Italian and Philosophy, MA (Hons)

Italy, one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilizations, boasts a fascinating history. Studying Italian and Philosophy—central to Western intellectual life for 2,500 years—illuminates the contemporary world and past. Our Italian courses immerse you in culture through literature, art, and cinema; no prior knowledge required. Intensive tuition, including a year abroad studying or working in Italy, builds advanced reading, writing, speaking, and translation skills. Many graduates begin as beginners, emerging with strong linguistic and intercultural competencies. Philosophy fosters clear, systematic thinking on great questions, introduces key thinkers, reveals connections across human experience, and challenges underlying beliefs. Edinburgh, a world-leading historic festival city twinned with Florence since 1964, offers unique resources like the Italian Society and Cultural Institute. This four-year honours programme features a full year abroad in Year 3, pre-honours flexibility in Years 1-2, and tailored honours in Year 4, blending specialist skills for global careers amid exceptional libraries and creative opportunities.