ObjectivesThis programme aims to provide candidates with a detailed knowledge of both the language and culture of Italy from the medieval period to the present day. The range of culture units offered across all years of the programme combine the study of the history, politics, literary, linguistic and visual culture of the peninsula. These units reflect the research interests of academic staff. We also offer a linguistics pathway through the degree programme for those interested in the history of the Italian language and its dialects. Assessment is undertaken using a variety of methods including coursework essays, commentaries, presentations and exams. Your language courses, taught by native speakers, will involve comprehension, translation, grammar, and oral work. You will spend around 12 hours a week in classes (lectures, seminars, language/oral classes). The third year of the programme is spent abroad in Italy. In your first two years, you may choose one or two courses in another subject (free-choice options).
Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements English language: Candidates must be proficient in the English language, which is the language of instruction and examination at the university. Average score of 6.5 in IETLS, CPE grade C, CAE, Grade B A level: Grades BCC including Grade B in a modern foreign language at A2 or AS Level. AS level: Two AS-Levels may be accepted in place of the third A-Level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: English Language at grade C or above. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 30 points overall preferably including a modern foreign language at grade 6 higher level Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Italian Studies
Course descriptionItalian can be studied with several other subjects at the University of Manchester.
Joint Honours (1 Language)
You can combine Italian studies with other subjects from across the School and University such as business and management, history, history of art and English literature, drawing on expertise from the wider academic community.
Joint Honours (2 Languages)
If you are studying Italian to A2 (or equivalent) level you can combine it with another language as a joint honours degree.
Special features
Emphasis placed on Italian cultural analysis through history, film, and literature.
Native speakers involved in language tuition at all levels
Third year is spent abroad with a wide choice of possible destinations.
Extensive interaction with the Italian cultural agencies in the North West.
Course content for year 1
In Year 1 Italian language instruction is divided between `ab initio' and Post-A level groups (with the majority of students being beginners). `Ab initio' students will have five contact hours per week with their nominated mother-tongue teacher as part of a course specifically designed to build confidence in comprehension, writing, speaking and listening skills. Post-A will have 3 hours consolidating and building competency on specific language points. We are particularly interested in using different forms of E-learning to enhance language acquisition, including Podcasting. In years 2 and 4 the language component of the course includes three contact hours per week in addition to working on set assignments and undertaking private study.
The culture units offer a range of courses from the literary and filmic to the historic and linguistic, all of which reflect academic staff research interests. Year 1 is specifically designed to begin furnishing candidates with the tools to enable them to read cultural products, be they texts, pictures, buildings or linguistic constructions.
Course content for year 2
In years 2 & 4 options are available which range from Italian medieval urban culture and the afterlife, to the politics of the Risorgimento, Gothic and Fantastic literature, Fascism, and the history of the Italian book. Most culture units involve two contact hours per week which serve as points of departure and reference for subsequent self-study. The units are largely coursework assessed
Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions. For more information on the period of residence abroad please consult the following: Residence Abroad
Course content for year 4
In your final year you return to Manchester to finish your studies. There is the opportunity to study Business Italian; undertake a research-orientated dissertation (often using the primary sources held in the Rylands Library which has outstanding Italian holdings); and participate in the Italian department's mentoring and outreach work should you be interested.
Career opportunities
Languages qualify you for a wide range of employment. Your high-level language skills will open up numerous paths with an international dimension (e.g. business, industry and finance). You will also have excellent all-round communication skills making you a strong contender for openings in the media, PR and similar areas.
In our experience, many graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications. Others opt for postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (in England or abroad) or enter the Civil Service.