Italian and History of Art (MA)

Introducing MA Italian and History of Art

As one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilisations, Italy is the birthplace of many influential artists and art movements.

Studying Italian and History of Art helps you understand the contemporary world, while shedding light on the past.

During your time with us, you will gain the skills to speak and write in Italian on a range of issues relating to Italy and the Italianate world, including its visual and material culture.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of 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 world's most famous and influential works of literature, art and cinema.

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

History of Art

Beyond Italy, History of Art will introduce you to art from different periods and cultures around the globe.

You will learn how, and for whom, works of art were made. You will also explore their meaning and discover the ways in which they can be interpreted.

Why Edinburgh

From the Italian Cultural Institute to the four National Galleries of Scotland, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian art, cinema and 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.

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.

Our programme is also flexible. In Years 1 and 2, as well as Italian and History of Art, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: a language other than English at B and English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: a language other than English at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: a language other than English at 5 and English at 5.

Additional requirements

Language requirement

For degrees that have a subject requirement of a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Skills and experience

Combining the study of a language with History of Art demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas – what employers value as Intercultural Competence.

Beyond the language skills you will develop, you will also gain a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies throughout history.

Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.

The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to:

• understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
• manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projects
• work independently and as part of a group

Opportunities across sectors

This joint honours programme is an ideal primer for a career in:

• publishing, culture, heritage and the arts

Your language and humanities skills will also open many other doors. As well as the cultural sector, previous graduates have gone on to work in:

• business, finance and commerce
• communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
• education, outreach, advocacy and training
• journalism, broadcasting and media
• leisure, tourism and travel
• politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
• research, development and venture acceleration
• translating and interpreting

Careers span the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors.

Local and global opportunities

With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.

Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.

If you are keen to work abroad, it’s good to know that Italy is a cultural and scientific powerhouse; an advanced economy with the ninth largest nominal GDP in the world, and the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any nation.

The country is a founding member of the European Union and a member of numerous international institutions, including the UN, NATO, and the Council of Europe.

Further study

The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.

At the University of Edinburgh, we typically offer Masters by Research degrees in:

• Italian
• History of Art
• Collections and Curating Practices

Each of these programmes is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

Our portfolio of interdisciplinary taught MSc programmes typically includes:

• Comparative Literature
• Intermediality
• History of Art, Theory and Display
• Modern and Contemporary Art

Careers advice

Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.

LLC has a dedicated Careers Consultant within the University's excellent Careers Service.

Through our careers service, you can:

• book one-to-one appointments and practice interviews
• access a range of online resources
• attend themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festival

Popular peer support includes Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from our recent graduates.

Be inspired by our alumni