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Integrated year abroad Italian MA (Hons) 2020 entry

Applications for 2020 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

It is possible for students applying for the MA (Hons) in Italian to work, study or teach abroad in an Italian-speaking country between their second and third year of study. This adds an extra year to the MA (Hons) course making it a total of five years in length.

Students who spend a year abroad not only gain valuable work experience as teachers and tutors, but also develop their linguistic skills, intercultural competence, and self-confidence. 

UK students are usually placed in a school through the British Council’s Language Assistantship scheme. Successful applicants will then go on to teach English at a school, college or university in Italy. Assistants are paid a salary locally, and, after attending a basic induction course in teaching resources and methods, are typically required to teach for 12 hours per week under the supervision of local staff at the educational institution employing them.

However, you can organise an alternative work placement with the approval of the Italian Department. For example, previous students have worked in art galleries, publishing houses and various businesses. 

The year abroad experience is competitive and is not guaranteed. Places are granted on merit during the second year of study and do not take into account the initial UCAS application. If students are unsuccessful with their year abroad application, they will have the opportunity to join the four-year Italian MA Honours degree programme.

To find out more information, please contact the Department of Italian.

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

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for Italian with a year abroad are the same as the Italian MA (Hons) degree. However, to be eligible for Italian with a year abroad, students must gain Honours entry in all subjects that they intend on taking at Honours level. Students who do not achieve entry to Honours-level in their chosen subjects must withdraw from their selected year abroad destination at that point.

Beginners in Italian are strongly encouraged to spend a year abroad in Italy. If you are a beginner in Italian and another language (through a joint degree), please consult your year abroad coordinators in both departments for options.

UCAS code

R311

Degree type

Master of Arts (Honours) with integrated year abroad

Course duration

Five years full time

  • Start date: 7 September 2020
  • End date: 30 June 2025

Course information

The MA (Hons) in Italian with an integrated year abroad follows the same course structure as the Italian MA (Hons) degree, with the addition of a year abroad in between the second and third years of study.

During their integrated year abroad, students are required to take the following compulsory module: 

  • Italian Integrated Year Abroad: language learning and cultural familiarisation through a work placement in an Italian-speaking country. Placements will be as language assistants in schools or on other assignments approved by the Department.

More information about the Italian modules currently on offer can be found in the module catalogue.

Find out more about studying Italian at St Andrews.