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Italian (Diploma - online)

Italian Online (Diploma)

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Course Overview

Welcome to the Diploma in Italian Online for beginner and intermediate levels. You are going to be part of a groundbreaking experience, which will enable you to study a language in your own time, wherever you are, and as part of a community of e-learners. Unlike many blended learning courses designed for individual and totally independent learning, this diploma course is based on a collaborative, communicative approach and students are encouraged to participate in virtual class activities with their peers and e-tutor.

This course concentrates on all four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and uses carefully selected authentic material to introduce or consolidate the structures and functions of the language. In addition, a cultural module will explore aspects of Italian life from an intercultural perspective and stimulate discussions about them.

Beginners Level*: students will be introduced to the basics of the Italian language and will develop competence in relation to the common situations of everyday life. By the end of each semester/year you should be able to converse and comprehend a variety of topics and situations normally encountered in everyday life.

Intermediate Level* is designed for students who already have a level A2 of fluency in Italian. Students will be guided through more advanced structures and functions of the language. By the end of each semester/year you should be able to interact confidently in a variety of situations.

The Diploma in Italian is open to everybody and is particularly suited to those who need flexibility in their time and mode of study and/or live away from Galway. Workload will amount to approximately 6 hours per week. 

If you wish to enroll for the Intermediate level or go directly into Year 2 of the Diploma in Italian Online (beginner level), you will need to pass an entry test. Once you make your application, you can then apply for an online entry test here using your University of Galway Application Reference Number. 

Mode of Study: Online Learning - please visit our Online Learning webpage for further details on what is required to be an online learner.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

Please ensure to select the correct Italian Online course when making your application - Beginners or Intermediate.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Basic computer skills are sufficient: ability to download and upload files, navigate websites, use emails and participate in video calls. An introductory session at the beginning of the course will explain in very simple terms how to use these applications and will take you through all the steps necessary to become familiar with our intuitive tools.

The course is delivered through a combination of online material & activities, videos, audios, screencasts and live online sessions with tutors. See Course Outline for further information.

Sessions will be delivered live online via our Virtual Learning Environment usually on Wednesday evenings. Note that the day of classes may be subject to change according to lecturers’ schedules. 

The course is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment, participation activities, project work and final written/oral exam. All assessed work is completed online.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Italian beginners level (Year 1). If you wish to enroll for the Intermediate level or go directly into Year 2 of the Diploma in Italian Online (beginner level), you need to pass an entry test. This online examination is free and dates will be announced in April. Only one attempt per level per candidate is allowed.

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here.

*The English language requirement does not apply to this language diploma.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

2 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date
NFQ level

7

Mode of study

Online Learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

Diploma in Italian, University of Galway

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

All teachers and e-tutors on this course are native speakers. They will guide students through the interactive and participative modules, which emphasize collaborative learning in order to avoid any feelings of isolation. Lecture packages will be delivered weekly online and will include comprehension tasks, individual and group work, conversation and intercultural aspects.

Beginners Level
By the end of year 1, students will achieve level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and by the end of year 2, students will achieve level A2.

Intermediate Level
By the end of year 1, students will achieve level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and by the end of year 2, students will achieve level B2.

The course is delivered through a combination of online learning material and activities:

  • Small group online conversation and tutorial classes:
    6 live online sessions per semester ​+ 1 introductory unit at the beginning of semester 1 (each session lasts 50 minutes) 
  • Weekly online forum discussions
  • Reading, listening and viewing activities
  • Recorded video based grammar lessons
  • Group projects
  • Individualized feedback
  • End of semester written and oral online exams

New content is made available online every Monday for the 24 weeks of the course (per year), including two revision weeks per semester. You will be able to organise your study according to the time you have available, however you will need to complete most activities within 7 days, some within 14 days. 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (15 Credits)

RequiredIT8100: Italian Communication Skills 1 - Part 1


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module continues to develop the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) using regular practice based, as much as possible, on authentic material. At the end of the module students will have consolidated and expanded on level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize and utilize formulaic expressions.
  2. React appropriately to pragmatic aspects of communication.
  3. Recognize and produce oral sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment), routine tasks and aspects of his/her background
  4. Compose short and simple written texts relating to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment), routine tasks and aspects of his/her background.
  5. Articulate simple conversation relating to persons and events in the present and the past.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
  • Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
  2. "Italian Grammari in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
    Publisher: Alma Edizioni
The above information outlines module IT8100: "Italian Communication Skills 1 - Part 1" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredIT8102: Italian Cultural Landscape 1


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The course will introduce students to aspects of Italian culture and society from both a linguistic and intercultural perspective, exploring arts, music, cinema and literature as well as societal issues
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Acquire an understanding of cultural and societal issues relating to Italy.
  2. Reflect on intercultural similarities/differences between Italy and their Home/Adopted country.
  3. Read adapted literary/journalistic texts.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
  • Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Storia e testi di letteratura italiana per stranieri" by Balboni-Cardona
    Publisher: Guerra Edizioni
  2. "Storia italiana per stranieri" by Balboni-Santipolo
    Publisher: Guerra Edizioni
The above information outlines module IT8102: "Italian Cultural Landscape 1" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredIT8101: Italian Communication Skills 1 - Part 2


Semester 2 | Credits: 5


(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize clear, standard input (oral/aural/written) on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  2. Produce clear and understandable standard output (oral/written) on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  3. Conduct meaningful communicative exchanges during most situations likely to arise when travelling in Italy.
  4. Manage situations requiring understanding of basic bureaucratic procedures.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
  • Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
  2. "Italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
    Publisher: Alma Edizioni
The above information outlines module IT8101: "Italian Communication Skills 1 - Part 2" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL005: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL005: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL010: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL010: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Year 2 (15 Credits)

RequiredIT8103: Italian Communication Skills 2 - Part 1


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module continues to develop the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) using regular practice based, as much as possible, on authentic material. At the end of the module students will have progressed through level B1 of the European Frameworfk of Reference for Languages
(Language of instruction: Italian)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize the main ideas of texts (oral/aural/written) on various matters.
  2. Produce clear and understandable output (oral/written) with a degree of spontaneity.
  3. Conduct meaningful communicative exchanges during most situations likely to arise when travelling or working in Italy.
  4. Express opinions, hopes and ambitions.
  5. Formulate explanations and plans.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
  • Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Advanced Italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
    Publisher: Alma Edizioni
  2. "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
The above information outlines module IT8103: "Italian Communication Skills 2 - Part 1" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredIT8105: Italian Cultural Landscape 2


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The course will introduce students to aspects of Italian culture and society from both a linguistic and intercultural perspective, exploring arts, music, cinema and literature as well as societal issues
(Language of instruction: Italian)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Read Italian literary/journalistic texts.
  2. Reflect on intercultural similarities/differences between Italy and their Home/Adopted country.
  3. Read adapted literary/journalistic texts.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
  • Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Storia e testi di letteratura italiana per stranieri." by Balboni-Cardona
    Publisher: Guerra Edizioni
  2. "Storia italiana per stranieri" by Balboni-Santipolo
    Publisher: Guerra Edizioni
The above information outlines module IT8105: "Italian Cultural Landscape 2" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredIT8104: Italian Communication Skills 2 - Part 2


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

his module continues to develop the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) using regular practice based, as much as possible, on authentic material. At the end of the module students will have achieved level B1 and acquired some elements of B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
(Language of instruction: Italian)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognize the main ideas of texts (oral/aural/written) on both concrete and abstract topics, including simple technical discussions on his/her field of specialization.
  2. Produce clear and understandable output (oral/written) with a degree of spontaneity and fluency, using connectives and complex syntax.
  3. Conduct meaningful communicative exchanges spanning a variety of topics and situations.
  4. Express detailed opinions, hopes and ambitions.
  5. Formulate detailed explanations and plans
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (60%)
  • Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Adanced italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
    Publisher: Alma Edizioni
  2. "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
The above information outlines module IT8104: "Italian Communication Skills 2 - Part 2" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL005: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL005: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL010: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL010: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This course is designed to give people enhanced language skills whether for personal, travel or professional purposes. At the end of the course, students will have an additional transferable skill with the knowledge of a new language. They will also have improved communication ability both in written and oral tasks, and a recognised university qualification in the Italian language.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€1,035 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€1,000 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€35 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€1,535 p.a. 2025/26

 

A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2024_25 Fees Scholarship Form

Find out More

Course Administrator
Italian Department, University of Galway
Tel:  091 492397
Email: italian@universityofgalway.ie

What Our Students Say

Wendy

Wendy Armstrong |   Graduate

I highly recommend taking the Diploma in Italian Online with NUI Galway if you enjoy a well-structured, disciplined approach to language learning that keeps you engaged. There is great communication with tutors and fellow students and I never felt alone. As well as the essentials in listening, speaking, reading and writing, the course content has a great cultural element covering topics such as Italian cinema, music, politics and literature. The class really enjoyed this part. For me, improving the accuracy of my writing in Italian was hugely important and I was very happy with the frequent written assignments we were given: I feel my writing skills improved 100% after the course. My pronunciation was weak, and I’ve improved a lot in that area. Listening to the native-speaking tutors during the online tutorials was invaluable and they were all extremely communicative and helpful. I lived and worked in Italy years ago but lost some language fluency over time. The Diploma was the perfect way to hone my skills and polish up my Italian.
Peter

Peter Anderson |   Graduate

I have studied by distance and online learning previously. The Diploma in Italian was one of the most satisfying of them all. The course is a conveniently paced sequence of units that teach grammar and structure along with aspects of Italian arts and culture. The two neatly dovetail into a cohesive whole, drawn together by relevant and interesting exercises. Each unit is spread over a fortnight and is tailored to accommodate people with busy work and family lives. Effective use is made of interactive learning using games and puzzles, which consolidate learning along with developing written and oral skills by the more traditional methods, including online tests and on-campus sessions. Tuition is of a high standard and delivered by a team of highly motivated native speakers, who are very responsive to queries from students and actively seek feedback for continuous improvement of the teaching. Having struggled with language learning all my life, I am hugely satisfied with my progress and I look forward to building upon newly acquired abilities during future trips to Italy. I have no hesitation in recommending it to others who wish to learn Italian.
Mairead

Mairead Kavanagh |   Graduate

We learnt about Italian history, art and culture, literature, Italian traditions, food, all genres of music and films. Activities were very interactive such as quizzes, discussions and crosswords. While studying alone, there was always someone ‘at the end of the mouse’ to assist you and answer your questions. The online course forum was excellent, a good way of communicating, with the students and teachers, who were always available and encouraging. We could post questions, opinions etc. and the more it was used, the better. We never felt alone! Blended learning also enhanced technological skills – great discovery a whole new world of learning out there. Websites to explore etc. It built up my confidence: not having had third level education previously, I have now done both the Beginner’s and the Intermediate levels and I have travelled alone to Italy, attended summer schools, found my way around ‘in Italian’ and have combined learning with holidays. I also developed a whole new set of student friends as well as teachers of the course, and of the courses in Italy, as well as the hosts I stayed with. Emailing them from time to time is great for the writing skills.

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