At the heart of Italian Studies is the scientific study of the Italian language, literature and culture. You will acquire methodical and analytical skills that will enable you to speak and write about the Italian language and Italian texts and media in a reflective manner. Historical, political and social contexts are always taken into account, making you an expert on Italy – a country that not only has an exceptionally rich cultural tradition but is also an important economic partner for Germany.
The subject can be studied as a major or minor subject in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree program in the Aisthesis. cultural and media studies variant or in the flexible variant in the amount of up to 120 ECTS credits. It is possible to combine the subject with one or more other subjects and/or the Studium Individuale.
In the part of the program devoted to literary and cultural studies, you will become familiar with Italian literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present, including the works of authors from Dante Alighieri to Roberto Savino; but also with Italian-language literature from other cultures. In the linguistic part of the program, you will systematically deal with the structure and history of the Italian language. You can already choose your individual specializations from the second semester onwards. In addition, the examination regulations valid throughout Bavaria guarantee that students can take the State Examination, which is uniform throughout the entire federal state.
An essential component of the program is the deepening and broadening of your own Italian proficiency. You will choose from a wide range of practical language and cultural courses conducted by Italian native speakers. A special feature of the program at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt is the possibility to study Italian Studies even without previous language skills. You can acquire corresponding language proficiency during the first semester by attending specially offered intensive courses.
In the first semester, students attend introductory courses in the three sub-disciplines – Italian Literature or Cultural Studies, Linguistics and Language Practice – which impart basic methodological skills and basic knowledge. In the following semesters, these basic knowledge and skills will be further deepened and expanded in courses that build on them. Students in the flexible profile of the Interdisciplinary BA can, if they are interested, focus on Italian Literature and Cultural Studies or Linguistics from the second semester onwards.
In the following semesters, students will attend in-depth courses, whereby either all areas can be continued or the focus can be expanded to include Italian Linguistics or Literary Studies in the Interdisciplinary BA. In this way, all students in the second year of study acquire the ability to carry out independent scientific work and thus already learn the basics for finding topics and writing the Bachelor's thesis in the third year of study.
In the fifth semester, students have the possibility to study abroad in Italy: The KU has a wide network of partner universities to choose from. During this phase of the program, especially in the final semester, the focus is on writing the Bachelor's thesis. The research topic chosen for this purpose is presented and discussed by the students in a scientific colloquium, which they usually attend in the sixth semester.
For optimal acquisition and consolidation of foreign language skills, the KU Language Center has set up a multimedia center for students. Regular guest lectures, guided visits to cultural events and organized field trips to Italy offer additional opportunities to broaden your linguistic and philological horizons while studying.
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
A semester abroad in Italy can be completed in the fifth semester. During the semester abroad, you can choose courses from your field of specialization freely. In addition, you will gain rich cultural and interpersonal experiences that can be very valuable for your future life and professional career. The KU Eichstätt has a vast network of partner universities worldwide.
In addition, you can spend a self-organized semester abroad at other universities in Italy.
We maintain Erasmus partnerships with the following universities in Italy:
Bari Università degli Studi di Bari
Bologna Università di Bologna
Bolzano Libera Università di Bolzano – Freie Universität Bozen
Catania Università degli Studi di Catania
Lecce Università del Salento
Milano Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Modena / Reggio Emilia Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Roma Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta
Università degli Studi di Roma ‘La Sapienza’
Torino Università degli Studi di Torino
Udine Università degli Studi di Udine
Urbino Università degli Studi di Urbino „Carlo Bo“
Further information on the application process and organization of an ERASMUS semester can be found on the website of the International Office of the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.
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"There were two main reasons why I decided to spend a semester abroad in Italy. The first was that I wanted to improve my Italian language skills through the constant use of the language in everyday life, and secondly, I wanted to gain an authentic impression of life in Italy and to get to know the country better.…
"There were two main reasons why I decided to spend a semester abroad in Italy. The first was that I wanted to improve my Italian language skills through the constant use of the language in everyday life, and secondly, I wanted to gain an authentic impression of life in Italy and to get to know the country better. Looking back, I can say that both goals were definitely achieved – I was able to speak a lot with native speakers and make lasting friendships, and I was also able to visit many Italian cities, in addition to Modena itself. I was able to easily reach Bologna, Parma, Ravenna, Rimini and Milan by train. Other journeys, such as to Naples, were also easily doable. It is also worth mentioning the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) Modena, a group of (former) students who organized various events: Excursions to different cities and regions, a typical Modenese dinner, visits to soccer matches, an Italian conversation course, going to the cinema, etc.
Overall, I would study a semester at the Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia again anytime because during my time in Modena I was not only able to improve my Italian skills, but I also experienced and learned a lot about the country, which has even deepened my interest in my field of study further."
The Interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree program provides for a four-week required internship, which brings students into contact with possible professional fields at an early stage. Students also have the possibility to complete their internship abroad; for individual advice and support in finding an internship and financing possibilities, the KU Career Service and the International Internship Service are happy to help.
In the course of your studies, you will acquire a differentiated knowledge of the Italian language and literature as well as practical skills in spoken and written Italian. In addition, you will develop a critical and structured way of thinking in dealing with texts as well as the ability to dialog with Italian-speaking cultural spheres in the globalized world.
After completing your program in Italian Studies, you will have access to a broad range of professional fields. In addition to an academic career, your acquired knowledge will also qualify you for work in the media and journalism. Possible fields of activity include political organizations, press and public relations, cultural institutions, the library and publishing industry, language teaching and adult education.
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"Italiano, français, español, português ...
From Italian literature and French regional studies to Spanish language history and Portuguese language practice – a journey through different places and times right in the heart of Bavaria. That was my everyday study life, or rather: my study adventure!
Romance studies…
"Italiano, français, español, português ...
From Italian literature and French regional studies to Spanish language history and Portuguese language practice – a journey through different places and times right in the heart of Bavaria. That was my everyday study life, or rather: my study adventure!
Romance studies enabled me to immerse myself more and more in languages and their cultures. What at first seemed like a collection of many small islands gradually merged into a large world of countless and hidden connections. That's why I liked the linguistic-cultural roots and bridges between them best during my studies. Of course, every single Romance language also has its own treasure, which I was able to discover together with like-minded people in many lectures and seminars.
Because this overarching common interest brought the special flair: I found a new social and mental home in Eichstätt and the University family. Here, you know each other and meet friends everywhere immediately. Fellow students quickly became friends and, thanks to the excellent staff-to-student ratio and close relationship with professors, they became valuable supporters and advisors who were close at hand and who were eager to take wishes into account when offering courses and to actively support us students.
Eichstätt and a Romance language?
Mi piace! J'aime! ¡Me gusta! Gosto!
What about you?”
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"Anyone who likes to study in a beautiful small town will make the right choice with Eichstätt. However, Eichstätt not only convinces as a study location in general, but also in view of the course offer. Here, we would in particular like to mention the ‘LehramtPlus’ program, which allows students to obtain a State…
"Anyone who likes to study in a beautiful small town will make the right choice with Eichstätt. However, Eichstätt not only convinces as a study location in general, but also in view of the course offer. Here, we would in particular like to mention the ‘LehramtPlus’ program, which allows students to obtain a State Examination and a Bachelor's degree at the same time.
The friendly and informal atmosphere in the courses and the excellent staff-to-student ratio guarantee flexibility and targeted support. The lecturers, who are of course native speakers for the practical language courses, are always available for questions by e-mail or in person during their office hours.
The lecturers are also very committed outside of the regular course offerings and organize theater visits and field trips on a regular basis. These often take place across disciplines. In this way, students also work closely with students of other Romance languages.
This exchange also takes place outside of the courses in regular events organized by the Romance Studies department – be it the annual summer ball that is organized in cooperation with the Latin department, or regular Crêpe-making evenings in a relaxed atmosphere.
Should you ever get the travel bug despite the beautiful studies in Eichstätt, the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt offers numerous opportunities for a stay abroad throughout Italy within the framework of the Erasmus+ program.”
The KU has two campuses: Eichstätt and Ingolstadt. Seven faculties are located in Eichstätt. The Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) and MIDS (Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science) are located on our Ingolstadt campus.
This degree program is taught on our Eichstätt campus.
The district of Eichstätt and the city of Ingolstadt are located in the heart of Bavaria. This central location also means that the KU is easy to reach. Eichstätt impresses with its unique combination of baroque architecture, modern amenities and the picturesque nature of the Altmühltal natural park.
Short distances and lavish green spaces characterize the KU campus in Eichstätt. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town.
Studying at the KU not only provides you with the specialist knowledge you need, but also aims to open up real future prospects for its students. We want to support our students in finding their own personal path to their individual dream future! The question is not "What career do I want to pursue?", but rather "Who do I want to be?"
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.