Italian Studies Joint Honours

The Italian Studies Joint Honours programme at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Italian language, literature, culture, history, and society. Designed for those with a keen interest in Italy and its rich cultural heritage, this degree provides a balanced curriculum that combines linguistic proficiency with in-depth academic study of Italy's artistic, historical, and social landscapes. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to develop advanced language skills, enabling effective communication in Italian within various contexts, from everyday conversation to academic discourse. The programme also emphasizes critical analysis of Italian texts, including literary works, films, and cultural artefacts, fostering a nuanced understanding of Italy's cultural evolution and contemporary issues. Additionally, students will engage with Italian history, politics, and societal trends, gaining insight into the complex factors that shape modern Italy. The joint honours structure allows students to combine Italian Studies with another discipline, such as History, Politics, or International Relations, providing a multidisciplinary approach that broadens perspectives and enhances employability. The course includes study abroad options, enabling students to immerse themselves in Italian life and improve language proficiency through first-hand experience. The programme is delivered by experienced academic staff who are specialists in their fields, offering support and guidance throughout the course. By the end of the programme, graduates will have developed a sophisticated understanding of Italy’s cultural and historical contexts, as well as bilingual communication skills, preparing them for careers in international relations, education, translation, cultural management, or further academic research. The University of Birmingham’s Italian Studies Joint Honours programme is ideal for students passionate about Italy and eager to gain a global outlook through language and cultural engagement, equipping them with valuable skills for the international job market and beyond.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

Italian: All students follow a core language module in each year. In year 1, students are streamed into Beginners and Advanced for language modules. Beginners follow a double-credit language module in year 1. Students then select from the optional modules, to complete their Italian Studies credits.

Second year

Italian: In the second year you have much greater freedom of choice with a wide range of modules available.

Third year

A vital part of the programme is the time you spend in Italy. This will normally be at one of our partner institutions, following approved university courses. Students may apply for a post teaching in an Italian school under an approved programme, and, under certain circumstances, a work placement may be approved. All our academic placements with universities in Italy come under the European Union’s Erasmus exchange scheme.
The year abroad, together with your second year, counts 25% towards the final degree classification.

Fourth year

Italian: In the final year all students follow a compulsory language module and then are free to choose other options. This includes a dissertation on a subject chosen by the student and approved by the department.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

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

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB-ABB

International Baccalaureate: 34 points points including a modern foreign language at Higher Level

Required subjects and grades: a modern foreign language at grade B

Additional information:

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two.

Other qualifications are considered.

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 Birmingham.

The Italian Studies Joint Honours program at the University of Birmingham offers students an in-depth exploration of Italian language, literature, history, and culture through a multidisciplinary approach. This degree is designed for students who have a passion for Italy and its rich cultural heritage, aiming to develop advanced language skills alongside a comprehensive understanding of Italian society. The program typically combines Italian language modules with modules in arts, humanities, and social sciences, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Throughout the course, students engage with a variety of texts, cultural artifacts, and historical sources, enabling them to gain critical insights into Italy's diverse regions and periods. The program emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy, preparing graduates for careers in areas such as translation, international relations, education, journalism, tourism, and cultural management. Students also benefit from opportunities to participate in language immersion programs, study abroad exchanges, and internships which enhance practical experience and employability.

The curriculum is structured to progressively build language mastery from beginner to advanced levels, supplemented by cultural modules covering Italian history, cinema, literature, and contemporary issues. Because of its joint Honours structure, students also study complementary subjects, which could include other languages, history, politics, or cultural studies, enabling a broadened perspective and interdisciplinary skills.

Facilities at the University of Birmingham support language learning through dedicated language centers, multimedia resources, and conversation labs. The university’s vibrant academic community and strong emphasis on research and innovative teaching methods create an engaging learning environment. The program often collaborates with cultural institutions and Italian communities, fostering real-world practice and exposure to Italian cultural events.

Graduates of the Italian Studies Joint Honours program are well-equipped to pursue careers in sectors requiring linguistic and cultural expertise, or further academic research. They emerge with a profound understanding of Italy's cultural landscape, fluency in Italian, and an adaptable skill set suitable for a globalized economy. Overall, the program provides a comprehensive education that combines language mastery with cultural understanding, aimed at fostering cross-cultural competence and enriching students' global perspectives.