BA Italian and Portuguese
About this course
BA in Italian and Portuguese, an Italian and Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies degree focusing on dual-language acquisition and cultural analysis. Core topics include Communication & Writing, and Language & Translation. This four-year course includes a compulsory academic year spent abroad. The first year builds foundations through First Year Italian Language, Introduction to Italian Studies 1, Introduction to Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture, and The Brazilian Novel. The second year advances linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge via Second Year Italian Language, Intermediate Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture, The Golden Age of Portuguese Travel Literature, and Afro-Brazilian Literature in Translation, alongside optional modules covering Italian Culture during Fascism, Issues in Italian Syntax, and Italian Literature 1860-1925. The third year consists of SELCS Year Abroad Term 1 and SELCS Year Abroad Term 2. The fourth year concludes the degree with Final Year Italian Language, Advanced Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture, Portugal and Its Empire in the 20th Century: Trajectories and Memories, and Short Fiction and the Making of Modern Brazil, complemented by optional studies in Futurism in Italy, Dante: Divina Commedia, and Words and Images: Italian Film Adaptations.
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 34 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 58%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 56%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
- 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: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
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 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
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
- Introduction to Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture
- Introduction to Portuguese Literature
- The Brazilian Novel
- Second Year Italian Language
- Intermediate Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture
- The Golden Age of Portuguese Travel Literature
- Afro-Brazilian Literature in Translation
- 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
- Final Year Italian Language
- Advanced Portuguese Language and Lusophone Culture
- Portugal and Its Empire in the 20th Century: Trajectories and Memories
- Short Fiction and the Making of Modern Brazil
- 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
- English Academic Writing and Translation Skills
- English Academic Writing and Translation Skills
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Italian and Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese at University College London?
93% 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 Portuguese at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Does BA Italian and Portuguese 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 Portuguese at University College London?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.