Italian at Durham is one of the top Italian units in the UK: it was ranked 2nd in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and it regularly appears in the top five in major national league tables, contributing to Durham University’s top-30 placing for Arts and Humanities in the Time Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2022, and 32nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Find out how to apply, all course details and structure, entry requirements and more.
Studying Modern Languages at Durham University has been nothing but a joy. The first-year modules offer an incredible insight into the literary, cinematic, and historical context of the country. From Da Vinci to Dante, Mussolini to Antonioni, I have been gifted an incredible education from a department that is both supportive and genuinely enthusiastic.
Our undergraduate programme offers dedicated language modules for both post A-levels and beginner students, taught by professional language teachers who are native Italian speakers, and a wide range of culture modules taught by experts at the forefront of Italian studies. The interaction between language and culture at every level as well as a strong emphasis on visual culture are features that distinguish Italian studies at Durham. For full information on our courses, see the section ‘Modules’.
Our undergraduate programme offers:
Florence, photo taken by our student James Evans on their year abroad.
Our students can spend all or part of their Year Abroad at one of our partner Universities, or at dedicated work placements in Italy. There is support available in planning and enjoying the Year Abroad at all stages of the process.
Italian Studies currently has exchanges with the Universities of Bologna (for postgraduate students), Catania, Florence, Modena, Pisa, Chieti and Siena Università per Stranieri.
Students in Italian can also apply to work as an English teacher in Italy under the British Council scheme. See also our year abroad page.
I worked at a retail property investment company in Milan. I really valued living and working in an environment where I wasn’t a native speaker. Soon, I loved the experience of rocking up somewhere new and putting myself out there to meet people.
Being a Language Assistant for the British Council in Italy has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whilst I am here as a teacher, I often feel like I am the one learning, first about the Italian language and its culture but then also about myself on a much deeper level too.
Our research-active members are experts in what they teach and involved in projects of international significance. Our-research-led teaching produces courses that are highly valued by all our undergraduates.
Find out why to study Italian at university and what to expect. This video was produced by the Society of Italian Studies.
Studying in Italy is a dream come true; I have made so many friends and visited so many beautiful places, including Bologna, Rimini, Milan, Venice, and even the microstate of San Marino. It has been very rewarding taking courses in Italian at the university, and I have seen my confidence in speaking Italian rise greatly. It is also incredibly unique to study in theatres with paintings lining the walls!
In this video Mia, Spanish and Italian graduate, explains why she chose to study languages at Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures and what she loves about it.
Amanda took the BA Modern Languages & Culture with a Year Abroad, with a focus on French & Italian, and graduated in 2016.
Ayesha studied the BA in Modern Languages and Cultures with a Year Abroad, specialising in French and Italian and graduated in 2019.
Find out more about our members of staff responsible for Italian studies, other language courses, employability, study abroad and scholarships.
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