Italian MA (Hons) 2018 entry

As an MA (Hons) student of Italian, you will develop language and communication skills to a high level of proficiency. You will also have the opportunity to engage with a number of specialist topics comprising Italian literature, culture, history, politics and film.

Italian is available to both beginners and non-beginners. Both cohorts are introduced to a wide spectrum of cultural and literary genres, from mediaeval texts and poetry to 20th-century Italian novels, films and more.

Language is taught at all levels in small groups, allowing teaching staff to pay close attention to progression. The Department’s innovative and distinctive teaching approach includes mixed skills and integrated classes, extensive use of contemporary audio-visual materials, and regular structured contact with native speakers. Students of Italian gain comprehensive transferrable skills relevant to a wide range of careers. At Honours levels, they are also introduced to professional areas like translation and interpreting.

During your third year, you have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy at one of the University’s Erasmus+ partners. The MA in Italian is also available as a five-year course with an integrated year abroad. The integrated year abroad is an opportunity for students to spend a year working in Italy between second year and third year, often as part of the British Council Language Assistantship scheme, thus gaining valuable experience as teachers and tutors. Students who spend a year abroad not only develop their linguistic skills, but also increase their intercultural competence, self-confidence, and future employability. Find out more about integrated year abroad options.

Applications for 2018 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

R310

Course type

Master of Arts (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Four years full time

  • Start date: 10 September 2018
  • End date: 30 June 2022

If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Italian MA page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.

Entry requirements

SQA Highers AAAB
GCE A-Levels AAB
IB points 36

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No prior knowledge of Italian is necessary, and modules are not designed for native speakers.

Faculty entry requirements

You must also meet the Faculty of Arts minimum qualifications. These vary depending on which qualifications you hold.

Other qualifications

Passes in other examinations at equivalent levels and subjects may be accepted by the Dean of the Faculty. More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements webpage.

Find out more about Faculty of Arts entry requirements.

Timetables

St Andrews students must meet with their Adviser of Studies at the beginning of Semester 1 in September to complete advising – a compulsory part of the matriculation process. After module choices have been decided, a timetable will be allocated indicating the dates and times of classes.

Reputation

The School of Modern Languages has a long-standing reputation for innovative research in an exceptionally broad variety of interests including world literature, linguistics, cinema, history, gender and identity studies.

The School of Modern Languages as a whole was ranked top in Scotland by the Guardian University Guide 2018.

In the 2014 REF, the School of Modern Languages was ranked first in Scotland on the quality of publications, with over 70% of research work rated as world-leading and internationally excellent.

Italian at St Andrews was ranked first in the UK and the University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2017 as 94% of St Andrews final year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.

In 2017, the University received a TEF Gold award for the quality of teaching and the undergraduate experience.

Find out more about studying Italian at St Andrews.

Course information

The MA (Hons) in Italian is a four-year course run by the School of Modern Languages. The course is available to both students who are beginners in Italian and to more advanced students who have studied Italian to A-Level or SQA Higher.

In the first two years, you will learn and refine your understanding of Italian grammar and language through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Those with prior knowledge in Italian will further develop their language and writing skills, and both groups will be introduced to different aspects of Italian culture and history.

Alongside Italian, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised.

During your third year, you have the opportunity to study at one of the University’s Erasmus+ partner institutions in Italy (Padua, Turin, Venice or Verona). In this case, study undertaken in Italy replaces equivalent study in St Andrews. Studying abroad is optional.

If you choose to stay in the UK for both your third and fourth years, you will take language modules focused on communication skills, and can choose from a range of specialist cultural modules. Areas of study include:

  • Italian literature
  • Italian cinema
  • Italian cultural studies
  • Italian history.

Graduates in Modern Languages from St Andrews can expect to have not only an advanced level of competency in language skills, but a highly developed appreciation for other cultures and peoples. Other transferable skills, including analysis, synthesis and communication skills, will prepare you for a career in almost any industry.

Students may choose to spend an additional year working or studying in Italy. Find out more about the integrated year abroad for this course.

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure webpage.

Find out more about studying Italian at St Andrews.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Italian along with modules in at least one additional subject.

Typically, you will take one to two Italian modules per semester during your first two years, and at least two modules per semester during your third and fourth years (known as Honours). Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

Two different types of modules are offered in first year: introductory Italian modules for beginners in Italian, and more advanced language and literature courses for those with more experience speaking Italian.

Students who are beginners in Italian are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year:

  • Introduction to Italian Language: concentrates on grammar and usage through reading, writing, listening and speaking.
  • Italian Language (Elementary): builds on the Introduction to Italian Language module by increasing the student’s knowledge of, and ability to use, Italian.

Students who have an SQA Higher or a GCE A-level in Italian are required to take the following compulsory modules in first year:

  • Italian Language Intermediate 1 and 2: the core language module each semester provides a thorough and structured revision of grammar and a consolidation of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through formal grammar classes and practical oral language classes.
  • Italian Geographies: aims to give students some sense of the complexity of modern Italy through the study of particular cultural phenomena which have played an important role in national identity formation. 
  • Italian Histories: give students a sense of the complexity of Italy's past through the study of literary texts from different historical periods considered in their different contexts.

Second year modules are the same for all students regardless of any prior knowledge of Italian. Students are required to take the following compulsory modules in their second year:

  • Second Level Italian: develops the language skills acquired in first year Italian modules and enables students to achieve an intermediate level in reading, writing, listening and speaking in Italian. Students are introduced to a selection of central Italian texts from a range of time periods (for example, Dante and Primo Levi).
  • Second Level Italian (Advanced): offers an intermediate language course for students who have passed the first semester module. It is designed to further consolidate students’ knowledge of Italian grammar and vocabulary, refine language skills and develop communication skills. Students will study a selection of central Italian texts and media from a range of time periods (for example, Machiavelli and 20th-century film).

If you take Italian in your third and fourth years, in addition to the compulsory language modules you will choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning. Modules at Honours level include (but are not limited to):

  • Dante Alighieri
  • Authority and Subversion in the Italian Renaissance
  • Venice
  • Black Italians
  • Fascism and Film
  • Migration and Transculturality in New Italian Narrative.

In fourth year, students have the option of undertaking a dissertation of up to either 5,000 words or 10,000 words in length, written in English, on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.


The sub-honours modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. A full list of all modules currently available can be found in the module catalogue.

Teaching

Teaching format

All Modern Language modules involve a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical language classes. Lectures provide information, stimulate thought, and suggest directions for further reading and personal study. Small language tutorials allow you to actively work together with your tutors to practice language skills, present papers, and discuss texts and issues relevant to the course.

Sub-honours Italian modules are delivered through lectures (up to 100 students in first year, up to 40 in second year), language tutorials and practical classes (typically 12 to 15 students).

At Honours level, you will attend language tutorials and practical classes in groups of 8 to 10 students and seminars of 10 to 15 students.

When not attending lectures, tutorials and practical language classes you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:

  • developing language skills
  • working on individual and group projects
  • undertaking research in the library
  • preparing coursework assignments and presentations
  • preparing for examinations.

You will be taught by a team of internationally recognised, skilled and research-active academics, with specialised language teachers. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

You can find contact information for all staff in the Department of Italian on the School of Modern Languages website.

In addition to your studies in the Department of Italian, optional academic support is available through practical study skills courses and workshops hosted within the University.

The University’s student services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities webpage.

Assessment

A variety of methods of assessment to test language skills and cultural analysis are used by the Department. These methods include

  • formal examinations
  • oral presentations
  • writing projects
  • assessed coursework.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand. Examinations are either entirely in written format or comprise both written and oral components.

Tutors advise you closely on the preparation of written work and give individual assessments of your performance. The Department of Italian aims to provide feedback on assessments and coursework within three weeks.

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. Please note that some Schools offer qualified entry to Honours, and this will be clearly specified in the programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please visit the common reporting scale webpage.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2018 entry

Scotland and EU £1,820
Rest of the UK £9,250
Overseas £21,290

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2018.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Erasmus+ Mobility Grant

Erasmus+ students may be eligible to receive an Erasmus+ grant provided by the European Commission which contributes towards the extra costs arising from studying or working abroad for credit.

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Joint Honours degrees

You can take Italian as part of a joint Honours degree alongside one of the following subjects.

  • Ancient History
  • Arabic
  • Art History
  • Classics
  • Comparative Literature
  • Economics
  • English
  • Film Studies
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • International Relations
  • Latin
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mediaeval History
  • Modern History
  • Persian
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Russian
  • Scottish History
  • Social Anthropology
  • Spanish

Modern language degrees

It is possible to combine a degree in Italian with two modern languages. Any combination of Arabic, French, German, Persian, Russian, and Spanish is possible.

You can also take Italian as part of a Modern Languages joint Honours degree with two modern languages and one additional subject.

If you are taking:

  • Italian

You can also take one modern language:

  • Arabic
  • French
  • German
  • Russian
  • Spanish

And one other subject:

  • Comparative Literature

If you are taking:

  • Italian

You can also take one modern language:

  • Arabic
  • French
  • German
  • Persian
  • Russian
  • Spanish

And one other subject:

  • Ancient History
  • English
  • International Relations
  • Latin 
  • Management

If you are taking:

  • Italian

You can also take one modern language:

  • Arabic
  • French
  • Persian
  • Russian
  • Spanish

And one other subject:

  • Classical Studies

 

If you are taking:

  • Italian

You can also take one modern language:

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish

 

And one other subject:

  • Greek

 

Your future

Careers

In a job market that is becoming increasingly global, competency in global languages is valued by employers across all sectors, including industry and business. They recognise that a modern languages degree shows wide cultural experience as well as other personal transferable skills needed in employment.

A work placement abroad fosters your capacity for effective teamwork in a new cultural environment, and among the personal attributes you will develop on the year abroad are self-confidence, independence, initiative and resourcefulness.

Recent Italian graduates have gone to work for companies in the UK and Italy. Some are working as teachers of modern languages in the UK, or are teaching English abroad. Others have taken further training or conversion courses to prepare for careers in translating and interpreting. Some examples of companies where Italian graduates have proceeded to work for include:

  • the British Council
  • HSBC’s executive training programme
  • Citibank
  • Christian Salvesen
  • Harper Collins
  • Glasgow City Council.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Study abroad

The University is delighted to offer undergraduates a number of exciting opportunities to apply to spend a semester or year abroad as part of a St Andrews degree programme. St Andrews is partnered with large and small institutions, ancient and young, across the globe. What unites all of our programmes is the quality of the academic provision, ensuring that participation in a St Andrews Study abroad programme opens the door to a new and valuable academic experience at another world-class institution. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University-approved programmes only.

Students may choose to spend an additional year working or studying in Italy. Find out more about the integrated year abroad for this course.

Working abroad

Completing a work placement abroad is a good opportunity to gain work experience in another culture or language and to enhance valuable skill sets. As part of specific degree programmes in Modern Languages, you may apply to undertake a work placement abroad for credit.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

Students of Italian may be interested in joining the following student societies:

  • At Home and Abroad Society (AHAsoc) promotes study and work abroad programmes along with all forms of international cultural exchange.
  • Italian Society promotes and shares the languages, arts, literature, theatre, cuisine, history and politics of Italy alongside frequent social events.

The School of Modern Languages is situated at the very centre of St Andrews in the Buchanan Building on Union Street. Within the Buchanan Building is the Multimedia Centre, a digital language lab which students will use as both a component of their module classwork and as part of individual study. 

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland.

Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

"I began my Italian studies as a beginner so I am incredibly fortunate to have been taught by staff who have continuously encouraged me to develop my language skills to an advanced level, with all the benefits of learning in a small and intimate department. The varied nature of the course has also allowed me to study a range of cinema, literature and history modules, whilst also learning about contemporary social issues in Italy."

Miriam (Glasgow, Scotland)

Contact

Department of Italian

School of Modern Languages
University of St Andrews
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3662
Email: italianhod@st-andrews.ac.uk

Italian website