About us

Benvenutǝ!

Italian has been studied at the University of Edinburgh since the eighteenth century.

The first lectureship in the subject was established in 1919 and, today, Italian Studies brings together a sizeable community of staff and students.

We teach, supervise and undertake research in most areas of Italian cultural studies  from the Middle Ages to the present day.

From the University's Italian Society to the Italian Cultural Institute, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian culture. The National Library of Scotland has a significant collection of Italian books and manuscripts, and there are fantastic medieval, Renaissance and modern collections in the National Galleries of Scotland, including many notable works by Italian artists.

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Take a single honours degree in either Spanish or Portuguese, combine both in a joint degree, or take either with one of a wide range of other subjects.

Explore your own area of interest and expertise in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies in a Masters by Research or PhD programme, or choose an interdisciplinary taught masters programme.

QS world rankings

QS World Rankings by Subject 2024

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages.

Globally, we’re in the World Top 10 for Modern Languages.

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics.

They are International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) approved.