Italian and English Language

Italian and English language is a combination that brings together two of Europe's great linguistic and cultural traditions. Italian is the language of Dante, Galileo, and Verdi, but it is also a living modern language spoken by over sixty million people, the key to one of Europe's most influential cultures in art, architecture, music, fashion, and food. English language study at university level goes well beyond literature, examining the structure, history, and varieties of the language itself, including grammar, phonology, sociolinguistics, and the ways English has spread and changed across the globe.

Studying them together develops an unusually rich understanding of how language works in both its historical and contemporary dimensions.

At the University of Edinburgh, one of the UK's great research universities and a centre of excellence in linguistics and language study, this four-year full-time programme reflects the depth of both disciplines. The Scottish Honours tradition means the first two years give you broad grounding before you specialise in the later years, and Edinburgh's exceptional academic environment ensures engagement with both Italian and English language at the highest level. The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the competitive and academically demanding nature of the programme.

You will develop proficiency in Italian to a high level, read Italian literature and cultural texts, and also engage with the formal and empirical study of English as a linguistic system.

Graduates of this combination pursue careers in translation and interpreting, publishing, journalism, teaching, the civil service, cultural institutions, and international business. Italian is particularly valued in sectors connected to Italy's major industries, including fashion, design, automotive, food and beverage, and tourism. The linguistic and analytical skills developed through this combination are also valued across any profession that requires clear thinking and precise communication.

Postgraduate study in linguistics, Italian studies, translation, or language teaching is a natural next step for those who want to deepen their expertise or pursue a research career.