Italian and Politics

As one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilisations, Italy has a fascinating cultural and political history.

On this joint honours programme, you will study the Italian language in the context of Italian culture and alongside politics.

At Edinburgh, we are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of a broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.

Italian

Study Italian with us, and you will learn the language in the context of some of the most famous and influential works of Italian literature, art and cinema.

No previous knowledge of Italian is needed. Intensive language tuition includes a year spent studying or working in Italy. You will develop your ability to read, write and speak the language to a high standard with advanced translation skills.

Italian has been taught here since 1919, and has been part of our tradition for many years, as far back as the 18th century.

From our Italian Society to the Italian Cultural Institute, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian culture.

Politics

Politics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed:

• How do our political institutions create collective rules?

• Who has the power to make collective rules?

• What are the consequences of political decisions?

• What is the nature of a just society, and how do we get there?

Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources. You will not only study the processes of governance at the local, national, and international levels, but also the morality of political action, and the limits of freedom and justice.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining a lived experience of Italian culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Italian and Politics.

Programme benefits

• Learn in an historic capital city where Italian has been taught for over a century.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in a language.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.