Bachelor of Arts majoring in Italian Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Italian Studies at the University of Adelaide is perfect for students who want to become fluent in Italian while gaining a rich understanding of Italy's language, culture, history and society. You'll combine advanced language learning with cultural and literary studies, preparing for careers that value global communication and intercultural expertise.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You'll build a strong foundation in Italian through Italian IA, Italian IB, and Italian Studies IA. These units develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills while introducing you to Italian culture and everyday communication.

Year 2
As your confidence grows, you'll study Italian IIA, Italian IIB, and Italian Studies IIA, focusing on more advanced language use, literature and contemporary Italian society. You'll strengthen your communication skills through practical language activities and cultural analysis.

Year 3
In your final year, you'll complete advanced units including Italian IIIA, Italian IIIB, and Italian Studies IIIA. You'll refine your language proficiency, explore complex cultural and literary topics, and graduate with strong intercultural and professional communication skills.

Focus areas (in a string):
Italian language, intercultural communication, Italian literature, European culture, translation, linguistics, cultural studies, global communication, history, international perspectives.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Advanced Italian language proficiency, intercultural competence, communication, critical thinking, translation skills, research, analytical skills, cultural awareness, global citizenship, professional communication.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree, providing a recognised qualification for employment and postgraduate study in languages, education, international relations and related fields.

Reputation (employability):
The University of Adelaide is a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities and is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching and research. Graduates benefit from a globally respected qualification and strong international recognition.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Italian Studies combines language learning with authentic cultural experiences to help you become a confident communicator in international settings. Through interactive classes, collaborative projects and opportunities for global engagement, you'll develop practical language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Italy's culture, history and society. Throughout your studies, you'll have access to specialist language resources and internationally focused learning environments:

Develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through interactive language workshops, tutorials and conversation-based classes.
Participate in collaborative presentations, cultural projects and group discussions that strengthen teamwork and intercultural communication.
Take advantage of overseas exchange and study abroad opportunities with partner universities in Italy, earning credit towards your degree while experiencing Italian language and culture firsthand.
Access the University's Language Laboratory and digital language-learning resources to improve pronunciation, listening comprehension and communication skills.
Use multimedia language-learning platforms, online resources and authentic Italian films, literature and media to support independent learning.
Learn from experienced academics and visiting speakers through seminars, cultural events and activities hosted by the School of Humanities.
Access the Barr Smith Library, which provides extensive Italian-language books, journals, digital databases, multimedia collections and collaborative study spaces.
Benefit from the University's international partnerships and global learning initiatives that encourage cross-cultural engagement and international mobility.

Facilities: Language Laboratory, Barr Smith Library, School of Humanities learning spaces and digital language-learning resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts majoring in Italian Studies leave with advanced Italian language proficiency, intercultural communication skills and a global outlook that are highly valued across international industries. Whether you aspire to become a Translator, Diplomat, International Relations Officer or Language Teacher, the program provides the linguistic and cultural expertise needed for a wide range of global careers. To help you transition into the workforce, the University of Adelaide offers comprehensive career development support:

Access the University's Career and Employability service for personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking events, career workshops and employer connections.
Enhance your global employability through study abroad and exchange opportunities with partner institutions in Italy, allowing you to build international experience and professional networks.
Benefit from the University's strong international partnerships and collaborations with cultural organisations, educational institutions and government agencies that support language and global studies.
Graduate with an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree, a recognised qualification that provides pathways to employment and postgraduate study in Australia and internationally.
While the University does not publish course-specific employment or salary figures for Italian Studies, graduates develop highly transferable language, communication and intercultural skills that are valued across education, government, tourism, international business and cultural organisations.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduation, you can continue your studies with an Honours year in Arts or Languages, followed by postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Diploma, Master of Arts, Master of Teaching, or other specialised master's and research degrees in languages, linguistics, international relations or cultural studies. These pathways can lead to careers in academia, education, translation, diplomacy and international research.