BA Italian and Polish
About this course
BA in Italian and Polish, an Italian and Russian Studies degree centred on the study of two European languages and their respective cultures. The course includes a compulsory year abroad spent studying or working in relevant countries. The first year covers language acquisition and cultural foundations through First Year Italian Language, Introduction to Italian Studies 1, War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema, and Polish Language Level 1. The second year builds proficiency through Second Year Italian Language, Writing from the Other Europe, Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension, and Introduction to Polish Literature, alongside optional modules covering topics such as Italian syntax, migration history, and Renaissance literature. The third year consists of a year abroad across term 1 and term 2. The fourth and final year consolidates advanced proficiency through Final Year Italian Language, Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension, Polish Literature 3, and optional studies in areas such as Italian film adaptations and contemporary Polish cinema.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (Previous study of a foreign language is preferred (not necessarily one of the named languages) but not required. Applicants may study two languages at beginner level and may seek advice from the departments concerned if needed.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 72 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 91%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 86%
- Baccalaureate: 7%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- First Year Italian Language
- Introduction to Italian Studies 1
- Introduction to Italian Studies 2
- War, Trauma and Memory in East European Cinema
- Literature and Memory
- Polish Language Level 1
- Second Year Italian Language
- Writing from the Other Europe
- Polish Language Level 2a-Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 2b-Production
- Introduction to Polish Literature
- Italian Culture during Fascism
- Issues in Italian Syntax
- Italian Literature 1860-1925
- Writing Women in Renaissance Italy
- Dante and Petrarch
- Italians Abroad: A History of Italian Migration 1790-Today
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Final Year Italian Language
- Polish Language Level 3a - Comprehension
- Polish Language Level 3b - Production
- Polish Literature 3
- Futurism in Italy
- Nation, Culture and Society in Italy, 1860-1914
- Dante: Divina Commedia
- Identity and Performance in Renaissance Italy
- Words and Images: Italian Film Adaptations
- Contemporary Polish Cinema
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Italian and Polish at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Italian studies.
What do graduates of BA Italian and Polish at University College London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Italian and Polish at University College London?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Italian and Polish at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
Does BA Italian and Polish at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Italian and Polish at University College London?
91% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.