Italian Studies and Modern Languages

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Italian Studies and Modern Languages
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Languages, Cultures and Societies
BA RR38
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. If Portuguese is taken as the major language, an A-level pass (or equivalent) in Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or first language level fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish is required.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LA041-4-FY-CO  Language Expert 1  Compulsory  30  30 
02    LA630-4-FY or LA640-4-FY or (LA621-4-AU and LA622-4-SP)  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
03    Language (initial to advanced) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Language (initial to advanced) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  LA099-4-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    LA640-5-FY or LA650-5-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02  LA051-5-FY-CO  Intercultural Communication and Research Skills  Compulsory  30  30 
03    Language (lower intermediate or above) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Language (lower intermediate or above) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  LA099-5-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LA660-6-FY-CO  Mastery Italian  Compulsory  30  30 
02    LA067-6-FY of Language (higher intermediate or above) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
03  LA069-6-FY-CO  Modern Languages Capstone Project  Compulsory  30  30 
04    Language (higher intermediate or above) option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  LA099-6-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • Enable students to become proficient in Italian and one or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the languages as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, and (where relevant higher-level courses are taken) developing a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting, and creative writing.
  • Develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of countries which use the chosen modern languages as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into another culture.
  • Equip students with a range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.


  • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, usage, and socio-stylistic variation in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s), and (on relevant higher-level courses) techniques of translation, interpreting, and creative writing

    A2: Aspects of the culture and society of countries which use Italian and the other chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts

    A3: Linguistic concepts and metalanguage used to describe and analyse Italian and the other chosen modern languages, and analytic methods and techniques used to analyse texts and other authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives

    Learning methods

    Modern Language proficiency A1 is developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad.

    Cultural awareness A2 is developed through class and web materials, and the year abroad (during which students experience, engage with and integrate into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner institution offering the opportunity to operate in a different academic, linguistic and cultural environment, or by working as a language assistant and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad).

    Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class.

    All three types of knowledge and understanding are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess knowledge and understanding on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Analyse authentic language materials in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s) from a variety of perspectives

    B2: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken materials in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s

    B3: Interact in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s), expressing one's own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately

    Learning methods

    Methods employed to develop cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Organise and present (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s) coherently and articulately

    C2: Gather and process information from different sources, e.g. doing a bibliographic search in the library, accessing material from online databases and locating and downloading appropriate foreign language materials from the Web

    Learning methods

    Methods employed to develop practical skills typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess practical skills typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

    D: Key skills

    D1: Communicate ideas, information and arguments (both orally and in writing) in Italian and the other chosen modern language(s), with a level of fluency, accuracy, clarity and effectiveness (and sensitivity to register and style) which depends on the level of the courses taken

    D2: Demonstrate a range of IT skills which will typically include the ability to do word processing, use Powerpoint and e-mail, conduct bibliographic searches, locate and download modern language internet materials, and utilise software packages

    D4: Analyse language materials in Italian and the other chosen Modern Language(s), identifying problems and creatively discussing solutions

    D5: Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team

    D6: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management; reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others; learn new material; adapt to new ways of learning.

    Learning methods

    Methods employed to develop key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

    Assessment methods

    Methods employed to assess key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations, in some cases using Powerpoint; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
    Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.


    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.