University of Turin

What you'll study

This programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum combining literary studies, cultural theory, media analysis and language competence. Students study modern and contemporary literatures (Italian, English and other European literatures), cultural history, film and visual culture, comparative literary analysis, and theoretical approaches such as cultural studies, postcolonial theory and gender studies. Practical modules typically include academic writing, research methods, translation practice and language laboratory work to build communicative competence in one or more foreign languages.

The degree is usually organised into a progression from broad foundational modules in the first year to more specialised optional modules and a final-year research project or dissertation. Typical topics and modules you can expect to encounter include:

• Introduction to Modern Literary Studies — close reading and genre analysis of prose, poetry and drama.
• Cultural Theory and Methods — key theoretical frameworks and approaches to cultural analysis.
• Comparative Literature and Transnational Perspectives — cross-cultural literary movements and translation issues.
• Media and Visual Culture — film studies, digital media, and visual narrative.
• Language Modules — Italian for non-native speakers plus one or more modern languages (commonly English, French, Spanish, German).
• Translation and Interpreting Practice — practical skills in written translation and cultural mediation.
• Research Methods and Final Dissertation — preparation for independent research and a supervised final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised secondary school leaving qualification that entitles them to enter higher education in their country. Admissions may require evidence of proficiency in Italian if the programme is taught primarily in Italian; some modules or pathways may be available in English, in which case English language proficiency is required. International applicants may be asked to provide certified language test results, a personal statement outlining interest in literature and culture, and academic transcripts. Where relevant, prospective students should check whether any entrance assessments or interviews are necessary, and whether recognition of prior learning or qualifications is accepted.

Career prospects

Graduates from Modern Cultures and Literatures enter a wide range of professions that value critical thinking, research, communication and multilingual skills. Common career paths include:

• Publishing and editorial roles, including copyediting and literary commissioning.
• Journalism, content creation and cultural criticism for print, broadcast and digital media.
• Work in cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, festivals and heritage organisations, including curation, mediation and education roles.
• Translation, localisation and language services for public and private sectors.
• Public sector and NGO roles involving cultural policy, community engagement and international relations.
• Further academic study (Master’s and PhD) leading to research and university teaching careers.

Why study at University of Turin

The University of Turin combines a long academic tradition with active research in literary and cultural studies. Students benefit from the university’s rich library collections, specialised research centres in modern languages and cultural studies, and connections with local cultural institutions in Turin and the Piedmont region. The university supports international mobility and collaboration through Erasmus and other exchange agreements, offering opportunities to study abroad or take part in international research projects.

Studying in Turin also places students in a vibrant cultural city with a strong publishing and arts scene, festivals, theatres and museums, providing practical contexts for cultural study and internship opportunities. The departmental staff includes scholars working on contemporary literature, translation, media studies and cultural theory, giving students access to current research and supervisory support for independent projects.