Italian at Durham is one of the top Italian units in the UK: it was ranked 2nd in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 3rd in the Complete University Guide 2025.
Studying Italian will provide you with a plurilingual, intercultural mindset. You will become fluent in the language of a vibrant, top ten world economy, lingua franca of fashion, music, and architecture. Get a taste of la dolce vita during your year abroad, and be inspired by an unrivalled, global cultural heritage that has shaped history for two millennia. Birthplace of lyric opera, Renaissance art, neorealist cinema, literary giants from Dante to Ferrante and a transnational diaspora, Italian opens worldwide opportunities from the civil service to the cultural sector --- Katrin Wehling-Giorgi, Professor of Italian
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.
We offer dedicated language modules for both post A-level 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, involved in research projects of international significance. Our research-led teaching produces modules that are highly valued by all our undergraduates.
The interaction between the study of language and culture at every level of study as well as the opportunity to study visual culture distinguish Italian studies at Durham.
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.
Learn about the unique experiences our undergraduate student Mia gained while working in Italy and Spain. Discover how she prepared for her year abroad, what she learned, and how her time abroad has transformed her.
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.
Meet Dr Luca Malici, Assistant Professor/Director of Italian Studies in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University.
Find out more about our members of staff responsible for Italian studies, other language courses, employability, study abroad and scholarships.
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