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Accessibility & LanguageItalian Online
Diploma in Italian (Online)
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development- Title of Award
- Diploma
- Course Code
- IL4
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- 7
- Award Type
- Minor
- Duration
- 2 years, part-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 30
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
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.
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
This 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.
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. This online examination is free and only one attempt per level per candidate is allowed. 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.
All teachers and e-tutors on this course are native speakers. They will guide students through the interactive and participative modules, which emphasise 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
IT8100: 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
- Recognize and utilize formulaic expressions.
- React appropriately to pragmatic aspects of communication.
- 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
- 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.
- Articulate simple conversation relating to persons and events in the present and the past.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
- "Italian Grammari in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
Publisher: Alma Edizioni
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredIT8102: Italian Cultural Landscape 1
IT8102: 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
- Acquire an understanding of cultural and societal issues relating to Italy.
- Reflect on intercultural similarities/differences between Italy and their Home/Adopted country.
- Read adapted literary/journalistic texts.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Storia e testi di letteratura italiana per stranieri" by Balboni-Cardona
Publisher: Guerra Edizioni - "Storia italiana per stranieri" by Balboni-Santipolo
Publisher: Guerra Edizioni
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredIT8101: Italian Communication Skills 1 - Part 2
IT8101: Italian Communication Skills 1 - Part 2
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize clear, standard input (oral/aural/written) on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- Produce clear and understandable standard output (oral/written) on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- Conduct meaningful communicative exchanges during most situations likely to arise when travelling in Italy.
- Manage situations requiring understanding of basic bureaucratic procedures.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
- "Italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
Publisher: Alma Edizioni
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalRPL005: Recognised Prior Learning
RPL005: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalRPL010: Recognised Prior Learning
RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Year 2 (15 Credits)
RequiredIT8103: Italian Communication Skills 2 - Part 1
IT8103: 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
- Recognize the main ideas of texts (oral/aural/written) on various matters.
- Produce clear and understandable output (oral/written) with a degree of spontaneity.
- Conduct meaningful communicative exchanges during most situations likely to arise when travelling or working in Italy.
- Express opinions, hopes and ambitions.
- Formulate explanations and plans.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Advanced Italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
Publisher: Alma Edizioni - "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredIT8105: Italian Cultural Landscape 2
IT8105: 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
- Read Italian literary/journalistic texts.
- Reflect on intercultural similarities/differences between Italy and their Home/Adopted country.
- Read adapted literary/journalistic texts.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Storia e testi di letteratura italiana per stranieri." by Balboni-Cardona
Publisher: Guerra Edizioni - "Storia italiana per stranieri" by Balboni-Santipolo
Publisher: Guerra Edizioni
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredIT8104: Italian Communication Skills 2 - Part 2
IT8104: 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
- 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.
- Produce clear and understandable output (oral/written) with a degree of spontaneity and fluency, using connectives and complex syntax.
- Conduct meaningful communicative exchanges spanning a variety of topics and situations.
- Express detailed opinions, hopes and ambitions.
- Formulate detailed explanations and plans
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (60%)
- Department-based Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Adanced italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi
Publisher: Alma Edizioni - "Italian-English Dictionary" by Collins
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalRPL005: Recognised Prior Learning
RPL005: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
OptionalRPL010: Recognised Prior Learning
RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
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 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.
Dr. Francesca Nicora
Department of Italian
Department of Italian
The course is delivered through a combination of online material & activities, videos, audios, screencasts and live online sessions with tutors. See Curriculum for more information.
Sessions will be delivered live online via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), typically 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.
Course Administrator
Italian Department, University of Galway
Tel: 091 492397
Email: italian@universityofgalway.ie
If you do not meet the standard entry criteria for this course, you may gain entry through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Applicants may also be able to earn module exemptions based on their prior learning. Find out more here.
Accreditations & Awards
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Italian beginners level (Year 1) however, you do need to have basic computer skills as it is an online course (see below). 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.
Basic computer skills:
- ability to download and upload files
- navigate websites
- use emails
- 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.
Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).
The English language requirement does not apply to this language diploma.
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.
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UG Diploma | 1 | €1,050 | €1,550 | €35 | €1,085 | €1,585 |
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 2025_26 Fees Scholarship Form.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development
Education Building, Nuns' Island, Galway
Downloads
Meet Our Alumni
Introduction
Welcome to the Diploma in Italian Online, designed for beginners and intermediate levels. You will be part of a groundbreaking experience that enables you to study a language at your own pace, from anywhere, and as part of a community of e-learners.
