Italian BA

Course overview

Our Italian course will give you an in-depth knowledge of both Italy’s language and culture, helping you better understand a leading economy that’s steeped in cultural heritage. We welcome both beginners and advanced learners.

You’ll take core modules to build up your language skills, and receive an introduction to Italian culture and society. Optional modules allow you to explore Italian history and culture, via material such as opera, pop music, film, fashion and advertising.

Other topics covered in optional modules include Dante and the Renaissance, the mafia, migration, ethnic and gender identities and language varieties. Your third year will see you travel to Italy itself, letting you further develop your knowledge.

Finally, you’ll take more advanced language and optional modules that cover feminism, food, design and Italian for business. A Final Year Project will allow you to work on a topic of your choice, with one of our expert tutors guiding your efforts.

Our Italian tutors at Leeds are all specialists in their fields and dedicated teachers. You will be supported and receive guidance throughout your degree.

At Leeds, we put emphasis on language learning and understanding today’s Italy in all its regional, social, gender, and ethnic diversity. You will explore Italian culture and society by engaging with authentic material such as books and the visual arts, films and series, photography, social media and websites, advertising, fashion, design, and much more.

By doing so, you will understand how Italy as a nation has been changing and how Italian communities living in Italy and abroad express different cultural, ethnic, regional, social, and gender identities.

Facilities

Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options. Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.

With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. They contain many early editions of major Italian authors - Petrarch, Dante, Boccaccio and many others (the Brotherton Collection Incunabula section contains over 100 books printed in Italy). You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.

Course details

There are two pathways within the Italian programme: one for beginners, and one for advanced (post-A-level or equivalent) learners. Intermediate learners will often join the beginners pathway – you’ll make rapid progress there, even with some prior knowledge of Italian – but may be suitable for the advanced pathway.

1. Beginners have their own dedicated intensive language modules in Years One and Two. After Year Two, they go on a Year Abroad, and afterwards come together with all other Italian students in the language and content classes in Year Four.
2. Learners who already have an advanced level of Italian have their own dedicated advanced Italian language modules in Years One and Two. After Year Two, they go on a Year Abroad, and afterwards come together with all other Italian students in the language and content classes in Year Four.

You’ll develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Italian in your first two years, while selecting modules introducing you to different elements of Italian civilisation. Examples include Medieval and Renaissance Italy, contemporary Italian literature, cinema, culture, and history. Through these modules you’ll develop language skills and cultural awareness that will really come to life when you study or work in Italy for your third year.

When you return to Leeds for your fourth year, you’ll study advanced language modules to refine your skills, while exploring more topics that interest you. This might include Italian feminism, the history of Italian fashion and design, and specialised uses of Italian for marketing and business purposes. You might have the opportunity to take modules that are entirely taught in Italian.

You’ll develop critical and analytical skills while conducting independent research – skills that you can showcase when you complete your Final Year Project.

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 modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Intermediate Italian (B1 of the CEFR) (compulsory for advanced students) (20 credits) – This module consolidates knowledge of intermediate Italian and explores more difficult structures and vocabulary. It will take students up to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The module places particular emphasis on the development and application of written and oral interaction in a variety of contexts.

Beginners Italian (A1 of the CEFR) (compulsory for beginners) (20 credits) – This module is for students with little or no previous knowledge of Italian. The core textbook will take students rapidly to about A1-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Language classes will help develop a degree of accuracy, language competence and confidence in Italian at that level. The module also intends to excite students' interest in the cultures where Italian is spoken and to raise an initial awareness of the main linguistic differences between Italian and English.

Lower Intermediate Italian (A2+ of the CEFR) (compulsory for beginners) (20 credits) – This module aims to take students rapidly from about A1-level to about A2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Language classes will help develop a degree of accuracy, language competence and confidence in Italian at that level. The module will also offer opportunities to further stimulate students' interest in the cultures where Italian is spoken as well as an awareness of the main linguistic differences between Italian and English.

Exploring Italy: Introduction to Italian Culture and Society (compulsory for beginners and advanced) (20 credits) – Few countries can boast as rich and diversified a history, culture and society as Italy. Its heritage was built and consolidated over centuries of national fragmentation, which came to a close only with the Unification in the 19th century. Still today Italy is characterised by linguistic diversity, different artistic and cultural traditions, and by loyalties to regional languages and cultures.

By attending this module, you will enter a journey of discovery of Italian culture and society from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and from modern to contemporary times. You will learn to analyse masterpieces of Italian art and literature, as well as popular texts. Thanks to a selective overview of key moments and texts, this module represents the essential foundation stage of your studies in Italian at Leeds It allows you to have a broad understanding of the nation’s socio-historical and cultural dynamics, on the basis of which you will be able to build your independent studies in future years.

Art and Literature in Medieval and Renaissance Italy: An Introduction (10 credits) – The period between 1300 and 1600 in Italy saw cultural changes which led to some of the best-known works of art and literature in Western Europe. As well as exploring the context of late medieval and Renaissance Italy, this module also introduces works by the 'three crowns' of Italian literature - Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio - and by the celebrated artists Duccio and Botticelli.

Italy from Fascism to the Present (10 credits) – Italy is a young country; it was established as a nation-state only in the late nineteenth century. This course offers a survey account of the history of Italy from unification onwards, but concentrates on the period following the assumption of power by the fascists (1922) and the establishment of the democratic republic after the defeat of fascism; the course continues right up to the present day.

You’ll study life under fascism, the Second World War, Italy's relations with the rest of the world, and the construction and progress of the post-war Italian democracy. We also offer thematic classes on the Mafia, national terrorism in Italy, and the changing status of women in the country. As well as offering a 'factual' account, we try to relate the history of the period to the culture (especially literature and film) of modern Italy.

Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture (optional module) (20 credits) – This module provides students with the tools necessary to examine various forms of audio-visual culture, and introduces them to a number of the key issues necessary for a fuller understanding of how and why audio-visual culture is produced and consumed across different historical and social contexts. Students will thus be exposed to a variety of cultural objects from across the world and from different historical periods.

World Histories (optional module) (20 credits) – This module sets out to introduce students to the complexity and diversity of human perspectives on, and attitudes to, history. Drawing on theories and case studies from around the world, it aims to raise critical awareness of the culturally-inflected assumptions we all bring to our study of the past, and that shape the ways history is written and interpreted in different contexts.

The precise syllabus will vary from year to year, but will include opportunities to compare the writing of history in “Western” and “non-Western” cultures, and to look at a series of historical questions from diverse cultural, national and/or regional perspectives. Typical themes might include Diasporas, Time, Conflict, and Nationalism.

Discourse, Culture and Identity (optional module) (20 credits) – This module introduces students to concepts that are important to a wider understanding of languages, cultures and societies in the modern world. Critically examining notions like culture, nation, identity, globalisation and language requires moving beyond insider perceptions of our own society and taking a broader perspective of how these issues are played out in different cultural contexts. 

Politics, Culture and Society (optional module) (20 credits) – What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at an international level? How can theory help us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics? This module will introduce these themes and explore them in relation to a range of issues drawn from around the world.

Worlds of Literature (optional module) (20 credits) – Making use of examples drawn from the wide range of cultures taught in School of Languages, Cultures and Societies (LCS), this module will challenge you to think critically about your own perceptions of literary cultures, raise your awareness of the intellectual, cultural and ethical questions in the study of literature, and introduce you to some of the concepts and approaches that will help you to negotiate the reciprocities and complexities of the interactions between literary traditions.

Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application (optional module) (20 credits) – The module develops students’ intercultural competence by exploring the role of languages and cultures in business and beyond. It shows how an enhanced awareness of cultural specificities helps individuals and groups to navigate the complexity of society. 

Year 2 modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Italian Language A (compulsory for advanced students) (20 credits) – This module consolidates and improves basic and more complex grammatical structures used in a variety of contexts. Students will reinforce and further develop their linguistic competence (written and oral) in Italian grammar, vocabulary, style, and specialised uses of Italian. The textbook in use (see reading list for details) is linked to the level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFRL). The CEFR describes language ability on a scale of levels from A1 for beginners up to C2.

The incorporation of the CEFR demonstrates the validity of our language programme which facilitates students' understanding of the level they achieve and logical progression through levels. Knowledge of the CEFR enhances students' engagement with the language learning experience, students' motivation and progress during their experience abroad and educational and occupational mobility thanks to the transferability of the CEFR system.

Italian Language B (compulsory for post beginners) (20 credits) – This module consolidates linguistic competence (written and oral) in Italian grammar, vocabulary and style, at a level appropriate for intending Honours students in their second year of Italian. Students develop an accurate, basic language ability in a variety of cultural and social contexts. The textbook is use (see reading list for details) is linked to Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).

The CEFR describes language ability on a scale of levels from A1 for beginners up to C2. The incorporation of the CEFR demonstrates the validity of our language programme which facilitates students' understanding of the level they achieve and logical progression through levels. Knowledge of the CEFR enhances students' engagement with the language learning experience, students' motivation and progress during their experience abroad and educational and occupational mobility thanks to the transferability of the CEFR system.

Introduction to Dante's Comedy (20 credits) – Dante Alighieri is one of the most important and innovative figures of the European Middle Ages. His Comedy tells the story of the journey to God of a character who is, at one and the same time, both Dante himself and Everyman.

This module offers a general introduction to Dante studies for Level 2 students of Italian. It will place particular emphasis on understanding Dante’s world and his views on politics, religion, and poetry, as well as suggesting some of the reasons for his poem’s enduring importance in Italian – and European – literature. It will also provide a close reading of selected key passages from the text.

Linguistic Variety in Modern Italy (20 credits) – Would you like to find out why well over half of Italians speak local dialects, both within the family and outside it? Are you curious about linguistic changes related to space, time, social class, and gender?

This course will help you to recognise the varieties of language used in Italy today, and to understand the historical causes of this variety. You will learn about the differences between informal and formal Italian, the recent emergence of a new, less formal standard, the formation of regional Italians (the variations from region to region in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary), the evolution of the use of tu, voi and Lei and the roots and the changing use of the dialects of Italy, as well as the linguistic features that distinguish one dialect from another.

The second part of the module will address varieties of Italian used in specific sectors ('sectional' languages), such as youth language, the language of advertising, the language of newspapers, bureaucratic Italian, the language of politics, Italian in TV, cinema songs. Gender issues in relation to Italian language will also be debated.

Screening Italy: Neorealist cinema to Netflix (20 credits) – The module will explore how Italy is imagined on screen and the enduring appeal of Italian films and TV series among domestic and global audiences. Throughout the module you will look at a variety of Italian films and TV series.

You will cover different cultural and social contexts, and a range of topics such as Neorealist cinema, the outward cinema from the 1960s, the increasing popularity of Italian TV series, and the production, consumption, and distribution of Italian films and TV series in an era of digital convergence (e.g. on Netflix and digital databases). Various approaches to Screen Studies, drawn from different critical standpoints such as Stardom, Audiences, Disability, Gender, and Postcolonial Studies, will accompany your understanding, discussion and analysis of Italian films and TV series.

Modern Italian Identities Across Cultures (20 credits) – This module will explore how modern Italian identities have changed and have been represented across media and cultures, from the country’s unification to the present. Our approach will be historical, intranational, and transnational.

You will examine how social identities such as nationality, gender, ethnicity/race, class, and religion have changed over Italy’s modern history and have travelled across national boundaries, for migration and cultural exchange have always marked modern Italian identities.

By looking at modern Italian identities in context you will also emphasise their intersectional dimension, for you will look at how identities such as nationality, gender, ethnicity/race, class, and religion intersect. By working independently and in groups, students will also learn how to design and produce a podcast.

Linguists into Schools (20 credits) – Are you enthusiastic and passionate about the value of language learning? Are you interested in sharing your enthusiasm with young people whilst developing your own employability and enterprise skills? This module will give you the opportunity to help language learners in primary and secondary schools in Leeds and the surrounding area, and be an advocate for the pleasure and value of learning a language.

Black Europe (20 credits) – This module sets out to introduce students to debates surrounding European identity in relation to race. It will examine the presence of Black populations within Europe at various important moments from the classical period to the present day, examining how they have been represented, described and exhibited. 

Year 3 compulsory module

Italian Residence Abroad (120 credits) – The residence abroad will take one of three forms:

• a British Council assistantship
• study at a partner institution
• a work placement in Italy

Year 4 compulsory module

Italian Language 3 (20 credits) – This module aims to further develop language skills, building upon the enhancement of the command of Italian achieved during level 2 and your residence in Italy. The aim is to approach the ability to speak, write and understand Italian that is possessed by an educated native speaker.

This involves achieving communicative competence with sensitivity to the appropriate register, both orally and in writing. This corresponds to the C1-C2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFRL). Students who wish to enrol on this module as a discovery module are asked to contact the module manager.

Students also choose one of the three Final Year Project options:

• Final Year Project: Dissertation (40 credits) – This module provides students with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills through a dissertation on a topic of their own choice, within the available fields, and refined in consultation with an academic member of staff. The dissertation may be written in either English or – subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor – Italian.
• Final Year Project: Extended Translation (40 credits) – This module provides students with the opportunity to develop research, writing and translation skills through the completion of both a translation and a research project essay, on a topic of their own choice and refined in consultation with an academic member of staff. The extended essay may be written in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, Italian.
• Final Year Project: Digital Documentary (Podcast) (40 credits) – Students will work towards the production of their own digitised research-based podcast – in English or in any other language – on a topic of their interest for a specific audience of their choice. Students, supported by tutors and other students, will recruit research participants on the basis of their personal connection to the research topic chosen and will carry out audio recorded interviews, in English or in any other language.

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Note: all students MUST take a final year project module

Made in Italy. Italian for Business (20 credits) – The 'made in Italy' label lies at the heart of post-war Italy economic success and cultural identity. Combining a rich cultural heritage with innovation, Italian products are globally renowned for their quality and their distinctive design. Thanks to the unique cultural and natural resources of its territory, Italy has a leading role globally in the tourist, food and wine industry.

This module introduces you to specialized uses of Italian for business, and gives you an overview of the Italian business culture and economy. By focusing on different economic sectors and themes, this module also explores the interaction between Italian economy, politics, culture, society and the environment.

This module is taught over one semester with weekly lectures and seminars. It is taught in Italian, and therefore suitable for students with an advanced knowledge of the language.

‘Femminismi’. Theories and practices of gender in the Italian context (20 credits) – The module introduces you to Italian feminist thinking and practices as a vibrant, interdisciplinary and diverse field of study. You will develop an appreciation of:

• the changing role of women in Italian society (from emancipation to fights for equal rights, up to queer theory and non-binary identities)
• the variety of feminist intellectual, cultural and artistic productions
• how they intersect and nourish major social and cultural changes of the century.

Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits) – This module explores material cultures – the arrays of things that make up people’s lives – in all their diversity across the globe, from past and present. You will examine critically the interactions between objects and people, and the background cultures that frame these interactions. 

Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits) – Crime fiction and the fantastic – in written and audio-visual forms – are popular in many different parts of the world. Why do so many people enjoy these kinds of story? What can they tell us about the nature of being human? And what do they reveal about the societies in which they are produced?

Decolonial Approaches (20 credits) – This module will equip you with an understanding of decolonial approaches to research, which you can apply to your own research projects and wider studies. This will entail an investigation of Eurocentric norms of learning and teaching in university studies. 

Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits) – This module introduces you to the key concepts and theories on social movements, examining how they emerge, what shape they take, what they seek to achieve and whether they succeed in driving forward societal change. It hones in on local manifestations of social movements as they emerge across cultures in response to global challenges and includes the study of anti-colonial, environmental, student, sex/gender-based, anti-globalisation and religious social movements in Europe, Latin America, East Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits) – This module will investigate attitudes towards minoritised languages, dialects and varieties in the UK and beyond. The module will start by focusing on the problematic nature of terms like language, minority language and dialect, and how they refer to different linguistic contexts. 

Contemporary World Literature (20 credits) - This year-long module will enable students to analyse contemporary international works of literature in English translation, with a focus on authors who have gained critical and/or commercial success in recent years. It will explore the theories underlying the concept of 'world literature' and discuss why certain texts enter today’s global field, with references to publishing, reception and literary prizes.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from different teaching methods that will suit your learning style including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and occasionally workshops. Most of your teaching will be delivered in small-group seminars and you’ll get to know your tutors who will support you throughout your degree. You will become familiar with innovative digital technologies which make learning and teaching more interactive.

Independent study will be important throughout your course, since it allows you to develop your research skills and think critically about what you read. The University Library runs training programmes to help you make the most of our library resources.

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 use various types of assessment. All assessment components mirror the diversity of resources used in teaching, employing different textual and media inputs. Coursework makes the most of your assessments: alongside language portfolios and essays you will be assessed on components such as group projects, business reports, oral presentations, sequence analysis, and podcast.

We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and podcasting that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Where the post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in Italian is required. Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in Italian is not required.

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

Alternative qualification

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 a contextual 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 contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

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

Italian graduates have gone on to work in business and finance, marketing, management, publishing, journalism, tourism, law, cultural institutions, curatorship, the civil service and education. Others have pursued language-based careers such as translating or interpreting, or pursued postgraduate training in these fields.

Careers support

As a student with us, you will be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.

We’ll also keep you informed of work/voluntary placements for your time abroad and of any other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.

This high-level knowledge provides access to many careers, but you’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers. You’ll be a clear communicator with strong presentation skills, as well as being a critical thinker who draws your own conclusions from the information available to you. Your residence abroad will demonstrate that you are independent and adaptable, while you’ll have skills in teamwork, research and time management.

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.

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 opportunities

You’ll spend your third year in Italy, immersing yourself in local culture and perfecting your language skills. You’ll gain new insight into Italian society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. For many of our students, it’s the real highlight of their course.

One of Leeds’ strong points is the variety and quantity of partnerships we have with Italian universities, where you could study alongside Italian and international students. These include the universities of Milan, Bologna, Torino, Genova, Padova, Parma, Bergamo, Siena, Ferrara, Verona, and Perugia.

Work placement opportunities

You might undertake a work placement with a company in Italy or work as a language assistant in an Italian school under the British Council’s programme.

Examples of previous work placements undertaken by Leeds students include:

• Globally Speaking (Rome) - Teaching English
• British Institutes Brescia -Teaching English
• Cantine Ermes S.C.A – marketing role in a wine company