Venues

Central Campus

Content

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

Studying Italian and History helps us understand the contemporary world, and also sheds light on the past.

As a world-leading festival and capital city, and home of two World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a modern language in its cultural context and alongside History.

Year 1:
You will study both the foundations of written and spoken Italian as well as study broader courses on Italian history, literature and arts.

For History, you will take survey courses. These courses emphasise processes and patterns within broad chronological and geographical frameworks, and introduce you to fundamental historical skills.

Year 2:
You will continue to study the Italian language. You will expand your knowledge of vocabulary, syntax and grammar, and develop an awareness of different registers and styles. You will also explore Italian literature, history and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day.

As in Year 1, History courses are broad surveys designed to prepare you for more specialised study in Years 3 and 4.

You will choose one of several courses that cover various periods and themes in American, European, British, Scottish and global history, extending your range geographically and chronologically.

Year 3:
You will spend Year 3 in Italy, deepening your knowledge of Italian by speaking it daily and immersing yourself in local cultures.

Year 4:
Your final year will combine advanced language courses with a choice of other courses focusing on modern Italian history and literature and Medieval literature.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (first sitting) or 4 or 5 Highers at AABB/ABBBB (two sittings) plus English at National 5 at C and a language other than English at B.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (two sittings) plus English at National 5 at C and a language other than English at B. Highers at BBB must be achieved in one sitting S4-S6.