Italian and English Literature

Combine language learning with literary study on this flexible joint honours programme. As one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilisations, Italy has a fascinating and influential cultural history.

This programme aims to develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills by engaging with a broad range of texts in both English and Italian, and a variety of approaches to reading.

Italian

Intensive language training, including a year in Italy, gives you the opportunity to develop advanced speaking, writing, reading and translating skills in Italian.

No previous knowledge of Italian is needed. Study 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.

English Literature

Based in the first UNESCO World City of Literature, you will study in the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world.

You will gain the essential skills needed for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose and explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present.

At honours level, you will select courses on the basis of your own interests in specific topics, periods or literary genres.

Combining literature with a language shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading festival city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a language in its cultural context and alongside literature. 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 own Italian Society to the Italian Cultural Institute, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian culture. The city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional.

Studying over four years gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence needed for a range of careers.

In Years 1 and 2, as well as your core subjects, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You will specialise as you progress through your honours years, choosing courses that further match your own interests, expertise and employability needs.

You will spend Year 3 in Italy. 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.