Degree
State Examination
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
9
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No
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 program in detail
Contents
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.
A further component of the teaching degree program are modules in subject didactics, in which questions of language acquisition and the teaching of language, literature and culture in school lessons are approached. These areas are also interesting for work outside of school contexts, especially with regard to the promotion of intercultural skills, as is required in adult education, in commercial enterprises or in social institutions.
Italian can be studied at the KU for teaching at secondary school (Gymnasium) in combination with English and is completed with the State Examination. If desired, students of teaching degree programs can also acquire a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree as part of the ‘LehramtPlus’ model.
Structure
Semester 1 to 2
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. The first didactic course will be attended in the second semester.
Semester 3 to 4
In the following semesters, students attend courses that build on their previous knowledge; in the teaching degree courses, their knowledge is deepened in all areas. 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.
Semester 5 to 6
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.
Semester 7 to 9
The last phase of the teaching degree program serves to prepare students for the Italian State Examination on the one hand, for which they can attend preparatory exam colloquia in the individual sections. In addition, the extensive freedom to choose between practical language, literature or linguistic courses allows for additional in-depth study and placing of individual focus areas. After the ninth semester, students take the State Examination. If desired, they can then make use of the Eichstätt model ‘LehramtPlus’ to write a Master's thesis, with which students can also obtain the scientifically and internationally relevant Master's degree, which qualifies them for an extracurricular field of work as well as for an academic career.
At the KU, the subject for teaching at Gymnasium can be combined with the subject English.
Facilities
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.
Rankings and assessments
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.
Studying abroad
A semester abroad in Italy can ideally be completed in the fifth semester. 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.
During the teacher training program, there is also the possibility of spending a practical semester abroad at a school within the framework of the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD), a German educational exchange service organization. You can find more information on the PAD website (https://www.kmk-pad.org/).
Partner universities
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.
Semester abroad in Catania
"If you ever get the travel bug during your studies, the KU has numerous partner universities in Italy where you can spend a semester abroad as part of Erasmus+. I chose an island as my destination, which offers not only sun, beach and the sea, but also a history and culture rich in tradition. In short, I went to…
"If you ever get the travel bug during your studies, the KU has numerous partner universities in Italy where you can spend a semester abroad as part of Erasmus+. I chose an island as my destination, which offers not only sun, beach and the sea, but also a history and culture rich in tradition. In short, I went to Sicily, more precisely to Catania, which is located directly at the foot of Mount Etna and thus has both the highest active volcano in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea right on its doorstep. In addition, Catania also impresses with its beautiful baroque old town.
In addition to the many sightseeing opportunities, Catania also offers a vibrant student life with numerous bars and restaurants. This is also especially thanks to the volunteer student groups AEGEE and ESN, who regularly organize community activities ranging from city tours and karaoke evenings to a cooking class where you learn how to make Arancini, the famous Sicilian rice balls, yourself. Other field trips offer an ideal opportunity to explore the most beautiful places on the island together with other students from all over the world. After having spent my semester abroad there, all I can say is that Sicily is certainly not short of gorgeous places."
Practical connection
The teaching degree program also includes practical elements that are accompanied by didactic courses at the University. Some of these can be completed abroad; the International Internship Service provides information on suitable programs and scholarships.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
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 the teaching profession or 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.
Alumni testimonials
"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?”
What students say about the program
"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
Campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.
What sets the KU apart
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?
With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.
A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.
Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.
The location
![[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten](/fileadmin/22/Studiengaenge/Bilder_fuer_Studiengangwebseiten/Biergarten.jpg)
Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities.
The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.
Advisory Service
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!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No
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.
Links
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