Italian and History of Art

Italian and history of art is a combination of particular depth and coherence, because the visual arts and architecture of Italy represent one of the most important bodies of artistic achievement in the Western tradition, and the Italian language opens direct access to texts, documents, and cultural contexts that no translation can fully convey. History of art asks how and why visual objects, from paintings and sculptures to buildings and works of applied design, come to look the way they do, and what they meant to those who made and encountered them. Italian language and literature study develops the linguistic and cultural competence to engage with Italian history, thought, and creativity from the inside.

At the University of Edinburgh this four-year full-time programme develops your Italian to a high level of linguistic and communicative proficiency while also building deep knowledge of the visual and material culture of Italy and the wider artistic traditions it exemplifies. You will develop 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. The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the academic standard expected of students joining this combined programme at Edinburgh.

You will develop high-level language competence, visual and art-historical analytical skills, research ability, and the cultural literacy to engage confidently with Italy's extraordinary artistic and literary heritage.

Graduates pursue careers in museums and galleries, heritage organisations, arts administration, journalism, publishing, translation, teaching, auction houses, and international cultural organisations. Postgraduate study in Italian studies, art history, or museum studies is a natural continuation for those wanting to deepen their expertise or pursue academic research.