Undergraduate study

Undergraduate 

Italian MA

Students on campus

Studying Italian opens up the language and culture of a major EU country that has played a key role in Europe’s political and artistic development.

Italian

Glasgow has a long tradition of teaching in Italian studies, supported by excellent library resources in the subject. You will be taught in small groups, mostly by native speakers of Italian, giving you the opportunity to develop a high level of fluency in written and spoken Italian.

  • September start
  • Session dates
  • Italian MA (Hons): R310 5 year degree

Register your interest for more information

By registering, you consent to the University of Glasgow processing your information as outlined in our privacy notice.

School of Modern Languages & Cultures

The School of Modern Languages & Cultures offers degrees in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Chinese.

French, German, Italian and Spanish can be studied on their own as a single subject or in combination with many other subjects as a joint degree.

Portuguese, Russian and Chinese are offered as joint degrees, meaning you study them alongside one other subject.

Catalan, Czech and Polish are all available as optional subjects that can be incorporated into your degree.

In your first year, you will usually take a language at either Beginners level (which means you’ve never studied the language or have studied it at National 5, GCSE or equivalent) or at Non Beginners level (which means you come to Glasgow with a grade B at Higher, A-level or equivalent within the last three years).

Year abroad

The year abroad is an exciting part of every degree in languages and allows you time to immerse yourself in the language and culture you are studying. The year abroad is also highly valued by employers as it shows them you are a resourceful and adaptable person who embraces new challenges.

For students taking degrees involving languages, you will spend your third year abroad gaining credit either by:

  • studying at a partner university
  • working as an English Language Assistant in a school within Europe (British Council scheme)
  • a work placement arranged independently, approved by the School of Modern Languages & Cultures.

If you study two languages, you will spend your year abroad in a country where one of the two languages you are studying is spoken and you’ll spend another three months abroad in your fourth year, which will allow you to go to a country where your second language is spoken.

Members of staff in each subject and in the University’s international office are on hand to support students with residence abroad.

Careers

Language graduates go into a whole host of careers including:

  • media
  • arts organisations
  • education / teaching
  • fast stream civil service
  • banking
  • management
  • public relations
  • diplomatic service.

Employers really value the transferable skills you gain during a degree in languages. A degree from the School of Modern Languages & Cultures will enable you to look at the world in a different way.

Programme structure

Year 1

The course you study in first year depends on how much Italian you have studied before. If you have an SQA Higher or A-level in Italian (grade A or B), you will take non-beginners’ language and culture courses.

If you are a beginner or near-beginner and have some previous language learning experience, you will take the level 1 beginners’ course, which provides an intensive foundation in reading, writing and speaking Italian.

Year 2

The first-year language and culture course leads to Italian 2, which extends and develops your linguistic skills and builds your knowledge of Italian culture, including the study of texts and films. Students progressing from the first-year beginners’ course normally study Italian culture 1 alongside the second-year course.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.

Year 3 (year abroad)

If you progress to Honours you will spend your third year abroad, normally either working as a language assistant in a school or studying at a university. The University has a number of exchange programmes and will provide support and advice.

Years 4 and 5

In addition to further language work, our two-year Honours programme enables you to choose from a wide range of options including literature, cinema and other areas of culture.

 

+++

Degree structure for non-beginners languages

The language courses in years 1 and 2 have been designed to allow you to consolidate and advance your knowledge of the language through the study of authentic texts. You will work on enhancing your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and will begin to undertake tasks which may be new to you, such as summarising and translating. The courses are assessed by online tests, oral exams and written exams.

The culture courses in years 1 and 2 will introduce you to a broad range of ideas and texts and will encourage you to think about the vast number of cultures that have been shaped by the languages you are learning. You’ll think about a variety of topics including cities, popular culture, gender and nationalism. These broad courses showcase our research specialisms and will allow you to make an informed choice when you come to decide which courses to take at Honours level.

In years 4 and 5, you will study language in greater depth and will focus on the finer nuances of language usage. You will also choose courses in areas that interest you and we have a range of specialist courses relating to history, literature, cinema and society as well as courses that focus on applied language skills (such as translation and interpreting).

Year 1

  • Non Beginners Language 1: Culture 1
  • 2nd Level 1 subject
  • 3rd Level 1 subject

Year 2

  • Language 2: Culture 2
  • 2nd Level 2 subject
  • A new Level 1 subject may be taken

Year 3

  • Year abroad

Year 4

  • Junior Honours
  • [Joint subject: where applicable]
  • Note: if you are studying two languages, you will go abroad to a country where one of your two languages is spoken during your 4th year.

Year 5

  • Senior Honours
  • [Joint subject: where applicable] 

---

+++

Degree structure for beginners languages

The beginners language courses in year 1 are intensive language courses specially designed to allow you to take an Honours degree in the language you are studying. In year 2, you will join with the non-beginners students and will continue to develop your language skills before going abroad. You will work on enhancing your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and will begin to undertake new tasks, such as summarising and translating. The courses are assessed by online tests, oral exams and written exams.

The culture courses that you take in year 2 will introduce you to a broad range of ideas and texts and will encourage you to think about the vast number of cultures that have been shaped by the languages you are learning. You’ll think about a variety of topics including cities, popular culture, gender and nationalism. These broad courses showcase our research specialisms and will allow you to make an informed choice when you come to decide which courses to take at Honours level.

If you take a beginners language in year 1 and wish to take the subject to Honours, students of French, German, Italian and Spanish will take Language 2 and both Culture 1 and 2 in year 2. Students of Chinese, Portuguese and Russian will only take Chinese, Portuguese or Russian Culture 2 alongside Chinese, Russian or Russian Language 2.

If you are a student taking two languages, we recommend that you spend your year abroad in a country where the language you have taken as a beginner is spoken.

In years 4 and 5, you will study language in greater depth and will focus on the finer nuances of the language. You will also choose courses in areas that interest you and we have a range of specialist courses relating to history, literature, cinema and society as well as courses that focus on applied language skills (such as translation and interpreting).

Year 1

  • Beginners Language 1
  • 2nd Level 1 subject
  • 3rd Level 1 subject

Year 2

  • Language 2: Culture 2
  • 2nd Level 2 subject
  • Culture 1 (20 credits) + further 20 credits in Level 1 courses

Year 3

  • Year abroad

Year 4

  • Junior Honours
  • [Joint subject: where applicable]
  • Note: if you are studying two languages, you will go abroad to a country where one of your two languages is spoken during your 4th year.

Year 5

  • Senior Honours
  • [Joint subject: where applicable]

---

Course details

Courses you will take as part of an Italian programme may include:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Years 4 and 5 (Honours)

(Not all courses listed will be available in each session)

Courses available to students of all Modern Languages include:


Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2027

You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme. The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.

Summary of entry requirements for Italian

Scottish Higher entry requirements

  • BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
  • Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
  • Typically offers will be made at AAAAB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
  • Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).

Scottish Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

  • MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
  • MD40: AABB*
  • Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

A-level standard entry requirements

  • ABB – BBB
  • Additional requirements: A-level English or another Humanities subject.

IB standard entry requirements

  • 34 (6,5,5)
  • Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.

Note: No prior knowledge of Italian is required

Entry requirements for advanced entry to Italian

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades in their Advanced Highers, A-levels or International Baccalaureate may be considered for advanced entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes. Not all joint honours subjects are available for advanced entry and applications to joint honours programmes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Choose point of entry 2nd year on your UCAS application to indicate you wish to be considered for advanced entry.

Scottish Higher requirements for advanced entry 

  • Three Advanced Highers at Grades AAA attained in one exam year and at the first attempt. Subjects must be relevant to the courses to be taken at Level 2.

A-Level requirements for advanced entry

  • A*A*A

IB requirements for advanced entry

  • 38 points

Admissions guidance

English language

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

+++

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

Tests taken up to 20 January 2026

  • 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Tests taken from 21 January 2026

  • 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford ELLT

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

School Qualifications

  • IGCSE English First Language, grade C
  • IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
  • A Level English, grade C
  • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
  • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
  • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
  • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C

International School Qualifications

  • Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
  • Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
  • European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
  • Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
  • France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
  • Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
  • Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
  • Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
  • Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
  • Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
  • Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
  • South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
  • Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
  • Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C

---

+++

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

---

+++

Pre-sessional courses

We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • St Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham

---

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:


Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Further information about English language: English for Academic Study


Careers and future opportunities

Graduate destinations

The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:

  • English Teacher
  • Civil Service Fast Streamer
  • Graduate Operations Analyst
  • Head of Fundraising
  • Marketing intern
  • Mental Health Advisor
  • Police Officer
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Recruitment & Operations Assistant
  • Trainee Journalist.

Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.

Job prospects

Graduate Outcomes data shows that:

  • 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
  • 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment  
  • The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.

This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.

Skills development

As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:

  • Communicating fluently and accurately in spoken and written Italian, adapting register for academic and professional contexts.
  • Analysing Italian literary, cultural and visual texts using informed critical and interpretative methods.
  • Interpreting historical, cultural and social contexts across Italian‑speaking societies with nuance and depth.
  • Applying linguistic knowledge to understand grammar, syntax, structure and stylistic features of Italian.
  • Conducting independent research in Italian culture, literature or language, producing clear, well‑supported arguments.

Careers & employability support

Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.

You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.

Degrees and UCAS codes

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

MA (Hons)

Italian: R310 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to R310
Italian/Ancient History: VR13 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to VR13
Italian/Business & Management: NR23 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to NR23
Italian/Celtic Civilisation: QR53 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to QR53
Italian/Central & East European Studies: RR73 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RR73
Italian/Classics: QR83 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to QR83
Italian/Comparative Literature: QRF3 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to QRF3
Italian/English Language & Linguistics: QR3J (5 years)
KIS
Apply to QR3J
Italian/French: RR13 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RR13
Italian/German: RR23 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RR23
Italian/History: RV31 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RV31
Italian/History of Art: RVH3 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RVH3
Italian/Latin: QR63 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to QR63
Italian/Mathematics: GR13 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to GR13
Italian/Music: RW33 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RW33
Italian/Philosophy: RV35 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RV35
Italian/Portuguese: 4L2M (5 years)
KIS
Apply to 4L2M
Italian/Spanish: RR43 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to RR43
Italian/Theatre Studies: R3W4 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to R3W4
Italian/Theology & Religious Studies: R3V6 (5 years)
KIS
Apply to R3V6

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database


How to apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). 

SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.

International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.

Application deadlines

  • 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
  • 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
  • 30 June: international students.

We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.

It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.

How to apply for Advanced Entry

Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.

Apply via UCAS

World top 100

QS World University Rankings [Modern Languages]

qs logo

Subject league tables

qs logo
World top 100

QS World University Rankings [Modern Languages]

Related programmes

Modern Languages & Cultures

more related Modern Languages & Cultures programmes

Related links

The Gilbert Scott Building pictured beside the River Kelvin

Undergraduate events