Italian

Italian language and culture have had a lasting impact on Europe, while today its innovative contributions to design, technology and fashion mean that it is a major global commercial force. Italy is both traditional and modern, a tension that is apparent throughout its history and culture. Bristol has an enviable record for its research in Italian culture. Our degree offers the chance to learn the Italian language and gain an understanding of the complexity of Italy as a nation through the study of Italian culture from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Italian courses

Single honours

BA Italian (R310)

Joint honours

Why study Italian at Bristol?

You can study Italian at Bristol whether you have an advanced knowledge of Italian or are a beginner or near beginner in the subject. The structure of the first year depends on your existing knowledge of the Italian language but in later years no difference is made between levels of entry. When you have completed your degree in Italian, you will have gained an excellent knowledge of spoken and written Italian, and an in-depth understanding of Italy and its cultural history.

Italian can be studied as Single Honours or as part of a Joint Honours degree with another language or subject. All Italian courses last four years and include a period of residence abroad during the third year in Italy. Our units are taught via discussion groups, seminars and lectures, with language classes tailored to individual needs.

What kind of student would this course suit?

The Italian courses at Bristol will suit you if you have an enquiring mind, a love of language and a passion for exploring the culture of another country and society. Studying a modern language in the context of its speakers’ history, literature, experience and outlooks opens horizons and challenges preconceptions, including about one’s own language and country. If you have an aptitude for language, an interest in other cultures, and an appetite for the study of literary and cinematic texts in relation to their historical and social contexts, you will be very well suited to the study of Italian at Bristol. The year abroad is a particular opportunity for you if you would relish the challenge and enjoy the satisfaction of living and working or studying in a different language and culture.

How is this course taught and assessed?

Italian language is taught in small groups, using a range of language learning technologies. Assessment is primarily by examination (oral and written). Culture units are taught in a combination of lectures and seminars, and are assessed by means of oral presentations and essays. All of our classroom teaching is supported by the provision of online resources, including additional materials for language learning. Language work is assessed by a regular programme of exercises, translations, essays and guided-writing tasks, as well as by written and oral exams which are prepared throughout the year. The other elements of the course may be assessed by essays, projects, exams, or a combination of these. Some courses include student presentations, given individually or in small groups. Many courses enable you to agree essay or presentation titles individually with the tutor so that the assessment is also geared to pursuing research into your own interests.

What are my career prospects?

Many Italian language graduates want the opportunity to use their language after graduation and a high proportion either immediately or soon afterwards find employment in jobs where their languages are advantageous. Recent graduates have found employment in publishing, media, art galleries and museums, art dealing, law, commerce and education. Others aiming for a career in higher education or those who wish to become a professional linguist (translator or interpreter) have gone onto postgraduate study.