Modern Languages
German and Italian together cover two of Europe's most culturally, economically and historically significant nations, and studying both at degree level gives you access to extraordinary literary, philosophical and artistic traditions alongside the practical linguistic capability to work and communicate across Central Europe and the Mediterranean. German is the language of Goethe, Schiller, Kant and Brecht, and today of Europe's largest economy and most influential political voice. Italian is the language of Dante, Machiavelli, Calvino and Eco, of one of the world's richest traditions in art, music and architecture, and of a complex contemporary society with deep ties to European and global culture.
At the University of Bath, this four-year full-time programme is delivered with Bath's characteristic emphasis on professional relevance. The programme includes a sandwich year with work placement opportunities, meaning you spend a sustained period gaining professional experience in a German-speaking or Italian-speaking context, or in an organisation where both languages are used. Bath's languages programmes have a strong reputation for combining rigorous linguistic training with real-world preparation.
The typical entry tariff for this programme is around 168 UCAS points.
You will develop high-level proficiency in both German and Italian across speaking, writing, listening and reading, studying contemporary culture, literature and society alongside the language work. Bath's approach emphasises the professional application of language skills as well as their cultural and literary dimensions, and you will be encouraged to build a portfolio of experiences including work and study in both countries.
Graduates with dual proficiency in German and Italian are highly sought after in international business, law, finance, diplomacy and media. Bath's emphasis on professional application means graduates are particularly well prepared for roles in consulting, financial services, engineering and manufacturing companies with operations in Germany or Italy. Careers in translation, interpreting, the European institutions, international journalism, arts and cultural organisations are also common.
Postgraduate study in European languages, international relations, translation or European law is a natural continuation for those who wish to deepen their specialism.