Italian

Program Description: Italian Studies (Undergraduate)

The Italian Studies undergraduate program at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of Italy's rich cultural, historical, linguistic, and literary heritage. Designed for students passionate about Italian language and culture, the program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines language proficiency with critical analysis of Italy's societal developments, artistic achievements, and literary masterpieces across centuries. Throughout the course, students develop advanced Italian language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding cultural nuances, enabling them to communicate effectively in both academic and real-world settings.

The program integrates a variety of modules that cover historical periods from the Roman Empire to contemporary Italy, exploring topics such as Italian art history, cinema, philosophy, politics, and society. Students engage with original Italian texts, films, and artworks, fostering a multidimensional understanding of Italy's cultural landscape. Additionally, the program encourages comparative studies with other European cultures, enhancing students' analytical skills and intercultural awareness.

In the first years, students focus on building solid language foundations alongside introductory courses on Italian history and culture. As they progress, modules become more specialized, allowing students to tailor their studies toward particular interests such as Renaissance art, modern Italian literature, or contemporary social issues. The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and writing expertise, preparing students for careers in academia, international relations, journalism, translation, or the arts.

Students also benefit from UCL’s vibrant academic community, including seminars, guest lectures, and opportunities for Erasmus exchanges and internships in Italy. The program ultimately aims to produce well-rounded graduates with a profound understanding of Italian language and culture, equipped with the analytical abilities necessary for a range of international careers. With a dedicated team of academic staff specializing in Italian studies, students receive mentorship and support throughout their academic journey, fostering both personal growth and professional development in the field of Italian studies.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Language study is compulsory throughout the programme and is designed to cater for those either with or without prior knowledge of the language. You will also take modules each year in areas such as literature, history, linguistics, culture, film and art, covering a large historical timespan. Your third year is spent in Italy, either at a university or on a teaching or work placement. 

You may also take modules from SELCS, allowing you to study literature, film, art and culture from outside your subject area. This will enable you to focus on broad cultural movements, issues and approaches from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on the full range of specialisms within the school.

Your third year is spent in Italy, either at a university or on a teaching or work placement. This is a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself fully in Italian life and culture. Students come back from Italy feeling much more at home with the language and with a spectrum of first-hand experiences from the country.

The final year is spent at UCL. Back from Italy, you will be able to speak the language fluently and engage in your studies using a whole range of resources in Italian, as a native speaker would do. You will take fourth-year courses that are often taught partly or wholly in Italian.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

Foreign language preferred.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects, preferably including a foreign language, with no score lower than 5.

The financing studies program at University College London typically offers students a comprehensive overview of various funding opportunities available for higher education. Students are encouraged to explore a range of financial support options including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and loans. The university provides detailed guidance on applying for these funding sources to help reduce the financial burden of studying. Government-funded loans are often available for eligible domestic students, which can cover tuition fees and living expenses. Scholarships and bursaries are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as nationality, subject area, or demographic background. International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships provided by government agencies, private foundations, and international organizations. UCL offers dedicated financial aid offices and resources to assist students in navigating the application processes and maximizing their funding potential. Additionally, students are advised to consider part-time work opportunities available on and around campus to supplement their income during their studies. The university emphasizes the importance of financial planning and encourages students to develop a clear budget to manage expenses effectively throughout their academic journey. For those interested in research funding or postgraduate studies, there are specialized grants and fellowships designed to support doctoral and master's level research projects. Overall, the financing studies program aims to equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to secure adequate funding, ensuring that financial considerations do not hinder their educational and career aspirations.

The University College London offers a Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Italian language, literature, culture, and history. The programme combines language acquisition with an in-depth exploration of Italy's rich cultural heritage, from ancient Roman times through the Renaissance and into modern Italy. Students engage with a wide range of texts, including classical and modern literature, films, and other cultural products, to develop critical analysis skills and cultural awareness. The curriculum includes compulsory modules in Italian language, linguistics, and literature, supplemented by optional courses that allow students to specialise in particular areas such as Italian cinema, contemporary culture, or historical periods. The programme emphasizes the development of advanced language skills through coursework, seminars, and possibly a year abroad in Italy, which offers immersion in the language and culture. Assessment methods typically involve coursework, essays, presentations, and examinations. Graduates of this programme often pursue careers in translation, international relations, teaching, journalism, tourism, and cultural sectors, or proceed to postgraduate studies in related fields. The university provides excellent resources, including language labs, access to digital libraries, and partnerships with institutions in Italy, fostering an immersive educational experience. The duration of the programme is usually three years for full-time study. The programme aims to produce graduates who are both linguistically proficient and culturally literate, equipped with skills to operate effectively in international contexts. Entry requirements generally include a strong secondary education background, with preferences for applicants demonstrating language aptitude or prior experience with Italian. The programme is known for its academically rigorous environment, supportive faculty, and vibrant student community engaged in cultural exchange and linguistic proficiency development.