ITALIAN A LEVEL ACADEMY
Your online learning provider for Modern Languages
The September 2025 A Level Italian course is now open for pre-registration.
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Our online Italian academy provides immersive distance learning courses that enable students to take the language at A Level even if this is a subject that their school or college does not offer.
Your Italian A Level can be taken as a timetabled subject alongside their other lessons, or studied independently as a home learning option.
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With a blend of live lessons and on-demand learning content, our A Level course in Italian provides the opportunity to learn with a tutor alongside like-minded peers, with course fees starting from just 24 GBP/week.
Native Speakers
If you already speak Italian to a native or near-native level, you can join a part-time distance learning programme to achieve your A Level qualification with full support from your tutor.
A fast track option is also available to complete the A Level at your own pace.
A Level Students
Study Italian alongside your A Level subjects with a flexible schedule and the opportunity to join live lessons.
You can take your Italian A Level exams at school or college, or via one of our partner centres in the UK and worldwide.
Adult Learners
Challenge yourself to push your language skills to the next level with a structured, immersive home study course.
Join live lessons or study for your Italian A Level on demand, with regular tutor check-ins and support.
Italian A Level Syllabus
The A Level course in Italian provides a challenging and structured framework for advanced learning.
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Native speakers may wish to focus on skills such as essay writing, literary analysis and exam technique, whilst non-native learners can progress through a structured framework of modules to cover advanced Italian vocabulary and grammar before preparing for exams.
Other skills taught throughout the Italian A Level course include translation into and out of Italian, writing summaries and transcripts, conducting independent research and developing and justifying points of view through theme-based discussion.
TEMA 1: I cambiamenti della società italiana
L’evoluzione della famiglia italiana
The evolution of the Italian family
​The first module of the A Level Italian course examines how Italian attitudes towards relationships and family structures have changed and evolved. To what extent is there tolerance for blended families and divorce? Is there still an expectation to marry young and have children?
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Throughout this module, students also look at the so-called mammoni, young Italians who remain in the family home until well into adulthood, and the positive and negative aspects of this living arrangement.
L'istruzione
Education
According to a 2025 report, almost 200,000 recent graduates left Italy in 2024 for employment abroad. The most popular destinations were Germany, Spain and the UK. At the same time, more immigrants were granted Italian citizenship.
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What is behind this so-called “fuga dei cervelli” (“brain drain”)? What are the challenges that Italy’s education system faces in 2025 and beyond?
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In this module, Italian A Level students look at the structure of the education system, taking into account regional differences within Italy, to better understand what the picture looks like for young people in Italy’s schools and universities.
Il mondo del lavoro
The world of work
To what extent is there gender equality in the Italian workplace? Does job security still exist?
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Persistent pay gaps, the “glass ceiling” and limited career opportunities for women are some of the indicators discussed in these sub-units, as well as regional differences affecting different age groups.
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Students also look at the importance of family-run businesses and the rise of new forms of employment, such as flexible, remote and freelance jobs.
TEMA 2: La cultura politica ed artistica nei Paesi di lingua italiana
La musica
Music
This module is a favourite among many students taking the A Level course in Italian.
Students explore the ways in which Italian music has found a global audience and discuss how it has been shaped by influences from other cultures, choosing a favourite artist on which to base a case study.
Students also examine the popularity and impact of music festivals and live tours by some of Italy’s favourite artists, from Jova Beach Party (eco-friendly or destructive?) to the annual Festival di Sanremo.
I media
The media
Online platforms and social media shape not only the way in which news and information are consumed, but also how they are shared and how widely they reach.
Traditional printed media coexist alongside online news sources in modern-day Italy. Freedom of expression is protected, but can journalism ever be truly objective?
Il patrimonio culturale
Cultural heritage
Throughout this module, students research and discuss festivals, traditions, regional identities and local customs.
There is the opportunity to focus on a region of the student’s choice and to interview guest speakers from cultural associations.
The problems of migration in Italy
There are also tensions that have arisen as a result of migration in Italy. Social exclusion and economic hardship can cause ongoing problems for migrants themselves and the communities in which they live.
How do efforts to promote integration work in Italy’s regional communities? Which approaches are the most successful?
TEMA 3: L’Italia: una società in evoluzione
L’impatto positivo dell’immigrazione in Italia
The positive impact of immigration in Italy
Students look at case studies for the contribution of immigrants to Italy’s society and culture.
One aspect of this contribution is the role of migrants on an economic level, particularly in the world of work and entrepreneurship.
This module within the A Level Italian course also examines how migrants have contributed to the food culture of Italy and how this is seen in different regions, from the North African spices used in Sicilian street food to Asian fusion in Milan’s urban centre.
I problemi della migrazione in Italia
Il divario Nord/Sud
The North/South divide
The economic and cultural differences between the North and South of Italy are often characterised in simple terms, with the North being seen as more industrialised and prosperous, attracting internal migration and investment.
Students taking Italian at A Level research the North/South divide through factors such as employment rates, crime rates, economic outcomes and mobility between regions.
TEMA 4: Dal fascismo ai giorni nostri
L’ascesa di Mussolini al potere
Mussolini's rise to power
Mussolini’s promises of order, national pride and national revival are considered to be key factors in his rise to power.
Once appointed as Prime Minister, Mussolini dismantled democracy, establishing a dictatorship that controlled all aspects of life and suppressed opposition.
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This module within the Italian A Level course covers a range of authentic language sources in spoken and written form.
Il Fascismo durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale
Fascism during the Second World War
During World War II, Mussolini’s Fascist regime imposed strict controls on Italian society. The government used propaganda to promote its ideals and justify its alliance with Nazi Germany.
Students consider how resistance movements emerged during this time of hardship and repression, and what the long-term effects of this time period have been.
Dalla dittatura alla democrazia
From dictatorship to democracy
The final module in the A Level Italian course explores the fall of Mussolini and Italy’s transition from dictatorship to democracy.
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As with all of the units in this course, there is a focus on original language sources. Students are encouraged to take a critical and analytical approach, to ask questions and to share and justify points of view.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which syllabus/examination boards do you teach?
Our Italian A Level course is based on the Pearson Edexcel A Level syllabus.
The Italian A Level papers cover all four key language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.​​
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Where can I take my Italian A Level exams?
There is a network of partner centres around the UK where you can sit your exams if you do not already have this option at your school or college. Students enter directly with their chosen centres.
Examination entries are generally made by the first week of February for the summer exam series in the same year.
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What are the course start dates for A Level Italian?
The next available course start date is 9th September 2025.
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When do Italian A Level exams take place?
Exam dates vary each year, but generally the Italian A Level speaking tests are conducted in April/May and the two written papers are taken in early to mid-June. You will need to enter by February to take your exams in the same year. Occasionally, late entries are possible; please contact us to enquire about availability.
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Do you offer Italian A Level courses for native speakers?
There is a specialised programme for native speakers to complete their Italian A Level in one academic year.
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What are the benefits of choosing an A Level in Italian?
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The A Level is the most prestigious academic qualification for school leavers in the UK. Students usually take this qualification at the end of year 12 (age 18).
A Levels, or their equivalent, are a requirement for entry to British universities. They are graded from A* (highest) though to E (lowest). Generally, only around 19% of students achieve the top grade.
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The number of students opting for A Levels in Modern Languages is declining year-on-year. Taking a modern language enables a student to follow their own academic interests and showcase a range of transferable study skills. It also sets a student apart from their peers and opens up a world of career possibilities.
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Taking an Italian A Level course online is a cost-effective and fast-track alternative to studying for the qualification at school or college.
Examination fees are set by the relevant awarding body and our students receive a 10% discount at our partner centres. You can also opt to take your exams at your own school or college.
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What are the entry requirements to enrol?
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As well as students in the UK, we work with international students and independent learners, so it's not a problem if you don't already have British qualifications.
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We welcome students who have already learned Italian to GCSE level or higher (A2 - B1 - B2+, CEFR). If necessary, we can arrange an initial assessment to establish your current level.
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Why take Italian A Level online?
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An online A Level in Italian offers you access to fast-track online courses, including full tutor support, live lectures and one-to-one tuition to ensure you reach your potential.
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Through our online academy, you can access the very best learning experience with all the resources and tuition that would normally be provided in the classroom, and learn at your own pace with no limitations.
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Can I switch to Italian A Level mid-year?
Switching courses mid-year can be as daunting as starting from scratch, so our Italian A Level online course is designed to be as forgiving as possible.
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You can join the Italian A Level course to supplement your college studies, or take the whole qualification with us directly. An accelerated programme is available for those looking to switch mid-year, with full tutor support to make the process seamless and easy.
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How can I register my interest?
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A limited number of places is available to join our courses each year. Please contact us to arrange an initial consultation.
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