Program Overview

Language is fundamental to our thought, our relationships, and our civilisations. Through language we transmit knowledge, from inviting someone for coffee, to promoting the latest scientific theory, to settling global political disputes.

The cradle of Western culture, Italy has over 60% of the world's art treasures according to UNESCO. Nowadays Italy is a leader in culinary arts, design, shipbuilding, space engineering and more. Learning Italian is understanding the origin of Western civilisation and giving you the opportunity to engage with a world economic leader.

On our course you’ll become highly proficient in Italian and will be able to study up to a further two of the modern languages taught at Essex, including German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Mandarin Chinese. These languages can be studied alongside the language expert modules which cover a range of cultural and professional skills.

For most of our languages, we offer modules in all six different levels recognised by the Common European Framework. With two modules completed in Italian each year, you are expected to reach Mastery level in the language by the end of our course, and are also encouraged to gain confidence in one or two other languages of your choice. As well as gaining fluency in Italian, you become proficient in a broad range of its practical use, from professional translation to creative writing.

We also offer a month-long summer course with fees paid for by us if you start a language from scratch via the intensive route.