University of York

What you'll study

This joint honours degree develops Italian language skills alongside thematic and chronological strands in history. The programme typically spans three years on campus with a compulsory year abroad spent in Italy or another Italian-speaking context between the second and final years, which may include study at a partner university or a work placement.

• Language and skills – progressive modules in speaking, listening, reading and writing; grammar and phonology; translation and interpreting practice; Italian for specific purposes (business, media, diplomacy); conversation classes and language labs to build fluency.
• Literature and culture – study of Italian literature and cultural production across periods, including opera, film, theatre and visual culture; modules on modern and contemporary Italian society and regional cultures.
• Historical modules – a broad selection covering medieval, early modern and modern history, including thematic options (e.g. empire, religion, war, gender, urban history); comparative and global history options are available alongside Italy-focused historical studies.
• Research training and methods – historiography, source criticism, archival research techniques and training in using archives and primary sources (with access to the University’s archival resources), culminating in a substantial independent dissertation or project in the final year.
• Year abroad – a sustained immersion in an Italian-speaking academic or professional environment to consolidate language proficiency and cultural knowledge; activities may include university study, internships, or work placements arranged with support from the Languages Centre and the History department.
• Assessment – a mix of assessed coursework, presentations, language examinations, translation tasks and a final-year dissertation or extended research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have strong secondary qualifications (A-levels, International Baccalaureate or equivalent) demonstrating academic ability and commitment to study at degree level. Typical applicants will present evidence of proficiency in English and either prior study of Italian or a readiness to follow a beginners’ route where that is offered; precise language entry requirements vary by applicant background. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. Admissions tutors consider the overall academic profile, personal statement, and references; some applicants may be invited to a short interview or a language assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with advanced language skills, historical analysis and research experience valued by employers. Common career destinations include:

• international business, trade and marketing roles requiring Italian language ability;
• translation, interpreting and language services;
• teaching and education (including routes into secondary teaching);
• heritage, museums and archives—benefiting from history training and access to regional archival collections;
• public sector and diplomacy, including international organisations and civil service roles;
• journalism, publishing and media;
• further academic study, including master’s and doctoral research in history, modern languages or interdisciplinary fields.

Why study at University of York

York offers a strong humanities environment with research-led teaching in both languages and history. Students benefit from small-group seminars, dedicated language tuition and the University’s support for year-abroad placements. History students have access to rich primary-source collections and specialist facilities, including regional archives, while language students use modern language resources and multimedia facilities. The University’s careers and placements services provide tailored support for work experience, internships and preparing for careers that use language and historical skills.