MA Italian and English Language
UCAS code: QR33
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Italian and English Language
As one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilisations, Italy has a fascinating and influential history.
This flexible joint honours programme gives you the opportunity to study Italian in its cultural context while exploring how the English language has changed over time.
Combining the linguistic and cultural study of languages demonstrates that you are a good communicator, a resilient problem solver, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas.
Lots of our graduates started as complete beginners in Italian, leaving with a broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers.
Italian
Study Italian with us, and you will learn the language in the context of some of the 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.
English Language
The English language has a well-recorded history of more than 1,000 years, and its changes can be traced through written materials ranging from medieval manuscripts to text messages, and more recently, through recordings of spoken English.
Your studies will develop your knowledge and understanding of:
- the principles of theoretical linguistics
- the way we learn language
- the regional and social variations of language, particularly the English language
- methods of communication
As part of the programme, you can opt to study the Scots language, which has its own rich linguistic and literary tradition.
English Language courses of particular interest to students of Italian cover:
- the speech sounds of the world's languages
- variation in the languages of the world
Why Edinburgh
From our own Italian Society to the Italian Cultural Institute, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian culture.
Italian has been taught here since 1919, and has been part of our tradition for many years, as far back as the 18th century.
Studying over four years enables you to choose courses, including from other disciplines, that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs.
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.
One of the most attractive characteristics of this four-year programme is its flexibility.
In Years 1 and 2, your pre-honours years, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines in addition to your core subjects of Italian and English Language.
As well as broadening your education and skill set, this may enable you to change the focus of your programme in Years 3 and 4, your honours years.
Year 1
Italian
You will study the foundations of the Italian language, both written and spoken.
You will also take classes in Italian:
- history
- literature
- arts
English Language
You will take two semester-long introductory courses in English Language:
- Linguistics and English Language 1A - this course offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general, and of English in particular
- Linguistics and English Language 1B - this course will help you develop the tools needed to investigate the different sub-systems of language.
Option courses
You will complete your Year 1 studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University.
You can, for example, opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest range of languages of any UK university - the majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.
Other options include, but are not limited to, courses in:
- business, economics and informatics
- politics, social policy and social anthropology
- art and architectural history
- history, classics and archaeology
- Celtic and Scottish ethnology
- linguistics and language sciences
- philosophy, divinity and law
Year 2
Italian
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.
Some of our Year 2 classes are taught in Italian to help prepare you for your Italian experience on the year abroad.
English Language
You will study linguistic theory. You will also take a course covering one of the following topics:
- the structure and history of world languages
- variation in English over time and across geographical space
Option courses
As in Year 1, you will also choose from a range of option courses offered by the University.
These option courses include a great selection in European languages and cultures that explore literature, film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.
Typical option courses include:
- Cultural Responses to War
- Migration, Exile, Diaspora
- Crime and Detection in Literature
- Gender and Culture
- The Coming-of-Age Narrative
- Introduction to European Cinema
- Dynamics of Language and Power
- Languages Beyond University
Year 3
You will spend Year 3 in Italy, deepening your knowledge of Italian by speaking it daily and immersing yourself in local cultures.
Living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.
30 weeks to live your languages
You will spend a total of 30 weeks abroad in Italy. You might be able to divide your time between two destinations, but to give you a balanced experience, you will spend at least eight weeks in each place.
How you further divide your 30 weeks is typically based on whether you study, work or combine the two.
Where can I go?
You will study or work in Italy, turning classroom learning into living engagement with Italian culture.
We have ongoing and long-standing exchange partnerships with universities across Italy, including in:
- Bologna
- Catania
- Florence
- Milan
- Pisa
- Rome
- Siena
- Verona
- Venice
If you are considering working abroad, the first step is to start thinking about where you would like to go. Visa requirements and application processes vary between countries, so it is a good idea to find out what documentation you will need and whether you are eligible to get it.
Study or work?
When you are abroad, you can typically choose to:
- study in one or two destinations
- work in one or two destinations
- study in one destination and work in another
If you choose to study, you will take classes at one or two of the universities where we have available exchange opportunities. This means that you will spend either:
- two semesters at a single institution or
- one semester at two different institutions (in different destinations)
A work placement abroad is another great way to gain an international perspective, build professional networks and prepare you for your career after university. Once you have checked if you are eligible to work abroad, and have talked through your plans with us, you might choose to do one or more placements. For example, you might find an internship or traineeship, arrange work with a private company or charity, volunteer, or gain experience as a teaching or language assistant through an organisation such as the British Council.
Whatever you decide to do, your time abroad is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. It adds an international dimension to your studies, showing future employers that you are open to new ideas and experiences.
Coursework while abroad
We will aim to ensure your experience abroad is as beneficial as possible to your final year, as well as to your wider language learning and cultural awareness.
Depending on availability, you will take courses in English Language at your host university. If this is not possible, or if you are working during your Year Abroad, you will undertake an independent research project and write a long essay, supervised by a member of staff in English Language at Edinburgh, and draw on the resources available both at home and away.
Regardless of whether you study or work abroad, you will take an e-learning course in Italian to prepare you for your Year 4 language courses. This course will count as part of your Year 3 marks, alongside any coursework arranged by your host university (if studying abroad).
Depending on your Year Abroad activities, you also begin preparing for your dissertation while abroad, guided by your dissertation supervisor.
Keeping in touch
While you are studying or working abroad for credit, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.
The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your Year Abroad. Additionally, each language has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.
Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
Wellbeing and safety
Your wellbeing and safety abroad is our first priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted, for example following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we will offer you alternative ways to engage with your subjects. We will support you to meet your learning outcomes for Italian and English Language and prepare you for your final year.
Year 4
You will take advanced Italian language classes covering:
- spoken Italian - discussing, reflecting and presenting on Italian culture, politics and society
- essay and creative writing
- Italian-to-English translation of literary and journalistic texts
In addition to your core courses, you will choose courses from a range of specialist, honours-level options on Italian culture and on various aspects of the English language and language sciences.
Building on all the knowledge and skills you have developed over four years, including in independent research, you will complete a dissertation or long essay.
Programme structure
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.
To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Our facilities
On campus
When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, in the lab, or in one of the University’s many social and support spaces.
The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space.
Take a virtual tour of the Central Area
Libraries, collections and specialist equipment
The Main University Library holds extensive resources for the study of Italian. These include:
- academic books
- journals, including the Edinburgh Journal of Gadda Studies
- databases
- films, newspapers and other media
The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:
- more than 400,000 rare books
- six kilometres of archives and manuscripts
- thousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objects
Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, computing labs and dedicated study spaces in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).
The University's specialist linguistics and phonetics equipment for language sciences ranks among the best in the world. It includes:
- recording studios
- a perception experiment laboratory
- an eye tracking laboratory
Events and activities
The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and clubs, including the Italian Society and LingSoc - the Linguistics and English Language Society.
From making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, these student-led groups offer lots of ways to explore your subjects, interests and talents socially. EUSA also promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.
If you love to write, our online creative writing magazine Babble is the place to publish your:
- prose
- poetry
- drama
- non-fiction
Babble goes out twice a year and includes work written in Italian and eight other European languages. You can get involved in the editorial committee, and launch nights typically include readings and performances.
In the city
Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city. Twinned with Florence, it is filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections.
The city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional. Many of them are located close to the University's Central Area, making them easy to access between classes. Highlights include the National Library of Scotland, which has a significant collection of Italian books and manuscripts, and the Italian Cultural Institute, with whom we work closely.
There are fantastic medieval, Renaissance and modern collections in the National Galleries of Scotland, including many notable works by Italian artists.
Most of the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town retaining many of its medieval buildings and streets.
Study abroad
You will spend Year 3 abroad (a minimum of 30 weeks) in Italy.
This is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. Our graduates have told us how much the Year Abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills.
We know that you are likely to have lots of questions about your Year Abroad. We’ve gone into lots of detail about where you can go and what you can do under ‘What you will study / Year 3’ above. You can also find out more through the University's Study and Work Away Service.
How will I learn?
University is a place to plan your own goals under expert guidance, study independently and in groups, and reflect upon your learning throughout your degree.
Our approach to learning and teaching is active, inclusive and question driven, so it may be different to your experiences at school. It will help you gain the skills for life after university, and we will guide you through the steps from one phase to the next.
Depending on the size of your year group, and which option courses you take, your classes will typically fall into three categories:
- lectures
- tutorials
- seminars
From Year 2 onwards, you will do some independent practical work for English Language.
As well as classes, to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.
We make extensive use of our audio and visual resources, and you will also be encouraged to use online materials.
Lectures
Lectures are taken by all students on a course, typically at the same time. They are delivered as interactive presentations which may involve audio-visual material.
Lectures are given by an experienced academic. They are designed to guide you through the background, questions and debates related to the topic you are studying.
Tutorials
Tutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. So, tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture.
Language tutorials give you the opportunity to develop your linguistic skills in a range of real-world tasks under the supervision of an experienced language teacher.
These classes typically cover skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking – all of which involve learning and applying grammar.
Seminars
Seminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. Again, they are designed to encourage and enable your active participation in learning.
On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in Year 4.
Support
As well as the teaching staff and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD).
The PPLS Skills Centre primarily provides support with writing essays and dissertations, but also offers appointments on programming, data collection, and statistical analysis.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.
Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block.
Coursework may take a range of forms to give you the opportunity to practice different skills. For example, you may be asked to:
- write an essay, review, blog post, opinion piece or learning journal
- respond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close reading
- give a short talk or presentation
- record a podcast or video
- design a poster or presentation
Exams will include oral exams to test your spoken language skills.
Depending on where you go and what you do on your Year Abroad, Year 3 may include being assessed, in part, by a host university.
In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation or long essay.
Skills and experience
Combining the linguistic and cultural study of languages demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas – what employers value as Intercultural Competence.
On this joint honours programme, you will develop language and linguistic skills. You will also gain a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies.
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
Our programmes are an excellent primer for a range of careers, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative.
Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, 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
- publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
- research, development and venture acceleration
- translating and interpreting
- speech and language therapy (with additional training)
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.
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 both Italian and English Language. Either of these programmes is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.
Our portfolio of taught MSc programmes typically includes:
- Comparative Literature
- Intermediality
- English Language
- Applied Linguistics
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.
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.
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.
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.
(*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.)
This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MA Italian and English Language
Additional costs
As long as international travel is possible, you will spend Year 3 in Italy. The costs you have to pay will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.
Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally refund you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved. You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas.
Funding
For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.
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- Italian and English Language (MA) QR33
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- Italian and History of Art (MA) RV33
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