Trending
A degree in Italian offers the opportunity to gain fluency in a Romance language while exploring Italy’s rich literary, artistic and political traditions. Whether your interest lies in Renaissance art, modern cinema, linguistics or global communication, studying Italian allows you to engage deeply with one of Europe’s most influential cultures.
Why Study Italian?
Italian is a gateway to some of the world’s most significant cultural and intellectual achievements. It is also a valuable asset for those interested in working in fashion, luxury goods, publishing, art history, tourism, diplomacy or education. Studying Italian develops strong communication and analytical skills, enhances cultural awareness and opens the door to international opportunities. It allows students to think critically, express themselves clearly and understand the impact of Italian history and identity on global culture.
What Does an Italian Degree Involve?
A degree in Italian combines language acquisition with cultural, literary and historical study. Students work on fluency in spoken and written Italian while exploring subjects such as medieval and Renaissance literature, Dante and Petrarch, Italian cinema, modern and contemporary fiction, gender and identity in Italian culture, translation studies and sociolinguistics. Many degrees also offer optional modules in linguistics, art history or European politics. Most programmes include a year abroad in Italy, usually spent studying at a partner university or undertaking a work placement. This is a key part of the degree and helps students gain practical experience and linguistic confidence.
Studying Italian in the UK
Italian can be studied as a single honours subject or combined with another discipline such as History, English, Art History, Politics or another language. A range of UK universities offer Italian degrees or joint honours options with Italian, at both advanced and beginner level.
Higher entry requirements (AAB to A*AA): University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Exeter, University of Durham
Typical entry requirements (ABB to BBB): University of Leeds, University of Southampton, University of Nottingham, University of Warwick, University of Kent
Wider access and lower entry requirements (BBC to CCC or equivalent): University of Hull, University of Roehampton, University of Central Lancashire, Aberystwyth University
Many universities offer an ab initio pathway for beginners, so students can study Italian from scratch if they have not taken it at A Level.
A Level and Equivalent Entry Requirements
For advanced-entry programmes, A Level Italian is preferred. For beginners’ pathways, no prior experience is necessary but students are usually expected to show strength in essay-based subjects such as English Literature, History or Modern Studies. Universities accept a broad range of qualifications including the International Baccalaureate, BTECs and Access to HE Diplomas. GCSE experience in a language may be recommended but is not always required for entry.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Strong applicants demonstrate an interest in Italian language and culture, a willingness to engage with new ideas and an enthusiasm for global learning. Personal statements may reference favourite Italian authors or directors, trips to Italy, language clubs, independent study or interest in Italian art, design or politics. For beginners, showing intellectual curiosity and cultural awareness is just as important as prior language knowledge.
Studying Italian in the European Union
In the EU, Italian is widely taught as part of modern language or philology degrees. Universities in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and the Nordic countries often offer Italian as part of combined language or cultural studies programmes. Courses may be taught in the local language or in English and often include modules in literature, translation, art and cinema. Popular destinations include Leiden University, Freie Universität Berlin, KU Leuven and Sorbonne Université. Many of these institutions offer study abroad exchanges with Italian universities as part of the Erasmus+ scheme.
Studying Italian in the United States
Italian is a popular language major at many US universities, particularly those with strong liberal arts faculties or large Italian-American communities. Institutions such as New York University, University of California Berkeley, University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University offer Italian programmes that include language training, literature, art history and immigration studies. Students may combine Italian with majors in history, politics, film or international studies. Study-abroad opportunities in Rome, Florence, Siena or Bologna are commonly integrated into US programmes and are a key feature of Italian language study.
Studying Italian in Canada
Canadian universities offer Italian within modern language or European studies faculties. The University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia and York University provide Italian language and culture degrees, often with options to focus on literature, translation, theatre or migration studies. Italian may be studied on its own or alongside another subject. Many Canadian programmes include study abroad options and cultural immersion through partnerships with Italian institutions or Italian-Canadian communities.
Studying Italian in Australia and New Zealand
Italian is offered by several leading universities in Australia and New Zealand as part of arts or global studies degrees. The University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland and University of Auckland all provide Italian majors or minors. Courses may include beginner to advanced language training, literature, cinema, contemporary society and intercultural communication. Many institutions offer exchange programmes or short-term study opportunities in Italy. Italian is especially popular among students interested in European history, migration, tourism, fashion and international business.
Career Opportunities for Italian Graduates
Graduates in Italian have excellent communication, critical thinking and intercultural skills. They are well suited to careers in translation and interpreting, publishing and editing, teaching and education, international business and trade, fashion and design, heritage and tourism, arts and culture, journalism and media, international relations and policy work. Italian is also valued in law, consulting and humanitarian work, particularly for those with European or international career aspirations. Many graduates continue into postgraduate study in Italian literature, linguistics, translation, art history or international development.
Is an Italian Degree Right for You?
If you are passionate about language and culture, curious about Italy’s influence on global history and the arts and excited by the chance to live and study abroad, then a degree in Italian offers both intellectual depth and real-world value. It allows you to engage closely with one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural traditions while developing transferable skills that are respected around the world. Whether your future lies in education, diplomacy, business or the arts, studying Italian gives you the tools to understand and connect with a rich and evolving global culture.
