Italian Studies UCL-Venice Double Degree

The Italian Studies UCL-Venice Double Degree programme offers students a unique opportunity to engage deeply with Italian culture, language, history, and literature through a collaborative academic experience spanning two prestigious institutions. Designed for students passionate about Italy and its rich cultural heritage, this programme combines the strengths of University College London (UCL) in the UK and the renowned University of Venice in Italy, providing a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. Over the course of this programme, students will undertake rigorous coursework focused on Italian language, literature, historical studies, and contemporary cultural issues, spanning the classical to the modern era. The programme emphasizes linguistic proficiency, critical analysis, and historical contextualization, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for careers in academia, cultural management, translation, journalism, or international relations. Students will benefit from diverse teaching styles, engaging seminars, and access to world-class research resources at both institutions. The Double Degree format ensures that upon successful completion, students receive degrees from both UCL and the University of Venice, validating their expertise and opening international career pathways. Additionally, studying in Venice offers unique experiential learning opportunities through proximity to Italy’s historical sites, museums, and cultural institutions, enriching students’ understanding of Italy’s influence on European and world history. This programme also promotes a global perspective, fostering intercultural dialogue and professional networking within both academic communities. Graduates will possess advanced linguistic skills in Italian and English, alongside a profound appreciation of Italy’s artistic, literary, and historical contributions to world civilization. The Italian Studies UCL-Venice Double Degree is an ideal choice for ambitious students seeking a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and international approach to Italian studies, preparing them for impactful careers or further academic pursuits.

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).

During the first two years enrolled at Ca' Foscari, you will take compulsory modules in Italian literature, linguistics and history. You will also be able to choose from a range of optional modules, allowing you to develop areas of personal interest. The majority of teaching will be in Italian.

In your first two years you will be a fully enrolled University of Venice student. 

During the last two years at UCL, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning by choosing from a vast range of modules available from the Italian Department and SELCS. These modules may involve focuses on literature, history, linguistics and film. 

Your final dissertation will be supervised by both UCL and Ca' Foscari. You will have the benefit of resources available to students at both universities.

You will be fully supported and supervised during your studies in Venice and London by a Director of Studies and through a tutor system. This structure is there to help you choose a coherent curriculum and enable you to get the most out of both locations.

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

Italian required.

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, with no score lower than 5.

The Italian Studies UCL-Venice Double Degree program offers a range of financial options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees are set annually and vary depending on the student's domicile and residency status. UK/EU students typically pay a different rate compared to international students outside the EU. UCL provides detailed fee information on its official website, and prospective students are encouraged to consult the specific program page for the most current figures. In addition to tuition fees, students must budget for living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Living costs in Venice tend to be higher than in many other Italian cities due to the unique environment and limited space, which affects housing availability and pricing. Students are advised to explore various housing options early, including university-managed accommodations, private rentals, and shared housing, to manage costs effectively.

Financial aid opportunities are available through a combination of scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by UCL. These awards are competitive and often based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by donor organizations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on eligibility and application procedures for available funding. For international students, there are also external funding sources such as government scholarships, charitable foundations, and private sponsors supporting studies abroad. Students are encouraged to research these options well in advance of application deadlines.

Additionally, UCL participates in a range of government-sponsored loan schemes for eligible students, which can help cover tuition and living expenses. For example, UK students may access Student Finance England, while students from other countries should explore their domestic or international loan programs. Work-study opportunities may also be available depending on visa regulations and program arrangements, allowing students to work part-time during their studies to supplement their income.

To assist with financing, UCL offers financial planning resources, including budgeting workshops and personalized advice sessions. Prospective students should carefully consider all potential costs and funding sources before committing to the program. Successful financial planning can significantly ease the educational experience and enable students to focus on academic and cultural enrichment during their time in Venice.

The Italian Studies UCL-Venice Double Degree program offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience in Italian language, literature, culture, and history through a collaborative partnership between University College London (UCL) and a prestigious Venetian university. This joint degree enables students to gain in-depth knowledge of Italy's rich cultural heritage while developing advanced language skills, research competencies, and intercultural understanding. Throughout the program, students spend their first year at UCL in London, engaging with core modules in Italian language, literature, and cultural studies, focusing on contemporary and historical perspectives. The second year typically involves studying at the partner university in Venice, where students explore topics such as Venetian history, arts, and societal developments, benefiting from the unique archival resources and academic environment of Venice. The final year often combines independent research, language refinement, and specialized modules that synthesize knowledge acquired over the course of the degree. The program emphasizes practical language skills through conversation and prose, as well as theoretical frameworks in literary and cultural analysis. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, international relations, cultural heritage, translation, and tourism, or may pursue further postgraduate studies. The dual focus on London and Venice provides an unparalleled environment for developing intercultural competence, network building, and understanding of Italy’s regional diversity. Throughout the degree, students have access to expert faculty, cultural excursions, internships, and research opportunities that deepen their engagement with Italian culture and society. Ultimately, the program aims to produce graduates who are not only fluent in Italian but also possess a sophisticated understanding of Italy’s cultural, historical, and artistic complexities.