As one of Europe's most creative and diverse civilisations, Italy has a fascinating and influential history.Studying Italian and History helps us understand the contemporary world, and also sheds light on the past.As a world-leading festival and capital city, and home of two World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a modern language in its cultural context and alongside History.On our flexible joint honours programme, you have the opportunity to:* develop advanced spoken and written language skills in Italian* explore some of Italy's most famous works of literature, art and cinema* study different historical periods and themesCombined with taking options from other disciplines in Years 1 and 2, this will give you the ideal mix of a broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers around the globe.Additionally, 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.**Italian**No previous knowledge of Italian is needed. Intensive language tuition, including a year spent studying or working in Italy, 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 the University's tradition for many years, as far back as the 18th century.From our own Italian Society to the Italian Cultural Institute, you will find many places in Edinburgh to develop your interest in Italian culture.**History**Our History teaching is distinctive for the range of historical themes, chronological periods and geographical areas we offer. You can choose from courses covering:* the early Middle Ages to the most recent past* Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the AmericasFurther, our courses offer a rich variety of approaches to the past, including:* political history* cultural history* social history* economic history* intellectual history* gender history* global and transnational history**How long it takes to complete this degree programme**This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining a lived experience of Italian culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Italian and History.**Programme benefits*** 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.