About Italian Studies

The Department of Italian Studies at Reading is one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the country. It was founded in 1948 by the distinguished writer Luigi Meneghello, and enjoys an outstanding record in teaching and research, receiving the highest possible rating of 5* at the last Research Assessment Exercise. The atmosphere has always been remarkable for its liveliness, friendliness and support, and we welcome students of all ages, from all countries.

As our name suggests, we cover a broad array of subjects in our programmes, ranging from history and film, to literature and women's studies. We do not require you to have any prior knowledge of Italian, and during the first two years you will follow intensive language programmes tailored to your level of entry, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. The third year is spent at one of the dozen or so Italian universities with whom we have exchange agreements, including Florence, Rome, Siena and Bologna.

Italian at Reading can be combined with around fifteen other subjects, and the flexible modular system allows you, in both the Single and the Joint Honours programme, to choose modules from a wide range of options to fit in with your particular field or fields of interest.

Our graduates go on to careers in many different walks of life, and our employability rates are much higher than the national average.

Click here for more information on research in Italian Studies.

The Society of Italian Studies Post-graduate Colloquium is taking place on 6th July 2008. Click here for details.