(Full time) 2024 start
Italian BA
Overview
Our Italian course will give you an in-depth knowledge of both Italy’s language and culture, helping you better understand a leading economy that’s steeped in cultural heritage. We welcome both beginners and advanced learners.
You’ll take core modules to build up your language skills, and receive an introduction to Italian culture and society. Optional modules allow you to explore Italian history and culture, via material such as opera, pop music, film, fashion and advertising.
Other topics covered in optional modules include Dante and the Renaissance, the mafia, migration, ethnic and gender identities and language varieties. Your third year will see you travel to Italy itself, letting you further develop your knowledge.
Finally, you’ll take more advanced language and optional modules that cover feminism, food, design and Italian for business. A Final Year Project will allow you to work on a topic of your choice, with one of our expert tutors guiding your efforts.
Our Italian tutors at Leeds are all specialists in their fields and dedicated teachers. You will be supported and receive guidance throughout your degree.
At Leeds, we put emphasis on language learning and understanding today’s Italy in all its regional, social, gender, and ethnic diversity. You will explore Italian culture and society by engaging with authentic material such as books and the visual arts, films and TV series, photography, social media and websites, advertising, fashion, design, and much more.
By doing so, you will understand how Italy as a nation has been changing and how Italian communities living in Italy and abroad express different cultural, ethnic, regional, social, and gender identities.
Facilities
Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options. Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.
With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. They contain many early editions of major Italian authors - Petrarch, Dante, Boccaccio and many others (the Brotherton Collection Incunabula section contains over 100 books printed in Italy). You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
Course content
There are two pathways within the Italian programme: one for beginners, and one for advanced (post-A-level or equivalent) learners. Intermediate learners will often join the beginners pathway – you’ll make rapid progress there, even with some prior knowledge of Italian – but may be suitable for the advanced pathway.
- Beginners have their own dedicated intensive language modules in Years One and Two. After Year Two, they go on a Year Abroad, and afterwards come together with all other Italian students in the language and content classes in Year Four.
- Learners who already have an advanced level of Italian have their own dedicated advanced Italian language modules in Years One and Two. After Year Two, they go on a Year Abroad, and afterwards come together with all other Italian students in the language and content classes in Year Four.
You’ll develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Italian in your first two years, while selecting modules introducing you to different elements of Italian civilisation. Examples include Medieval and Renaissance Italy, contemporary Italian literature, cinema, culture, and history. Through these modules you’ll develop language skills and cultural awareness that will really come to life when you study or work in Italy for your third year.
When you return to Leeds for your fourth year, you’ll study advanced language modules to refine your skills, while exploring more topics that interest you. This might include Italian feminism, the history of Italian fashion and design, and specialised uses of Italian for marketing and business purposes. You might have the opportunity to take modules that are entirely taught in Italian.
You’ll develop critical and analytical skills while conducting independent research – skills that you can showcase when you complete your Final Year Project.
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to
time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules
omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the
best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be
provided.
For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BA Italian in the course catalogue.
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from different teaching methods that will suit your learning style including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and occasionally workshops. Most of your teaching will be delivered in small-group seminars and you’ll get to know your tutors who will support you throughout your degree. You will become familiar with innovative digital technologies which make learning and teaching more interactive.
Independent study will be important throughout your course, since it allows you to develop your research skills and think critically about what you read. The University Library runs training programmes to help you make the most of our library resources.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics as well as trained postgraduate and early career researchers, connecting you to the most advanced research in the field.
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 use various types of assessment. All assessment components mirror the diversity of resources used in teaching, employing different textual and media inputs. Coursework makes the most of your assessments: alongside language portfolios and essays you will be assessed on components such as group projects, business reports, oral presentations, sequence analysis, and podcast.
We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and podcasting that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Where the post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in Italian is required. Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in Italian is not required.
Other course specific tests:Where 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 and grade A in the EPQ.
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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.
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BTEC
DDM.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2.
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
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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.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools 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 and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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.
Read our guidance about applying.
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: £9,250 (per year)
International: £24,500 (per year)
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
Italian graduates have gone on to work in business and finance, marketing, management, publishing, journalism, tourism, law, cultural institutions, curatorship, the civil service and education. Others have pursued language-based careers such as translating or interpreting, or pursued postgraduate training in these fields.
Careers support
The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies has a strong commitment to enhancing student employability. Every year we organise employability skills workshops, talks and presentations, with practical advice to support you. You can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and find out about different possibilities in the world of work.
As a student with us, you will be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.
We’ll also keep you informed of work/voluntary placements for your time abroad and of any other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.
This high-level knowledge provides access to many careers, but you’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers. You’ll be a clear communicator with strong presentation skills, as well as being a critical thinker who draws your own conclusions from the information available to you. Your residence abroad will demonstrate that you are independent and adaptable, while you’ll have skills in teamwork, research and time management.
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 opportunities
You’ll spend your third year in Italy, immersing yourself in local culture and perfecting your language skills. You’ll gain new insight into Italian society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. For many of our students, it’s the real highlight of their course.
One of Leeds’ strong points is the variety and quantity of partnerships we have with Italian universities, where you could study alongside Italian and international students. These include the universities of Milan, Bologna, Torino, Genova, Padova, Parma, Bergamo, Siena, Ferrara, Verona, and Perugia.
Work placement opportunities
You might undertake a work placement with a company in Italy or work as a language assistant in an Italian school under the British Council’s programme.
Examples of previous work placements undertaken by Leeds students include:
- Globally Speaking (Rome) - Teaching English
- British Institutes Brescia -Teaching English
- Cantine Ermes S.C.A – marketing role in a wine company