Comparative Literature and Italian with a Year Abroad

The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and Italian with Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and immersive study of two vibrant literary and cultural traditions. This programme is designed for students passionate about exploring the rich literary histories, diverse cultural expressions, and linguistic nuances of Italy and the wider world, through the lens of comparative analysis. The course combines rigorous academic coursework in both disciplines, providing a multidisciplinary approach that encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and language proficiency. A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, which allows students to spend an extended period studying in Italy, immersing themselves in Italian language, culture, and society. This opportunity enhances linguistic skills and offers invaluable insights into Italian life, fostering intercultural competency and global perspective. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including classical and modern Italian literature, European literary traditions, and various theoretical frameworks for comparing texts across cultures. Students will engage with literary analysis, contextual studies, and language practice, supported by expert faculty with diverse research interests. The programme emphasizes developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in international publishing, translation, academia, diplomatic service, and cultural management. It also prepares students for postgraduate study in literature, language, or cultural studies. The Year Abroad component is integral to the learning experience, providing practical language use and cultural exposure that reinforce classroom learning. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, language workshops, and cultural excursions, students gain a holistic understanding of Italian literature and cultural practices, deepening their appreciation of literary expression within its social and historical contexts. Overall, the programme aims to produce well-rounded, culturally engaged graduates with advanced language skills, critical insight, and a global outlook, capable of making meaningful contributions in multicultural environments and international fields.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

CP311 - The Tale

IT301 - Learning Italian - Beginners

IT308 - Learning Italian 3 (Post A Level)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

The University of Kent has Erasmus agreements with several universities in Italy.

Stage 3

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level: ABB
• GCSE:C in a modern European language other than English
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
• International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 at HL including a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and Italian with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of two rich linguistic and cultural traditions. This programme is designed to develop advanced language proficiency in Italian, along with a comprehensive understanding of literary and cultural texts from both Italian and other European contexts. The inclusion of a Year Abroad provides an immersive experience, allowing students to spend a full academic year studying in Italy, engaging directly with local culture, academic environments, and native speakers. This immersive component aims to enhance language skills, intercultural understanding, and personal development, making graduates highly competitive in international and multilingual fields.

The programme combines core modules in comparative literature and Italian language and culture, along with optional modules that cover topics such as literature, history, film, and cultural studies. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of cultural differences and similarities through diverse texts and media. The curriculum emphasizes research skills and methodologies appropriate to literary and cultural studies, preparing students for postgraduate study or a range of careers in sectors such as publishing, media, international relations, and education.

Assessment methods include coursework essays, presentations, and examinations, providing multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding and critical engagement. The Year Abroad is a key feature, typically involving study at a partner university in Italy, such as the University of Bologna or other distinguished institutions, depending on partnerships each year. Throughout the year abroad, students are supported by language tutors and academic mentors to maximize their linguistic and cultural immersion.

Facilities at the University of Kent, including language labs, library resources, and study centers, support student learning and research activities. The programme offers various career development opportunities, including language immersion, cultural exchange, and opportunities to participate in conferences and cultural events. Graduates of this programme have gone on to work in fields such as translation, international business, diplomacy, cultural management, education, and further academic research. The programme aims to produce graduates with excellent linguistic abilities, critical insight, and intercultural competence, equipping them for success in a globalized world.