Italian and Politics MA (Hons)

At Edinburgh, learning Italian and Politics is so much more than lectures and essays — it’s about living the subjects you study. From your very first year, you’ll develop practical skills that go far beyond the classroom, using professional-level resources, language labs, and political research tools. And by the time you graduate, you’ll have real-world experience that sets you apart — especially thanks to the year you’ll spend living and studying in Italy.

Here’s what makes the hands-on learning experience stand out:

Live and learn in Italy – Your third year is all about immersion. You’ll spend around 30 weeks in Italy, studying at a partner university or gaining work experience. It’s your chance to use the language every day, discover Italian culture first-hand, and see politics through a global lens.

Real-world assignments abroad – Even while overseas, you’ll stay connected to Edinburgh through online learning and supervised projects, including in-depth political essays and Italian language tasks.

State-of-the-art language labs and digital tools – Your Italian will improve fast thanks to modern language labs, audio-visual resources, and interactive translation tools built into your coursework.

Small-group learning and interactive classes – Teaching goes far beyond lectures, with seminars, tutorials, and lively discussion groups that help you think critically and communicate confidently.

Creative and varied assessments – From oral language exams and political essays to blogs, podcasts, and dissertation projects, you’ll build a diverse skill set that employers value.

World-class libraries and research collections – Access rare manuscripts, historical archives, and extensive political and cultural resources to support your studies and research.

Support from two leading schools – You’ll benefit from the combined expertise of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and the School of Social and Political Science, giving you a truly interdisciplinary experience.

Vibrant student societies and networks – Join the Italian Society, debate with the Edinburgh Political Union, and connect with peers who share your interests beyond the classroom.

This unique mix of academic study, cultural immersion, and hands-on practice means you’ll graduate with the confidence, skills, and experience to thrive in an international career.

A degree in Italian and Politics from Edinburgh opens doors to an exciting range of global careers. You’ll graduate with not only advanced language skills but also a deep understanding of political systems, cultures, and international relations — a combination that’s highly valued by employers around the world. Our graduates go on to shape policy, represent their countries abroad, and build meaningful international connections. Typical roles include diplomat or foreign service officer, policy analyst, international development consultant, and communications or cultural affairs specialist.

Here’s how Edinburgh helps you get there:

•  Personalised career support from day one – The University’s award-winning Careers Service offers tailored one-to-one advice, CV feedback, mock interviews, and job search guidance. You’ll also benefit from dedicated careers events and employer networking sessions through the School of Social and Political Science.

•  Strong graduate outcomes – Around 80% of students from similar programmes are in work or further study within 15 months, with typical salaries starting around £32,000 and rising significantly with experience.

•  Powerful industry and institutional connections – You’ll gain access to opportunities with government departments, NGOs, EU bodies, cultural organisations, and think tanks in the UK and across Europe. Regular alumni panels, such as Life After LLC, connect you with graduates now working in diplomacy, international organisations, and cultural sectors.

•  Global reputation that sets you apart – Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 10 UK universities for graduate employability, and employers recognise the interdisciplinary value of a degree that blends language fluency with political insight.

• Diverse career destinations – Graduates find roles in government and public service, media, NGOs, international development, publishing, translation, and global business — often working in multilingual and multicultural environments.

Further Academic Progression:
Your degree also lays a strong foundation for postgraduate study. Many graduates choose to specialise further with a Master’s in Italian Studies, International Relations, European Politics, or Comparative Literature. Others pursue research degrees (MRes or PhD) to deepen their expertise and move into academia, policy research, or cultural leadership roles.