Italian B and Portuguese BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- RRH5
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 5 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Mandatory
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Study vibrant cultures across the world and learn two languages from beginner level in this five-year degree.
You'll gain advanced communication skills in both Italian and Portuguese whilst also gaining an insight into the history, politics and cultures of Italy and Portuguese-speaking countries. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in the languages while you study topics that suit your interests.
You'll spend one year studying abroad at a partner university in Italy and a further year in a Portuguese-speaking country, giving you the chance to put your language skills into practice and gain first-hand experience of the local culture.
By studying two major world languages, you'll develop a range of transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers. These include critical thinking, enhanced communication, analytical and cultural awareness skills.
Specialist resources
As well as our great library resources, you’ll have access to the Language Zone – the University language resource centre – with books, DVDs, magazines, audio/ video resources and language learning software. To practise your speaking skills, you can participate in language groups with other students or a language exchange with a native speaker.
If you think you might consider a career in interpreting, there’s also our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which offers specialised computing facilities for translation studies and Interpreter Training Suites.
You’ll also benefit from all facilities in the Camões Institute, which is the cultural institute of the Portuguese government and is located on our campus.
Course details
In your first year, you’ll study core modules that develop your language skills in both Portuguese and Italian, including speaking, writing, reading and listening. You'll also start to study key aspects of culture and society in Italy, Brazil, Portugal, and Portuguese-speaking Africa.
In your second year you'll enhance your core skills in both languages with opportunities to specialise further through optional modules in topics of interest to you such as Italian cinema, linguistics, or culture and society in Latin America.
You'll spend years three and four studying abroad, spending a year in Italy, becoming immersed in Italian language and culture. You'll also spend a year in a Portuguese-speaking country undertaking a study or work placement.
You'll return to Leeds for your final year when you’ll deepen your knowledge and interests by working on a final year research project which could be a dissertation, translation or digital documentary. You'll refine your language skills further and have the flexibility to choose from a range of optional modules which will ensure you graduate with advanced language skills as well as contextual knowledge of the relevant cultures.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Italy: Introduction to Italian Culture and Society (Beginners) | 20 |
| Beginners Italian (A1 of the CEFR) | 20 |
| Lower Intermediate Italian (A2+ of the CEFR) | 20 |
| Introduction to Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese Speaking Africa | 20 |
| Portuguese Language for Beginners 1A | 20 |
| Portuguese Language for Beginners 1B | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Italian Language B | 20 |
| Portuguese Language Skills | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Towards the Future: Skills in Context | 20 |
| Introduction to Dante's Comedy | 20 |
| Linguistic Variety in Modern Italy | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad in Italy | 120 |
| Spanish/Portuguese Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad in Italy | 120 |
| Spanish/Portuguese Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 5 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Italian Language 3 | 20 |
| Advanced Portuguese Language | 20 |
Year 5 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| 'Giocare al Romanzo': Italo Calvino and the Novel, from Neorealism to Postmodern | 20 |
| Made in Italy: Italian for Business | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Other course specific tests:
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
BTEC
DDM.
Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
In this degree, you’ll become proficient in two major world languages, and experience studying and living abroad. You’ll develop a range of skills across disciplines that employers are actively looking for.
You’ll have strong research skills, and you’ll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll be able to communicate your views clearly, and have an understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.
Your knowledge and experience will open up career choices and opportunities to connect with people across major world regions. Our graduates have pursued careers in diverse fields such as translation and interpreting, education, business and finance, and journalism.
Postgraduate study in languages at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Residence abroad
This five-year course involves two periods of study abroad, though you can choose which country you go to first.
We have partnerships with a number of Portuguese, Latin American and Italian universities where you could study through an exchange agreement, or you could apply for a work placement. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme.