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Italian Online (Diploma)

College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies, School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures

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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 must pass an entry test. The test will be held on the 25th July from 9.30-11.30am. Once you make your application, you can then apply for an online entry test here (form opens 1st April) using your University of Galway Student ID 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.

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.

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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