BA Italian and Russian
About this course
BA in Italian and Russian, an Italian and Russian Studies degree centred on the study of two major European languages and cultures across two academic departments. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes a compulsory third-year period spent abroad. The first year introduces foundational linguistic skills and cultural topics through modules such as First Year Italian Language, Introduction to Italian Studies 1, and Introduction to Russian Studies I. The second year builds proficiency with modules including Second Year Italian Language. The third year consists of a residence abroad divided between terms. The final year consolidates advanced proficiency through modules such as Final Year Italian Language, Comprehension of Russian (Year 4), and Use of Russian (Year 4). Optional modules allow students to explore topics ranging from literature and cinema to historical studies, with a final-year research project available.
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
- Introduction to Russian Studies I
- Introduction to Russian Studies II
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 1A)
- Use of Russian (Year 1A)
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 1)
- Use of Russian (Year 1)
- Russian Short Fiction from Romanticism to Postmodernism
- Representations of Russia
- Russian and Soviet Cinema: History, Ideology, Society
- Second Year Italian Language
- 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
- Minority Languages of Russia: Cultural, Linguistic Diversity and Endangerment
- Old Church Slavonic and Comparative Slavonic Grammar as a Language Learning Strategy
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 2A)
- Use of Russian (Year 2A)
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Year Abroad Term 1
- Year Abroad Term 2
- Final Year Italian Language
- Comprehension of Russian (Year 4)
- Use of Russian (Year 4)
- 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
- Narratives of Exile
- Contemporary Art and Politics in Eastern Europe and Russia
- SSEES Research Project (Half)
- Chekhov: The Quest for Freedom
- The Person, Love and Utopia in Russian Thought
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Italian and Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian at University College London?
91% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.