French and Italian A, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you'll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Core modules in your first year will allow you to consolidate your language skills, while you'll also be introduced to the history and culture of France and Italy. You'll also study a Cornerstone module to help you bring together aspects of your two subjects. You could also try one of the many other languages we offer - from Spanish and German to Punjabi, Turkish and Thai - or take discovery modules from elsewhere in the university.

Once you have this foundation, you'll continue with language classes in your second year. But you'll also choose from a range of optional modules, introducing you to different aspects of Francophone and Italian life. At the same time, you'll prepare to spend a term of Year 2 and the whole of the following year abroad, sharpening your skills and immersing yourself in local culture.

When you return to Leeds for your final year, you'll enjoy even more choice in your optional modules and take advanced language classes. You'll also have the chance to work on skills like translating or interpreting. You'll also apply the critical skills you've developed to a dissertation on a topic of your choice, which you will research independently.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in French and B in Italian.

  • Career opportunities

    A degree in French and Italian equips you with a range of valuable skills. You'll be fluent in two important European languages, and you'll have a real cultural awareness of cultures where the languages are spoken worldwide. Those qualities will open doors to a wide range of careers, and you'll also acquire important transferable skills that are valuable to employers.

    You'll be an independent researcher who can think critically and analytically about complex information, them communicate and defend your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. You'll also have skills such as teamwork and presentation, and spending a year abroad will demonstrate that you are adaptable and self-reliant. Because you've juggled two different subjects, you'll also have excellent organisational skills.

    As a result, graduates have gone into a range of careers. Many have pursued language-based roles such as translating or interpreting, or gone onto postgraduate training in these areas. Others have succeeded in areas such as business and finance, education, journalism, law, publishing, advertising and marketing and the charity sector.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend a term of Year 2 and the whole of the following year in Italy and a Francophone country. It's the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their degree.

    You'll spend a year in one country and a term in the other, but it's up to you where you spend the longer period. If you spend the term in Italy, you'll study at the British Institute in Florence, while in France you can either complete a work placement or study at a partner university. In the year-long residence, you can work or study but you can also decide to teach English. Whatever you decide, you'll gain a new perspective and valuable work experience.

    Read more about French Residence Abroad

    Read more about Italian Residence Abroad