Study in Europe › Netherlands › Leiden University

BA English Language and Culture

Leiden University (Faculty of Humanities) · Leiden, Netherlands

100% taught in EnglishApply via Studielink, not the CAOOpen entryMandatory matchingPart-time option
Duration3 years
StartsSept 2027
EntryOpen entry
Deadline (EU)1 May 2027
EU fee 2027/28€2,771 / yr

About the course

Studies the English language and the literature and culture of English-speaking countries from the Middle Ages to today, while building advanced spoken and written English. Available full-time or part-time.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Leiden University asks Irish Leaving Certificate holders for at least 440 CAO points from 6 accepted subjects, including at least 3 at Higher Level. Accepted subjects include English, Irish, most languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, Politics and Society, Religious Education and Economics; subjects such as Accounting, Business, Applied Maths, Computer Science, Art, Music and DCG do not count. This applies if you followed the full Leaving Cert programme; the Leaving Certificate Applied is not accepted. No English test is needed.
  • No extra subject requirements are published for this course beyond the general rule.

How to apply

  1. Apply in StudielinkStudielink opens on 1 October 2026. Register for the programme there.
  2. Complete uSis applicationUpload your documents in Leiden’s uSis portal by 1 May 2027.
  3. Mandatory matchingComplete the online matching module (mini lectures, a text, questions and a short motivation piece). It is available from 5 January to 31 August.
  4. Get your adviceMatching advice arrives by email within 24 hours. It is not binding; you decide whether to start.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: 1 May 2027 (register in Studielink, then complete your application in Leiden’s uSis system by this date).

Costs

  • Standard Dutch EU (statutory) fee: €2,771 for 2027/28, as published by Leiden University.
  • EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).
Open-entry course: if you meet the requirements, you get a place. Matching is compulsory but not binding.

At a glance

CountryNetherlands
CityLeiden
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudielink
PlacesNo cap
EntryOpen entry
Admission requirements ↗Matching ↗General diploma requirements (PDF) ↗← Back to all European courses

Not sure which course suits you?

The FMCC European Courses Test matches your interests to English-taught courses across Europe, filtered by where you would like to study and your budget. €24.95.

Take the European Courses TestAsk us about 1:1 guidance

Checked against the official Leiden University website: September 2026 (2027 entry). Deadline and matching pages do not state a year, so confirm dates closer to applying. Always confirm details with the university before applying.