Italian B and Russian A BA | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Overview

This degree gives you the chance to continue with your studies of Russian beyond A-level whilst learning Italian from beginners level. You'll gain advanced communication skills in these two languages whilst also gaining an insight into the history, politics and cultures of Italian and Russian culture.

You'll spend one year studying abroad at a partner university in Russia and a further year in Italy, this is an excellent opportunity to put your language skills into practice and gain first-hand experience of the local culture.

By studying two major world languages, you'll develop a range of transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers. These include critical thinking, enhanced communication, analytical and cultural awareness skills.

Specialist facilities

As well as our great library resources, you'll have access to our Language Centre which has digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).

If you think you might consider a career in interpreting, there’s also our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which offers specialised computing facilities for translation studies and Interpreter Training Suites.

Course content

In your first year, you’ll study core modules that develop your language skills in both Russian and Italian. You'll also select an optional modules, in line with your interests and career aspirations, on topics such as politics, literature and cultural idenitities.

You'll spend your second year studying abroad in a partner university in Russia which will include weekly tuition in Russian language and culture with termly examinations. You'll also work on a Residence Abroad project, focusing on a topic of your choice, supported by an academic supervisor.

In your third year you'll be back in Leeds and will further enhance core language skills in both language with opportunities to specialise further in topics of interest to you through optional module such as Italian cinema, religion in Italy and Russian society.

You'll then spend the fourth year in Italy where you can choose to undertake a study placement at a partner Univesity or a work placement with a local employer.

Your final year will involve working on an extended project which could be a dissertation, translation or digital documentary. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of language and cultural modules which will ensure you graduate with advanced language skills as well as contextual knowledge of Italian and Russian cultures.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including B in Russian.

Other course specific tests:

When an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level including Russian and grade A in the EPQ.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC

We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U

M1, M1, M2 including Russian
International Baccalaureate

34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Russian at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H3 in Russian
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

BB in Advanced Highers including Russian and AABBB in Highers, or B in Russian in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications

European Baccalaureate: 75% including 8.0 in Russian.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level including B in Russian and pass Access to Leeds.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities

Careers support

Postgraduate study in languages at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Residence abroad

This five-year course involves two periods of study abroad.

You’ll spend Year 2 studying Russian language at an institute such as the Centre for International Education at Moscow State University. For your year abroad in Italy, we have partnerships with a number of Italian universities where you could study through an Erasmus exchange agreement, or you could apply for a work placement. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.