University of York

What you'll study

This joint degree brings together core English literature modules with progressive Italian language and culture study. In the English component you will encounter historical and thematic coverage across medieval, Renaissance, eighteenth‑century, Romantic, Victorian, modernist and contemporary writing. Typical subjects include Shakespeare and drama, the novel, poetry across periods, literary theory and criticism, and options in genres such as life writing, science and literature, and cultural studies.

The Italian strand develops communicative competence and cultural literacy. Beginners routes introduce grammar and communicative practice; intermediate and advanced pathways focus on Italian literature, film, media and translation. Throughout the degree you study Italian language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), literary and cultural texts from Italy, and modules such as modern Italian fiction, poetry and film, Italian culture and society, and translation studies.

The programme structure normally builds from foundational modules in year one to more specialised options in later years. Many students take an integrated year abroad or a professional placement after the second year to consolidate language skills and cultural knowledge; returning students complete a research dissertation or extended project in the final year. Assessment is typically by essays, language coursework and exams, oral presentations, translations and a final-year independent research project.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on a combination of academic qualifications, a personal statement and a reference. Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong performance at secondary level (for example A/B grades at A level or equivalent). The programme accepts a range of international qualifications, including IB and other national systems.

There are routes for both beginners in Italian and applicants with prior language study. If you have prior Italian (GCSE or equivalent, or A level), you may be placed on an intermediate or advanced pathway; beginners may be admitted to a foundation language route. All applicants should show enthusiasm for literature and language study in their personal statement, and some modules may require further evidence of language ability for advanced entry.

Career prospects

Graduates of English Literature (Italian) leave with strong analytical, research and communication skills plus practical language competence. Common career paths include:

• Publishing, editorial and copy‑editing roles
• Translation and interpreting (often combined with further specialist training)
• Teaching and education (including routes into secondary teaching with a postgraduate certificate in education)
• Media, journalism and content creation roles for bilingual markets
• International business, diplomacy and cultural exchange organisations
• Heritage, museums and cultural project management
• Further academic study at MA and doctoral level in literature, comparative studies, linguistics or translation

Careers support at the university helps students with placements, internships and preparing applications for graduate schemes or postgraduate study. A year abroad substantially enhances employability for roles that value real‑world language experience.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers English teaching informed by active research across historical periods and critical theory, with small‑group seminars and opportunities for independent research. York’s language provision provides structured progression from beginners to advanced Italian, and the university supports year‑abroad and placement opportunities to develop fluency and cultural knowledge.

On a campus with strong library and learning resources, students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration between literature, modern languages, film and history, and access to language learning facilities and conversation partnerships. The university’s careers service and departmental support focus on translating academic skills into practical career outcomes, while the city of York provides rich cultural and literary connections to support study and extra‑curricular activity.