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Italian

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Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

The Italian language carries an unparalleled cultural capital. Whilst according to UNESCO over 60% of the world’s art treasures are found in Italy, around the world the long history of Italian migration underlies food, arts, sport, fashion, tourism and heritage industries in millions of local enterprises and ventures. Italian culture is truly global and testifies to the human passion for learning and making art, beauty and history.

Introduction

Italian at Liverpool has a distinctive approach to help you become highly proficient in Italian and critically understand its history and culture: one that develops the ability of students to engage confidently with Italian language, history and culture inside and outside Italy, in the Italian peninsula as well as in the context in which students live and study.

By learning about history, sociolinguistics, film and literature through the lens of Italian, our students develop a crucial set of linguistic and cultural skills to navigate the transcultural processes of the of the world in which they live.

In close association with staff’s research expertise and interests, modules explore Italian language – including translation and interpreting – linguistics, cultural history, cinema, contemporary fiction, popular culture, post-colonial and transcultural studies. Extracurricular activities include film screenings and social activities as well as an annual Italian themed public event, the Lucrezia Zaina Bequest Lecture, which brings to Liverpool inspiring contemporary figures associated with Italian culture from around the world.

The Italian subject group at Liverpool consists predominantly of tutors and language assistants with Italian as their first language. We continue to work on the expansion of both academic and business links with Italy to assist during the Year Abroad.

 

 

What you'll learn

  • The ability to communicate appropriately, fluently and accurately in a number of personal and professional contexts in Italian
  • Linguistic principles required to analyse the Italian language
  • Detailed study of literary and other cultural texts and contexts to develop a broad knowledge and critical understanding of the cultures, communities and societies in which Italian is spoken
  • The ability to contextualise a broad range of materials in written and spoken Italian
  • Analytic engagement with texts
  • Oral and written presentation skills in both your native language and Italian

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In year one you will study appropriate language modules as well as foundational modules which serve as a broad introduction to the literary, cultural, film, linguistic and historical modules offered in the subsequent years of the degree. You will also take a ‘Language awareness’ module in the first year which is designed to support your language learning by sensitising you to issues in language and linguistics, and a ‘Texts and context’ module which develops your research skills through a portfolio of tasks structured around a chosen text or film.

Compulsory modules

INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN STUDIES I (ITAL120)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module introduces students to issues relating to post-unification and fascist Italy and to past and current debates surrounding multilingual, multicultural and multi-ethnic Italy.

INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN STUDIES II (ITAL121)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module provides students with skills appropriate to a range of areas in Italian Studies and to assist them in developing generic study skills so that they are prepared for year two modules within the Italian curriculum. The module introduces students to issues surrounding past and current debates on changing values, conflicts and dissension within Italian society. Students will access and work on a range of historical, literary, journalistic and cinematic texts which deal with the relevant issues.

LANGUAGE AWARENESS (MODL105)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module is an introduction to linguistics, focusing on issues in theoretical and applied linguistics which are relevant for language learners. It aims to equip students with a better awareness of and explicit knowledge about language and language learning. The meta-awareness thus gained will assist in hypothesis testing and rule formation essential to the learning of language.

TEXTS AND CONTEXTS IN ITALIAN (ITAL125)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module offers students of Italian the opportunity to develop their knowledge of an Italian text or film (chosen from a short list) and their research and study skills, under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Students will produce a portfolio of work based on their chosen text and / or film, including: an academic bibliography, a comprehension exercise based on secondary literature, a commentary and an essay of 2000 words. These  assessments guide students through the process of researching around a topic, and will allow them to receive  feedback on each aspect of research. Students will work under the guidance of an academic supervisor, meeting them at regular intervals to agree a  plan of reading, to discuss progress and to prepare their assessed work. Students will submit a plan of their essay  to their supervisor for feedback before completing the assignment. The module is required for students of 75 (and 100) per cent Italian, and can be taken by students studying  Italian ab initio . Together with the module ITAL210, this forms part of a research pathway designed to  develop research skills in preparation for the MODL307 dissertation in final year.​

BEGINNERS ITALIAN 1+2 (ITAL112)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is an introductory module in Italian language and will cover grammar basic aspects like noun gender and number, articles, the present and perfect tense, modal verbs, prepositions and direct pronouns.

The topics covered will include: personal information; family; education and university life.

ELEMENTARY ITALIAN 3+4 (ITAL134)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This language module is intensive and aims to develop all the necessary skills to communicate confidently in spoken and written Italian within a range of topics, such as Italian culture and society, fashion and the "Made in Italy" industry, work and the business environment.

This module is mapped against A2 level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN 5 (ITAL105)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This intermediate language module builds on existing Italian language skills. The focus is on all four areas of language competence (grammar, written, listening and oral).

This module is mapped against B1+ level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN 6 (ITAL106)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This intermediate language module builds on the existing Italian language skills developed in semester one. The focus is on all areas of language competence (grammar, written, listening and oral).

This module is mapped against B2- level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Optional modules

INTRODUCTION TO FILM LANGUAGE (FILM101)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of the course is to give you grounding in analytical skills, an appreciation of the significance of film as a medium, and an ability to write about film in an accessible and well informed way for different audiences and different purposes.

Furthermore, the course will introduce you to the basic components of the audiovisual ‘language’ which film uses to communicate with its audience, and to the methods that you should use when analysing how any one film uses this language. We will look at a wide variety of films selected for their particularly innovative or influential treatment of different aspects of this ‘language’.

THE GLOBAL HISTORY OF THE PRESENT (HIST114)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module explores contemporary issues and debates through considering global relationships in the past and how they have shaped the world in which we live. In light of the tremendous impact that modern imperialism and colonialism have had in shaping our world, the module focuses, in particular, on questions relating to race, empire and their legacies.

By exploring some of the ways in which historical investigation enriches urgent contemporary debates, the module aims to introduce students to a range of new ways of approaching the past, both in terms of subject matter and of new approaches to history, and to broaden their historical understanding of both western and non-western history (or what scholars refer to as the ‘Global North’ and ‘Global South’) and the myriad connections between them. In addition, therefore, to preparing students for the range of subject matter, geographical areas and approaches that they will be able to study in the second and third years of their History degree programme, this module also aims to make students better global citizens.

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD LITERATURE 1: PLACES AND LOCATIONS (WLIT101)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will be compulsory for any student taking the BA in English with World Literature. It will be optional for students on English and English Literature, and for students taking Single Honours French (R120), German (R220), Italian (R300) and Hispanic Studies (RR45).

The module will introduce students to key concepts, theories, critics, and texts in the study of world literature through the lens of national literature(s) and translation, in order to provide a foundation for further study in the new programme.

Students will gain awareness of basic concepts of world literature from different national literary traditions and will learn how to apply them to a range of short literary works from a range of genres both within and beyond the module.

It will be delivered via lectures and seminars and assessed through two summative tasks:
– 80% coursework essay (2000 words)
– 20% discussion of a concept or key word (750 words).

Formative group work will support learning.

APPROACHES TO FILM (FILM102)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The aim of this course is to introduce you to key theoretical and conceptual debates within Film Studies. It will develop your ability to apply these concepts to close readings of film texts and, in doing so, enhance your skills of critical analysis and independent thinking.

UNDERSTANDING MODERN EUROPE (HIST117)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module provides students with an introduction to modern continental European history.   It broadens their understanding by first considering factors of a general importance in the development of modern Europe, and then looking at particular events and countries.   In this way, students will be given a grasp both of broad themes in European history – such as demographics, political units, ideologies and social change – and of the specific way history unfolded in certain times and places.

Introduction to World Literature 2: Theory and Practice (ENGL120)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module will be compulsory for any student taking the BA in English with World Literature. It will be optional for students on English and English Literature, and for students taking Single Honours French, German, Hispanic Studies and Italian.

This module will follow on from Introduction to World Literature 1: From the National to the Global (Semester 1) by deepening students’ understanding of concepts and theories of world literature, and applying these to a range of longer literary texts across all major genres including the novel, poetry, drama, short story both originally in English and in English translation.

It will be delivered via a lecture and tutorial each week and assessed via 80% assessed summative coursework essay of 2500-3000 words and 20% creative-critical project (1000-1500 words).
Formative work will support the assessments.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for Languages and Cultures courses

Your experience

Teaching is delivered by the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film, who bring together experts in a wide range of disciplines. A cutting edge research programme and award-winning teaching provide great opportunities to study all aspects of language and culture within a global context.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability

Studying Italian goes beyond preparing students for a specific career, as the skills learned offer many possibilities. The Higher Education Statistics Agency consistently records high employment levels for language graduates, and the employability of graduates in Italian is excellent.

We are justifiably proud of our excellent record on graduate employment. Our graduates go on to careers in all sectors worldwide. These include:

  • Media
  • Industry and commerce
  • Finance
  • Local and central government
  • Translation
  • Interpreting
  • Teaching in schools and universities.

82% of languages, cultures and film students are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduation.

Discover Uni, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £22,400
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

BBB including Italian.

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBC with B in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements

Requirements for 100%:
A Level in Italian at grade B for entry to Advanced language; (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language)

Requirements for 50% with another subject outside Modern Languages and Cultures:
A Level in Italian at grade B for entry to Advanced language; (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language)

Requirements for 50%/50% with two languages:
A Level at Grade B in either of the two languages

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Applications encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits, entry to Advanced language with an A level or equivalent in Italian (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language).

International Baccalaureate

30 including 6 at higher level in relevant language (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language), with no score less than 4

Irish Leaving Certificate H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 (including H2 in relevant language for Advanced)
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

BBB in Advanced Highers including grade B in relevant language for entry to Advanced language; (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ language) combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted with A Level grades BB including Italian (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language).
Access 30 level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 credits at Merit for entry to Beginners’ language
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Italian BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.