Online Dutch Course - Beginners

Beginners Dutch 1 and 2 are tutor-supported online Dutch language courses aimed at beginning learners of Dutch, the official language of the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders). The courses are available to learners worldwide and delivered via online course materials, supported by a series of one-to-one lessons. For Beginners 1 you participate in an introductory session and seven teaching sessions of 60 minutes (each) with your personal tutor. For Beginners 2 you take part in an introductory session and six individual teaching sessions of 60 minutes (each). The courses are developed and taught by highly qualified and experienced UCL Centre for Languages and International Education tutors. Lessons are via Teams/Skype and can be scheduled depending on a learner's individual needs.

For general information about our online Dutch courses, the next starting dates and how to apply, go to the Online Dutch home page.

Course duration

The standard versions of the courses run over a 12-week period starting from your chosen starting date. The intensive versions run over a 6-week period. Both versions include the same number of individual lessons.Note that you can sign up for the courses individually or for a package including both Beginners 1 and 2 (24-week period for the standard version; 12 weeks for the intensive version).

Prerequisite for entry

For Beginners 1 no prior knowledge of Dutch is required. To take Beginners 2 you first need to have completed Beginners 1 or have a similar language standard, comparable to level A1 as defined by the Council of Europe. If you are not sure if you have the correct level, please email the course tutor, Dr An (a.castangia@ucl.ac.uk).

Aims and objectives

The learning outcomes of Beginners 1 are equivalent to level A1 as defined by the Council of Europe and are of a level A2/A2+ for Beginners 2. The Beginners courses prepare you for the CNaVT exam Profiel Toeristische en Informele Taalvaardigheid.  They are also an excellent preparation for the Basisexamen Inburgering (Dutch Civic Integration Examination).

At the end of Beginners 1 you will have gained:

• level A1 of proficiency in Dutch as defined by the Council of Europe
• insight into language structure and aspects of Dutch and Flemish culture
• well-developed self-study skills

At the end of Beginners 2 you will have gained:

• level A2 of proficiency in Dutch as defined by the Council of Europe
• insight into language structure and aspects of Dutch and Flemish culture
• well-developed self-study skills

You will also receive a UCL completion certificate. The Beginners Dutch Study Guide gives further details regarding the course. If you have any questions about the courses, please email the course tutor, Dr An (a.castangia@ucl.ac.uk), or Paul, the course administrator (p.warren@ucl.ac.uk). 

Course content

Beginners Dutch 1 and 2 each consist of five online course chapters. Every chapter includes reading and listening activities, accompanied by comprehension and vocabulary exercises. There is a grammar section with a series of tutor-supported exercises, including a link to a separate reference grammar of Dutch which was developed alongside the course. The reference grammar contains further self-correcting exercises which are freely available for private study. Every chapter also has a section on pronunciation, including audio files and pronunciation activities. In every chapter you also find a series of tutor-supported exercises and tasks to practise writing and speaking. You send all your writing tasks to your personal teacher for written feedback and corrections. On the further development of your listening, pronunciation and speaking skills you focus in the individual online lessons

Course Delivery

The courses are delivered via an online learning environment (Moodle). All course materials can be downloaded for offline use. After you complete the course, you continue to have access to the online course materials. The course includes a series of individual lessons via Teams/Skype. Note that these sessions do not take place at a set time. You agree with your tutor for each individual lesson on a day and time that suits you both. You need internet access and a computer (desktop, laptop or tablet) and webcam.  In exceptional circumstance, a short extension may be agreed with your tutor. 

Registration and fees

You can register for the course via the UCL online store 

• Beginners Dutch 1 (12 study weeks, 7 lessons) - £720.00.
• Intensive Beginners Dutch 1 (6 study weeks, 7 lessons) - £720.00.
• Beginners Dutch 2 (12 study weeks, 6 lessons) - £720.00.
• Intensive Beginners Dutch 2 (6 study weeks, 6 lessons) - £720.00.
• Package Beginners Dutch 1 and 2 (24 study weeks, 13 lessons) - £1,300.00
• Package Intensive Beginners Dutch 1 and 2 (12 study weeks, 13 lessons) - £1,300.00

If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, please contact Ingrida Maziliauskaite (i.maziliauskaite@ucl.ac.uk).

UCL has a no refund policy for course fees. Refunds of course fees minus a £100 administration charge will only be considered in cases of serious illness. Claims must be made in writing and be supported by verifiable documentation.