BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Italian (QR41)
2025 entry
Course summary
Our BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Italian degree offers an unmatched opportunity to study international cultural production in both depth and breadth, while also studying Italian language, art, and culture, which have had a lasting impact on Western civilization.
Italian is available from beginners' level or post-A level (or the equivalent).
You will study the literatures and cultures of the world in comparative frameworks that draw on methodologies from textual, cultural, and visual studies, as well as from translation, philosophy, history, social science, and critical theory. On the Comparative Literatures and Cultures side of your degree, all texts will be read in English translation.
This programme encourages attributes highly valued by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and self-confidence in communication, an aptitude for collaborative work and creativity. It will instil habits of curiosity, openness, rigour, self-reflection and evidence-based thinking, preparing you for a career in various sectors.
All modern languages students have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre, with a collection of movies, a student cinema suite, an audio recording and video editing studio, a computer and language lab, and study areas. You can access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
Course structure
In the first two years, you will study core Comparative Literatures and Cultures units, such as:
- Comparative Literature: What is it and how can we practise it?
- Introduction to Visual Cultures
- Popular Representation and Institutions of Culture
- Migrations of Culture.
Throughout your degree, you will also follow a structured language course in Italian, as well as explore the richness of Italian history and culture, choosing from a wide range of units in literature, film, history, thought, politics, and visual culture.
Alongside this, you will be able to choose from a wide range of optional units based in the culture of a single language or a combination of cultures. Teaching is informed by staff research interests, and you will be taught by experts in their fields.
You will spend your third year abroad in Italy, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
In your final year, you will complete an innovative, supervised, independent project consisting of an extended essay on a topic of your choice and a public-facing element presented to the entire cohort.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Search international qualifications
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Italian can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement