About the diploma

The Diploma in Italian Online at the University of Galway is a pioneering programme that brings the Italian language and culture directly to learners’ homes. Designed, established and launched in 2012 by Prof. Laura Incalcaterra McLoughlin, it was (and it still is) Ireland’s first fully online university diploma in Italian, designed to make language learning accessible to everyone — regardless of location, background, or schedule.

Since its creation, the programme has evolved into a well-established and internationally recognised course, now coordinated by Dr. Francesca Nicora, who has led it with passion and innovation since January 2023. With the transition from Blackboard to Canvas, she has played a central role in recreating the beginner-level programme from scratch, employing cutting-edge innovative tools and ensuring that the content remains dynamic, relevant, and fully aligned with the latest developments in digital pedagogy.

Thanks to her and the work of Teaching Assistants and Trainees during the years, the Diploma has continued to expand its reach and reputation, attracting learners not only from Ireland but also from countries as far as South Africa, the United States, the Cayman Islands, New Zealand and the Emirates. The programme’s global community of students is a testament to its flexibility, inclusivity, and enduring appeal.

In 2013, the Diploma received the European Language Label Award, recognising its outstanding contribution to innovation in language education. This distinction highlights the programme’s unique capacity to blend technological innovation, strong pedagogical foundations, and a deeply engaging learning experience — bringing the beauty of the Italian language to students all around the world.

Course details

The Diploma offers two levels of study — Beginners and Intermediate — each delivered over two years, part-time. The Beginners course is aimed at those with little or no previous knowledge of Italian and leads to a Level A2 proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while the Intermediate Diploma progresses students to Level B2.

The teaching approach blends flexibility with collaboration. Students can study at their own pace, from anywhere in the world, while staying connected with a vibrant community of fellow learners. Each week includes a combination of asynchronous activities — such as grammar exercises, readings, and listening tasks. Live online classes on Zoom are delivered every second week. This is the space where students attend conversation and grammar classes.

Throughout the course, learners develop all four language skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — while also gaining valuable insights into Italian culture, history, and contemporary life. Authentic materials, multimedia resources, and interactive assignments help learners experience the Italian language as it is spoken and lived today.

The Online Diploma is particularly suited to adult learners, working professionals, and anyone who wishes to gain a university qualification in Italian without needing to attend on-campus classes. A basic familiarity with computers and internet navigation is all that’s required to take part.

Today, the Diploma in Italian Online continues to embody the University of Galway’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and excellence in language education. It stands as a model for digital learning that combines academic rigour with community, creativity, and a genuine passion for Italian language and culture.