Modern Languages (Italian and Spanish) and Latin

Italian, Spanish and Latin is a degree that brings together three languages with deep historical and cultural connections. Latin is the foundation of both Italian and Spanish, and studying it alongside the modern Romance languages gives you an understanding of the linguistic and literary tradition that connects them. Italian is the language of one of Europe's richest cultural heritages, from Dante, Petrarch and Machiavelli to the Renaissance arts, contemporary cinema and the modern republic.

Spanish is one of the world's most widely spoken languages, the official tongue of over twenty countries across Europe, the Americas and Africa, with a literary tradition that stretches from Cervantes to the Latin American literary boom.

At St Andrews, this four-year MA programme develops advanced proficiency in both Italian and Spanish alongside a scholarly engagement with Latin. You will study the literatures, cultures, histories, politics and films of the Italian and Spanish-speaking worlds, developing your analytical skills and your ability to engage with a range of cultural and historical texts across three linguistic traditions. A year abroad is built into the programme, giving you immersive language experience in Italy or a Spanish-speaking country that is essential for developing genuine linguistic fluency and cultural understanding.

Graduates of this combination are genuinely rare in the job market and consequently valuable. Careers in translation and interpreting, diplomacy, international law, cultural institutions, education, publishing, journalism, business and the public sector are all natural destinations, particularly where more than one of these languages is relevant. Postgraduate study in languages, area studies, translation or literature is a natural option.