We offer Italian courses based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages, leading to the globally acknowledged PLIDA qualifications. Our Beginners Course (A1) is accredited internally. We then offer two levels of PLIDA accreditation starting from Elementary (A2) leading up to Intermediate (B1). Students are able to reach one level per year of study. Exams take place at the end of the academic year.

Courses

Our language courses aim to develop your linguistic skills and intercultural competence and enhance your employment opportunities. You can find out more on the general information page.

The following Italian courses are available for students currently studying at the University of Bath:

Placement test

If you have never learned Italian with us before, please take this placement test so that you know which course is suitable for you.

Please also refer to the course descriptions below.

Course descriptions

Complete Beginner (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.1

This course is suitable for you if you have never studied Italian before.

Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Complete Beginner course with us, or if you can:

• use basic structures and basic vocabulary related to greetings, introductions, family, numbers, time, food
• form simple sentences using present tense verbs, basic questions forms, negations and basic adjectives
• follow and engage in simple conversations and understand simple texts

Elementary Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Post Beginner course with us, or have grades 4-6 in Italian GCSE, or equivalent or if you can: :

• use basic structures and basic vocabulary related to everyday topics such as travel, weather, work, health and leisure activities
• use the present tense and the perfect tense
• engage in longer conversations on familiar topics and express basic opinions
• understand and write short texts

Elementary Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level A2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 1 with us, or if you can:

• use a wider range of vocabulary covering a range of topics including work, education, hobbies, transport
• use the present, the perfect and the imperfect tense
• engage in longer conversations on familiar topics, express basic opinions and make suggestions

Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level B1.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 2 with us, or if you have a Grade 7 or above in Italian GCSE or a similar qualification, or if you:

• have a substantial vocabulary covering a wide range of topics including everyday situations, work-related scenarios and social interactions
• can use present, past and future tenses, know how to use the imperative mode, the present conditional and the present subjunctive
• can engage in longer conversations and express opinions on a range of topics
• can understand longer texts – understanding main ideas and extracting specific information
• can write clear, well-structured texts on various subjects

Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level B1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 1 with us, or if you:

• have a substantial vocabulary covering a wide range of topics including everyday situations, work-related scenarios and social interactions
• can use present, past and future tenses, know how to use the imperative mode, the present conditional and the present subjunctive
• can engage in longer conversations and express opinions on a range of topics
• can understand longer texts – understanding main ideas and extracting specific information
• can write clear, well-structured texts on various subjects

PLIDA Exam Preparatory Workshops (A2/B1) (Semester 2)

A set of 5 preparatory workshops is offered to all students who opt to sit for the PLIDA qualifications. These are held in Semester 2 and run alongside the respective courses.

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered either on campus in person (IPL = In-person learning) or remotely (LOIL = Live online interactive learning).

The timetable for Semester 1 will be published during July/August. Enrolments will open on 18 September 2024. Taster sessions will be held during the weeks of 23 and 30 September and classes will start in the week beginning 7 October 2024.

Student experience

"Learning Italian this year has been a truly enriching experience! It has been an exciting journey where I discovered the beauty of the Italian language and the vibrant Italian culture. The interactive lessons were engaging and enjoyable, making each class a great experience. I highly recommend this Italian course to anyone seeking to learn a new language. Grazie mille!" (Nadine Mansour, BSc Psychology)

In addition to our courses, there are opportunities to develop your language and intercultural skills informally with other students through Peer Assisted Learning, Virtual Exchange and the Language Café.

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by Italian associations in the UK such as the Istituto italiano di cultura in London and British Italian Society with our students. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of Italian language and culture.