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With Italy continually proving herself as a cornerstone in culture, art and history across Europe, you cannot help but be inspired to learn the language. By learning Italian, you give yourself a tool to explore this cultural richness and to open your eyes to its Roman heritage, the Renaissance, modern architecture, fashion and car design. It is a hugely popular language spoken not only in its home country, but also by over 15 million people in Switzerland, North America and Australia.
Overview
Italian
Italian was one of the first language departments created at Kent and we are proud to offer a course of study which gives you the opportunity to learn Italian to a high standard and gain real insight into Italian culture, literature and society. The course covers topics such as the history of Italian literature, 19th and 20th-century Italian fiction, Fascism, neorealist and post-neorealist cinema, and women writers. You can study Italian at Kent whether you have an A level or GCSE in Italian, or as a beginner. You can study either full-time or part-time.
The majority of the Italian teaching staff are native speakers and there are usually a number of exchange students within the department, so you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language. This is supplemented by excellent technical facilities, including three satellite TV channels, videos, DVDs and computer-assisted language learning.
Cultural Studies
What do we mean by ‘culture’ and why are its many forms so hotly contested today? Why is it so important to our sense of identity and belonging? How are the ‘culture wars’ of today, surrounding such things as free speech, drugs, food, censorship, secrecy, piracy and youth culture related to uses of old and new media and the rise of global capitalism? Do you think it matters how tradition and heritage are represented in the mass media or in museums? Do you think popular culture is much more than a form of entertainment? Do you ever think that the culture and lifestyle which means a lot to you is not taken seriously? It is often said that the world is changing more rapidly than at any other time in history, and the study of cultural transformation is key to achieving the ‘joined-up thinking’ society needs in the 21st century.
Cultural Studies at Kent is a lively, innovative subject with distinctive perspectives on all forms of present day culture. We explore significant connections between popular culture, the arts and everyday life by crossing traditional social sciences/humanities boundaries. There are several opportunities for combined honours degrees with related subjects, including European languages, giving the opportunity of a year abroad.
Independent rankings
Kent ranked 15th in the UK for modern languages and linguistics according to The Guardian University Guide 2015.
Course structure
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.
Year abroad
If you are taking a European language, as part of a joint degree, you spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 studying at a university in the country of your chosen language.
For more general information about studying or working abroad as part of your course, please see the Go abroad webpages.
Teaching and assessment
Italian
Teaching is by lectures and seminars. We have extensive technical facilities, including three satellite TV channels, video and DVDs and computer-assisted language learning.
Depending on the modules you select, assessment throughout all stages of the course varies from 100% coursework, to a combination of examination and coursework.
Cultural Studies
Teaching is by lectures and seminars.
Depending on the modules you select, assessment throughout all stages of the course varies from 100% coursework, to a combination of examination and coursework. Some joint honours students also have the opportunity to do a final-year dissertation on a chosen subject, which counts as one module (and does not involve an exam).
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- provide a solid grounding in the Italian language in all its aspects through the use of Italian as a spoken and written medium up to languages global scale level C2
- develop a critical awareness of Italian society since unification, ie since 1860
- immerse the student in Italian culture by enabling them to spend one year in Italy. In most cases, they will go abroad as an Erasmus/Socrates exchange student, or possibly work as a language assistant in an Italian School
- facilitate awareness of Italian literature, particularly 20th-century literature, but with opportunities of locating this within a wider framework
- provide teaching which is informed by current research and scholarship, and which requires students to engage with aspects of work at the frontiers of knowledge
- train students in the field of translation from and into Italian. Particular stress is placed on familiarity with different linguistic registers, and with translation into English students can expect to reach professional levels
- promote interdisciplinary approaches to disciplines such as politics, history, sociology, cinema and history and theory of art through the study of appropriate texts and audio-visual material
- provide a means of access to intercultural awareness and understanding
- provide opportunities for the development of personal, communication, research and other key skills appropriate for graduate employment both in industry and in the public sector
- To develop general critical, analytical and problem-solving skills which can be utilised in a wide range of situations.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- Italian language
- Italian society of the 19th and 20th century
- Italian history
- Italian cinema
- Italian literature, particularly 20th century
- gender studies
- Italian renaissance art.
Intellectual skills
You develop intellectual skills in:
- academic study and enquiry
- evaluating information critically
- synthesising information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject
- making use of problem-solving skills
- utilising communication skills for the coherent expression and transfer of knowledge
- analysing, evaluating and interpreting a variety of evidence in a critical manner
- studying and reaching conclusions independently.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in:
- effective communication in Italian both orally and in writing
- demonstrating detailed knowledge and effective understanding of the various structures and registers of Italian
- accurate and efficient translation into and from the target language
- critically analysing a variety of texts and images (journalistic, artistic, historical or literary)
- an appreciation of cultural diversity
- developing and enhancing reading skills in Italian
- developing skills in reception (listening, observing and reading);production (speaking and writing); and mediation between two languages (translation and interpreting).
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in:
- effective communications with a wide range of individuals using a variety of information sources and methods.
- identifying problems and exploring alternative solutions
- library and bibliographical research skills
- techniques for using Italian language source materials
- taking responsibility for personal and professional learning and development
- time management and workload prioritisation, thinking and performing under pressure
- teamworking
- leadership
- working creatively and flexibly with others in a group environment
- information technology.
Careers
Cultural Studies provides a useful background for a wide range of careers. The skills you acquire, such as improved communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team and independently, the ability to analyse complex ideas and the confidence to offer your own innovative solutions, are all considered essential attributes by graduate employers. The programmes are especially good preparation for professional or postgraduate training in the media and cultural industries.
The ability to speak another European language is a key asset in the global employment market, and many employers view a graduate with overseas study experience as more employable.
Our graduates take up careers in advertising and design, journalism, broadcasting, teaching, arts administration, publishing, public relations, research, information services, leisure industry management, translating and interpreting, tourism and heritage, personnel, local government, and the organisation of social and community projects. Many language graduates begin their career abroad.
For more information on the services Kent provides you to improve your career prospects visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | ABB including B in Italian, Film, English Literature, Politics, Media, Geography, Philosophy (where taken) |
| GCSE | Good GCSE or A Sub in related modern language (if Italian A level not taken) |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 16 at HL including a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL |
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.
English Language Requirements
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
As a guide only, the 2014/15 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Exceptions may apply. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
UK/EU/International students on an approved Year Abroad or Year in Industry for the full 2014/15 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2014 financial support package includes a £6,500 cash bursary. Find out more about the support package, eligibility and terms and conditions on our fees and funding pages.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.