Italian Studies and Modern Languages

The Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience in the study of Italian language, literature, culture, and modern linguistic practices. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop advanced language skills while providing a deep understanding of Italy's rich cultural history and contemporary societal issues. Students will engage with a diverse range of modules covering Italian linguistics, literature from different periods, cultural studies, and translation techniques, alongside courses in other modern languages such as French, Spanish, and German. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, translation, tourism, education, and cultural management.

Throughout the course, students will benefit from innovative teaching methods, including multimedia resources, interactive language workshops, and opportunities for overseas placements in Italy. These experiences aim to enhance language fluency and cultural competence, enabling students to communicate effectively in professional and social contexts. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural awareness, essential for engaging with global challenges and opportunities in a multilingual world. In addition to core linguistic modules, students will explore contemporary issues such as migration, identity, and European integration through seminars, projects, and fieldwork.

The programme also offers pathways to advanced postgraduate study, teacher training, and careers in diplomacy, international business, and cultural diplomacy. Support services, such as language laboratories and dedicated academic advisors, are available to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. With a strong emphasis on employability, the Italian Studies and Modern Languages programme equips graduates with the skills needed to succeed in a global job market, while fostering a lifelong passion for languages and cultures. Students graduating from this programme will possess a unique combination of language mastery, cultural literacy, and analytical abilities, making them highly sought after by employers worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first, second and final years you take two compulsory modules and two optional language modules. You spend your third year abroad. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
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 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

Advanced Italian;
Italian Professional and Multimedia Skills; and
two language options

Year 2

Proficiency Level Italian;
Italian Cinema and Culture; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Mastery Level Italian;
Italian Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills; and
two language options Mastery Level Italian;
Italian Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills; and
two language options

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 French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent) is required. German, Italian and Spanish can be studied as the major language either from scratch, via our intensive route, or via our post A-level route. All languages can be studied from scratch as the minor language.
• If you are interested in studying a language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The BA in Italian Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop proficiency in Italian language and deepen understanding of Italian culture, society, and history. The programme emphasizes the development of advanced language skills through immersive learning and practical usage, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students have the opportunity to explore Italian literature, cinema, political systems, and social issues, gaining critical insight into contemporary Italy and its rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the course, students engage with a variety of modules that cover linguistic theory, translation techniques, and cultural studies. The programme aims to cultivate not only language competence but also intercultural awareness and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, translation and interpreting, cultural management, tourism, or further academic research. Students are encouraged to participate in study-abroad opportunities, which allow them to immerse themselves in Italian-speaking environments, enhance their linguistic proficiency, and gain firsthand cultural experience.

The programme is structured to provide a solid foundation in both language and area studies, enabling students to tailor their degree with optional modules in other modern languages or related disciplines such as history, politics, or media studies. The University of Essex’s focus on experiential learning, including language laboratories, cultural events, and internships, supports the practical application of skills learned in tutorials and lectures. The programme's flexible structure allows students to balance coursework, independent study, and extracurricular activities aimed at developing a well-rounded skill set.

Graduates of the Italian Studies and Modern Languages programme at Essex leave equipped with multilingual communication abilities, cultural literacy, and a global perspective. These attributes are highly valued by employers across multiple sectors, including international business, diplomacy, education, and media. The programme also offers pathways for further academic pursuits, such as postgraduate research or specialised language certifications. Overall, the programme aims to produce innovative, culturally aware graduates capable of engaging confidently with Italian language and culture in diverse professional contexts.