's programme (180 ECTS) in Linguistics and Literary Studies for all language and literature enthusiasts out there!
Studying languages, literature and linguistics in the stimulating multicultural and multilingual environment of Brussels gives you the opportunity to discover the vast array of possibilities the city has to offer. Our international bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Literary Studies the first of its kind in Belgium, is designed to prepare you for the globalised labour market where multilingualism, world citizenship and international expertise are becoming increasingly important. Our bachelor’s programme offers courses in up to seven languages, from which you can choose to study up to four languages in the unique multilingual setting of Brussels. Develop your language proficiency, writing skills and analytic competence and prepare yourself to become a multilingual expert!
Find out more about admission and enrolment Find out more about this bachelor's programme
New from academic year 2023-2024
If you start your first bachelor year in 2023-2024, the following new rules will apply:
You will be required to enroll for the standard track (usually 60 ECT credits) of the first bachelor year. It is possible to request an exception if:
- You have already obtained a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- You are in a special situation and you are eligible for the Reflex-statute.
- There are exceptional circumstances.
You will have to pass all courses of the first bachelor year (standard track) in two academic years. If, after two academic years, you do not pass your first year bachelor's programme, enrolment in the same programme will be refused at all universities in Flanders.
Still have questions? Do not hesitate to contact the study path supervisor of your desired programme.
The strengths of our Linguistics and Literary Studies bachelor's programme
- Multilingual: choose two major languages and up to two additional languages.
- International: be part of the largest international student community in Belgium, home to students coming from around the globe.
- Urban: study languages on our urban yet green campus in the multilingual heart of Europe.
- Effective: receive a high-quality education with a well-coordinated balance between general and language-specific courses.
- Innovative: boost your learning through team, block and blended teaching.
- Future-oriented: gain entry to various attractive master's programmes, including the Multilingual Master in Linguistics and Literary Studies (MUMA, English-taught), the Educational Master (eduMA, Dutch-taught), or the MAnaMA in de Literatuurwetenschappen (Dutch-taught).
Student reviews of the course
- Justine den Ouden | Student of the Multilingual Bachelor in Linguistics and Literary Studies (French - Spanish)
"As a former Mathematics and Science student, I hesitated for a long time about my next step, but choosing the VUB and learning languages in multicultural Brussels was definitely the right choice. With the support of the professors and many new friends from all over te world, my motivation and interest in becoming a language expert only increased." - Matteo Vigliotti | Student of the Multilingual Bachelor in Linguistics and Literary Studies (Italian - Spanish)
"The VUB's Multilingual Bachelor in Linguistics and Literary Studies truly enriches and motivates one's passion for culture, language and literature in a diverse and multicultural setting. The professors are enthusiastic, inspirational and always there to lend a supporting hand."
After graduation
A bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Literary Studies gives you access to a wide range of master's programmes, such as the Multilingual Master in Linguistics and Literary studies (MUMA, English-taught), the Educational Master (eduMA, Dutch-taught), the MAnaMA Literatuurwetenschappen (Dutch-taught), the Master in de Journalistiek (Dutch-taught), the Master in het Vertalen (Dutch-taught, short preparatory programme needed) or the Master in het Tolken (Dutch-taught, short preparatory programme needed).
Discover the many opportunities
Discover the Multilingual Master in Linguistics and Literary Studies
Is this programme for you?
A better idea of the programme?
Would you like to know more about this VUB programme? Take part in our (online) study choice activities. Browse through our brochure, ask questions to our professors in an online info session, read our alumni testimonials or attend an open lecture or info day.