Italian Studies
Buongiorno!
Italy's language and culture have been of great significance for centuries and in recent times Italy has become one of the world's leading industrial and economic powers.
Connect with Italian culture through the Italian language
There’s no doubt that learning Italian will exercise your mind, enhance your appreciation of European cultures, and enrich your experience when you travel to Italy – but as Australia has one of the largest populations of Italian speakers outside Italy, studying Italian can also be a great way to connect with your communities here in Australia.
You’ll take a placement test to make sure you’re in the right class for your level, whether you’re a beginner or have studied Italian before – but you won’t just have the opportunity to learn the language, you’ll be able to engage critically with many aspects of Italian culture, society and history. There are opportunities for you to study in Italy, both through exchange and study abroad programs and through in-country subjects – and there are scholarships you can apply for to help you get there. There are even opportunities for you to do work integrated learning in Italian to help foster your future career prospects.
Where can Italian studies take you?
After studying Italian at University, you’ll have developed strong analytical and critical thinking competencies, and in our multicultural society your abilities in transcultural communication will give you a competitive edge. Italian will broaden your career prospects in fields such as international relations, education, allied health fields, diplomacy, community development, translation and interpretation, media and communications, government, tourism and trade – just to name a few possibilities.
As a physiotherapist in the public health sector, you need to communicate with patients and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with empathy and sensitivity. I use my Italian daily to communicate with Italian-speaking patients in their own language. This helps to develop rapport to ensure optimal care.
— Sarah Retica
Former Italian Studies student
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Italian
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Italian as a major, minor or electives. You can master the Italian language alongside your degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages or develop advanced knowledge in Italian Studies in Honours.
Undergraduate students
Not a Bachelor of Arts Student? Get a taste of Italian Studies through breadth subjects, immerse yourself in an Italian studies breadth track, or master the Italian language with a Diploma in Languages alongside your undergraduate degree.
Graduate coursework
Master the Italian language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Master of International Relations
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Italian Studies with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Online placement test
The language questionnaire and online placement test makes sure you're placed in the right class for your ability and background in Italian. It's important to note that you should not study for this test or get a friend to take it for you as it will assess your current ability. Your test results will determine what level class you're placed in.
Once you have completed your placement test, you will be placed in one of the below entry points:
Italian Studies 1 entry point
For students who have very little or no background in the Italian language.
Italian Studies 3 entry point
Usually for students who have undertaken four or five years of secondary school Italian.
Italian Studies 5 entry point
Usually for VCE Italian students.
Italian Studies 7 entry point
Usually for native speakers or near-native speakers of Italian, or for candidates who have spent a number of years in an Italian speaking country.
Enhance your study of Italian
Overseas Italian Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Italian Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Italian studies with authentic work experience.
Italian language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience Italian first-hand by studying overseas in a Italian speaking country for one or two semesters.