University of York

What you'll study

The programme brings together core education modules and progressive Italian language and culture modules across a four-year structure that includes a year abroad in Italy. In the education strand you will study foundations of education, child and adolescent development, educational psychology, curriculum design and assessment, inclusive and special educational needs, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Modules move from introduction and theory in the early years to specialist options and a substantial research project in the final year.

In the Italian strand you follow a staged programme of language development, improving speaking, listening, reading and writing through grammar and communication classes, integrated with study of Italian society, history and culture. Typical Italian topics include contemporary Italian literature and film, translation and interpreting, regional cultures and dialects, and sociolinguistics. You will be supported to reach a level of competence appropriate to professional use of the language during and after the year abroad.

Structure highlights

• Year 1: introductory modules in education theory and basic Italian language/culture or a continuation pathway if you already have prior learning.
• Year 2: more specialised education topics (e.g. assessment, inclusion) and intermediate Italian modules including literature and society.
• Year 3: Year Abroad – study at an Italian university, work placement in schools or education settings, or relevant employment to consolidate language and professional skills.
• Final year (Year 4): advanced education options, a dissertation or major research project in education, and advanced Italian modules such as translation, film, or regional studies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have qualifications at a standard appropriate for UK undergraduate entry. Offers typically consider A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent qualifications. Prior knowledge of Italian is normally required for direct entry to language modules, though the department may consider applicants with little prior Italian for a beginners route if they meet overall academic entry standards.

Typical requirements and considerations

• Good secondary school qualifications or equivalent (A-levels, IB, vocational qualifications) demonstrating academic potential.
• Competence in English for non-native speakers, usually through a recognised English language qualification.
• GCSE or equivalent in English and mathematics is commonly requested.
• Relevant experience with young people, volunteer or work experience in educational settings can strengthen an application.
• Mature students and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds are welcomed; admissions tutors assess whole-person suitability for the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates combine knowledge of education with professional-level Italian, opening a broad range of career paths. Many go on to teacher training (such as a PGCE) to work in primary or secondary education, sometimes teaching Italian as a modern foreign language. Other common destinations include international education roles, language teaching (including ESOL), translating and interpreting, publishing, international development, policy and advocacy, and roles in cultural organisations.

The year abroad develops employability through real-world experience: work placements, school observation, or study in Italy strengthen language fluency and intercultural competence valued by employers in business, diplomacy, tourism and the third sector. Graduates also progress to postgraduate study in education, applied linguistics, translation studies or research degrees.

Why study at University of York

At York you study education in a research-informed environment within a university known for strong student support and an interdisciplinary approach. The department emphasises small-group teaching, seminar discussion and supervised research projects, giving you close contact with tutors. Languages at York benefit from experienced language tutors, dedicated language tuition facilities and established links with partner institutions in Italy to support a substantive year abroad.

Additional advantages include a campus with extensive library and learning resources, a central careers service that helps secure placements and graduate roles, and opportunities to participate in research, internships and community education projects. The collegiate and campus environment encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and offers a supportive setting for both academic and language development.