European Studies with Italian

European Studies with Italian at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of European history, politics, culture, and languages, with a particular focus on Italy. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Europe's complex political landscape, diverse cultures, and economic systems, while also developing students' linguistic skills in Italian. The programme combines taught modules, language training, and regional studies to prepare graduates for careers in international relations, European institutions, diplomacy, business, journalism, and cultural sectors.

Throughout the course, students will engage with key topics such as European integration, contemporary political issues, history of Europe and Italy, and cultural identity within the European Union. The inclusion of Italian language modules allows students to attain proficiency in Italian, enhancing their employability and enabling more nuanced engagement with Italian and European regions. The programme emphasizes practical skills such as critical analysis, research, communication, and intercultural competence, equipping students to operate effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments.

Students benefit from a supportive academic community, access to specialist resources, and opportunities to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research projects. The university's strategic location near London and Europe provides unique advantages for exploring European institutions and engaging with policymakers, cultural organizations, and businesses. Graduates of European Studies with Italian will be well-positioned to pursue postgraduate study or enter careers in diplomatic services, international NGOs, media, business sectors related to Europe, academia, or cultural exchange programmes. The programme aims to produce well-rounded, culturally literate individuals who understand the multifaceted nature of Europe and possess strong linguistic and intercultural skills necessary for success in a globalized world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Europe: Myth and Idea;
One full year module or two half modules from the European options list;
One language option;
One full year or two half modules from outside option list OR Intensive Language module

Year 2

One language option;
two European options; and
one outside option or one language option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

One language option;
two European options; and
one outside option or a project

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• If you are interested in studying European studies with a modern language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact Undergraduate Admissions prior to making your application.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

European Studies with Italian at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of European political, cultural, and social issues, complemented by proficiency in the Italian language. The program typically integrates core modules on European integration, EU institutions, and contemporary European affairs, along with language modules designed to develop students’ communication skills in Italian. Students have the opportunity to explore European history, economics, and diplomacy, gaining a multidisciplinary perspective that prepares them for careers in international organizations, diplomacy, journalism, or further academic research. The university emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including intercultural communication, policy analysis, and language proficiency. The program often includes options for studying abroad in Italy or other European countries, providing immersive cultural and linguistic experiences that enhance learning and employability. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, independent research, and an understanding of Europe's role in global affairs. Students benefit from academic staff who are experts in European studies and linguistics, and from access to extensive resources including language labs, European research centers, and internship opportunities. Graduates of the program are equipped with bilingual language skills, cultural awareness, and a nuanced understanding of European political and socio-economic dynamics, making them competitive in international job markets. The program typically spans three years for full-time students and emphasizes employability, intercultural competence, and analytical skills to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers within Europe and beyond.