The Italian and Spanish BA is designed for students who have studied either Spanish or Italian to A-level and want to study both of those languages at degree level. You'll build your linguistic skills while developing your understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary Spain, Latin America, and Italy. This course allows you to take one of the languages from Beginners level if you wish to. You will divide your time equally between both Italian and Spanish and by the end of the course you will reach an equivalent standard of knowledge and ability in both languages.

In addition, at the end of your first year, you will spend three weeks in one of our fully-funded Summer Schools where you will be able to immerse yourself in the language and culture you are studying. If you choose to study one of the two languages at beginners level you will spend the summer school in the country of your beginners language. If you are studying two languages at advanced level you may choose which one of those countries to visit.

As part of the course, you will study abroad for a year, where you can live as a student or work as a teaching assistant, with tutors on hand to help throughout the year. We have links with several universities in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Latin America. Alternatively, you may take up an approved work placement.

Throughout the course you will develop your written skills in Italian and Spanish through the production of short pieces of creative writing and other activities such as online language learning and the use of materials taken from television and radio, with oral classes conducted in small groups, mostly by native speakers. We have state-of-the-art language laboratories that can help you learn through interaction with a range of audio and visual media, plus interpreting booths and a dedicated open access space for you to study in.

Here at the University of Leicester, we offer a rich and diverse learning experience, with great facilities, knowledgeable staff who are experts in their fields, and a unique chance to study abroad and build your international communication skills. You will be able to immerse yourself in a rich culture of research-led experience in a supportive and tailored learning environment.

Developing your foreign language skills opens up a wide and exciting range of careers and gives you a powerful advantage in business.