Venues

Central Campus

Content

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

During your time on the programme, 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.

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.

You will study History of Art 1, exploring the relationship between art, power and belief.

The first part of the course addresses developments in European art (including in Italy) from the rise of Christianity, through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, concluding with the religious upheavals of the early modern period.

The second part moves away from the Eurocentric focus of Western art to consider the wider world of visual culture; its diverse geographies and intercultural relations.

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.

You will study History of Art 2, which begins with the 18th century and continues to the present day. This course explores the rise of some of the art movements that often define Art History as a subject (Neo-classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Expressionism among others), as well as the challenges these style labels now pose.

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.