Contact information
- SELCS Admissions Team
- selcs.admissions@ucl.ac.uk
- +44 (0)20 7679 3096
The unique UCL-Venice Double Degree in Italian Studies integrates two different learning experiences, teaching methods, and modes of assessment, spanning two different countries and cultures. This challenging programme, taught between London and Venice, represents a new model for the teaching of language and literature in higher education. As the first two years of this programme are taught in Italy, prior knowledge of Italian is essential.
Due to COVID-19, there may have been updates to this programme for the 2020 academic year. Where there has been an update, these are indicated with a red alert and a link which will provide further information.
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Pass in Access to HE Diploma, with a minimum of 18 credits awarded with Distinction in the Level 3 units, the remainder of the Level 3 units awarded with Merit. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.
D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, including Italian.
A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher), including Italian at Advanced Higher
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAB, to include A level Italian.
In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
The English language level for this programme is: Advanced
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
You will gain an enhanced linguistic competence and the ability to mediate between different cultural contexts. These are qualities that are sought after by global employers.
Venice, one of the most important cities of the medieval world, offers unparalleled cultural experiences in the form of history, art, architecture, and literature.
Exceptional resources for Italian studies are available in the UCL Library, including five special collections on Italian studies. UCL also hosts a substantial video library of Italian films. The Warburg Institute Library is within short walking distance of the Italian department.
The department regularly welcomes distinguished visitors, including academics, critics, and writers. These visitors conduct seminars and workshops and otherwise contribute to the academic environment. You will be able to make the most of a partnership with FilmItalia.
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
During the first two years enrolled at Ca' Foscari, you will take compulsory modules in Italian literature, linguistics and history. You will also be able to choose from a range of optional modules, allowing you to develop areas of personal interest. The majority of teaching will be in Italian.
In your first two years you will be a fully enrolled University of Venice student.
During the last two years at UCL, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning by choosing from a vast range of modules available from the Italian Department and SELCS. These modules may focus on literature, history, linguistics and film.
Your final dissertation will be supervised by both UCL and Ca' Foscari. You will have the benefit of resources available to students at both universities.
You will be fully supported and supervised during your studies in Venice and London by a Director of Studies and through a tutor system. This structure is there to help you choose a coherent curriculum and enable you to get the most out of both locations.
An indicative guide to the structure of this programme, year by year.
You will choose one History module, subject to availability, from:
and two Performing Arts modules, subject to availability, from:
You will choose two Italian Literature modules, subject to availaibility from:
and one Latin or Classical Culture subject from:
You will take a linguistics module offered by UCL, and either English Academic Writing and Translation Skills or Second-Year Italian Language.
You will choose modules in Italian Literature, History, Sociology, and Culture from a selection that may include:
(*at least two Italian Literature modules must be taken over Year 3 and Final Year)
(*at least three Cultural/History/Sociology modules must be taken over Year 3 and Final Year)
Please note that these will be subject to availability.
You will take a Final Year linguistics module offered by UCL and Final Year Italian Language. You will also complete a Final Year dissertation.
You will choose modules in Italian Literature, History, Sociology, and Culture from a selection that may include:
(*at least two Italian Literature modules must be taken over Year 3 and Final Year)
(*at least three History/Sociology modules must be taken over Year 3 and Final Year)
Please note these are subject to availability
The first two years are studied at Ca' Foscari and follow their degree structure. This will consist of 70% compulsory modules and 30% selected optional modules. Teaching is conducted via classroom teaching and in workshops — there is also the opportunity for internships.
The final two years are taught at UCL and will include language and cultural modules.Teaching is delivered in lecture and seminars.
Final dissertations are overseen by both UCL and Venice.
You will be examined through continuous assessment, take-home essays, presentations and oral and unseen examinations. For some modules, you may choose between an extended essay and a formal examination. The final dissertation is optional; and if selected, it is written in English.
Detailed course descriptions are available on the department website: Italian Studies: UCL-Venice Double Degree BA.
By the final year, we aim to equip you with spoken and written language skills similar to those of an educated Italian. The language and transferable skills developed throughout the degree can be applied in a wide variety of professions both in the UK and abroad.
Our graduates find employment in numerous areas, including teaching, media, journalism and other arts-related fields as well as in the commercial and industrial sectors. Some students may continue studying Italian at graduate level by way of taught MA programmes and research leading to an MPhil and PhD.
UCL is commited to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers and UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help you find employment or learn about entrepreneurship.
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2020/21 academic year. The UK/EU fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2020/21 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc. on this programme, please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Modern European Languages Scholarship
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/undergraduate/MELS
Funding opportunities relevant to the department may appear in this section when they are available. Please check carefully or confirm with the programme contact to ensure they apply to this degree programme.
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
In your application, you should demonstrate an interest in developing an international understanding of literature, culture and history. A reasonably mature approach to studies, the capability to face the challenges of living abroad, and an interest in Italian are all of paramount importance. Involvement in cultural activities in the language (i.e. reading newspapers and magazines, watching television and films or engaging with relevant communities) is regarded favourably, as is travel to the country in question.
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Application deadline: 15 January 2020
If your application demonstrates that your academic ability and motivation make you well suited to our degree and you receive an offer, then we will invite you to a Post Offer Open Day where you can experience the sort of teaching we offer as well as life in SELCS.
There is the possibility of interviews for students who know Italian but have no formal qualifications in order to verify that their competences are sufficient to enrol on this degree.
Our admissions process aims to assess your linguistic abilities and attainments as well as cultural awareness and intellectual potential. There may be an interview as part of the selection process. We may also interview candidates by telephone in order to establish a level of language ability.
For further information on UCL's selection process see: Selection of students.
Page last modified on 24 February 2020