Course summary
As one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilisations, Italy has a fascinating cultural and political history. On this joint honours programme, you will study the Italian language in the context of Italian culture and alongside politics. At Edinburgh, 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. When you graduate, you will have the combination of a broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide. Italian Study Italian with us, and you will learn the language in the context of some of the most famous and influential works of Italian literature, art and cinema. No previous knowledge of Italian is needed. Intensive language tuition includes a year spent studying or working in Italy. You will develop your ability to read, write and speak the language to a high standard with advanced translation skills. Italian has been taught here since 1919, and has been part of our tradition for many years, as far back as the 18th century. From our Italian Society to the Italian Cultural Institute, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian culture. Politics Politics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed:
- How do our political institutions create collective rules?
- Who has the power to make collective rules?
- What are the consequences of political decisions?
- What is the nature of a just society, and how do we get there?
- Learn in an historic capital city where Italian has been taught for over a century.
- Study over four years, including one abroad.
- Become fluent in a language.
- Try out different subjects in your first two years.
- Join societies related to what you are studying.
- Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.
How to apply
This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- LR23
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Scottish Higher - ABBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
This degree programme has a subject requirement of a language other than English. You may not use your own native language to meet this requirement. English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/155-italian-and-politics
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Scottish Higher - ABBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course
https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/155-italian-and-politics
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 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) | 92 | total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. |
You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: SQA National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. We also accept other qualifications from around the world. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:
https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £29600 | Year 1 |
| International | £29600 | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. Please note the 2026-27 fee rate is yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed. The fee for 2025 entry was £9,535.
For 2026 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Provider information
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL