Italian
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
See fees section
- Start Date(s): Week commencing 29 September 2025
- Duration: 22 weeks and oral assessment week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Learning a foreign language is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn the language itself, but also to reveal different perspectives on life, enabling you to explore new cultures through a different lens.
Languages open doors to your future. Check out How Languages Changed My Life for inspiring stories from learners across the world.
Our courses are more than just engaging classroom sessions supported by excellent online resources.
You’ll also have the option to take assessments and be awarded a Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Language Programme Certificate of Achievement.
What you’ll study
Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stage six is for advanced learners. Check out the entry requirements to determine which stage is most appropriate for you. Some languages are available across levels in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For more information, see our 'Awards' section.
To see which CEFR levels are taught at each ULP stage and find out more about CEFR, click here.
The course is suitable for real beginner learners of Italian with virtually no prior knowledge of the language.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Nuovo Espresso 1.
Course Content
During the course you will learn how to write and speak about basic personal details, basic numeracy, and your work or studies.
You will learn how to write and speak about daily routines and past holidays.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have some elementary appreciation of Italian grammar and structures and you will be able to give basic information about yourself and ask for directions.
You will be able to communicate at a basic level when you are in restaurants and in hotels.
The course is suitable for beginner learners of Italian with some knowledge of the language; it is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Italian stage 1 or equivalent, for example, GCSE at grade B or C or point 6 to 4 in Italian.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Nuovo Espresso 2.
Course Content
During the course you will learn about life in Italian-speaking countries, food, health, jobs, and how to write and speak about your childhood.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have deepened your appreciation of Italian grammar and structures at an elementary level, and you will be able to make comparisons, and talk about past events.
Italian stage 4 is the right stage for you if you have intermediate knowledge of the language i.e., AS level grade A, B, C or A level grade D or E, or CEFR level A2.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Nuovo Espresso 3.
Course Content
During the course you will study topics relating, for example, to Italian-made products, family, festivities, and the media.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to write and speak about your intentions, wishes and events in the past.
Italian stage 5 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Italian stage 4 or equivalent, e.g., A level grade A, B, or C, or CEFR level B1.
Italian Stages 5 and 6 are normally taught as a merged class.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Nuovo Espresso 4, and additional materials on current affairs and about life in Italian-speaking countries.
Course Content
During the course you will also study topics relating to your own interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able, for example, to summarize extended written and spoken texts, as well as discuss and debate complex ideas.
Certification
In stages 5 and 6, you study towards level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Entry Requirements
Italian stage 6 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Italian stage 5 or equivalent, e.g. A level Italian plus at least one further year of study (or equivalent).
Italian Stages 5 and 6 are normally taught as a merged class.
Course Book
As the course book for this stage, we currently use Nuovo Espresso 4, and additional materials on current affairs and about life in Italian-speaking countries.
Course Content
During the course you will also study topics relating to your own interests.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able, for example, to summarize extended written and spoken texts, as well as discuss and debate complex ideas.
Certification
In stages 5 and 6, you study towards level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
How you’re taught
Your language study is designed in a flexible and blended learning mode which consists of taught sessions and guided self-study.
Assessments will take place in class during University term time. To progress onto the next stage of your chosen language you must complete and pass all the assessments on the previous stage.
Contact hours
You will take part in two hours of weekly class contact time and will need to complete an additional two to four hours per week guided self-study.
Campus and facilities
From access to our libraries and sports facilities, to subsidised bike hire, careers advice, and student discounts, as a ULP student you will be a full member of the NTU student body and are entitled to a student card and use of the University facilities.
Entry requirements
- Stage 1 (no prior knowledge or qualification needed)
- Stage 2 (successful completion of Italian stage 1 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE at grade B or C or point 6 to 4)
- There is no Stage 3 for Italian.
- Stage 4 (intermediate knowledge of the language e.g. AS level grade A, B or C, or A level grade D or E, or CEFR level A2)
- Stage 5 (successful completion of Italian stage 4 or equivalent, e.g. A level Italian grade A, B or C, or CEFR level B1)
- Stage 6 (successful completion of Italian stage 5 or equivalent, e.g. A level Italian plus at least one further year of study)
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch at ulp@ntu.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The course fee is £300
* Payment is due at the time of booking.
How to apply
You apply depending on the type of student you are. If you are not sure what type of student you are please check our ULP page, or contact the ULP Administration team.
For members of the public and NTU staff:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store here.
For NTU supplementary students:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store here.
Accredited students must complete the ULP Enquiry Form.
Your class will be added to your timetable or we’ll contact you if we need any further information.
Exchange students
Exchange students who are accredited should read the information for ULP Accredited Students.
You may register and pay for a ULP module via the ULP Online Store
Any questions?
Check our FAQs or contact the ULP Administration team:
- Email: ulp@ntu.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2285