French and Italian

French and Italian together represent perhaps the most culturally resonant language combination in European education, spanning two of the continent's greatest literary traditions and two of the most internationally influential cultures in history. French, spoken by hundreds of millions of people across five continents and the working language of many international institutions, carries the literary legacy of Moliere, Voltaire, Baudelaire and Proust alongside contemporary Francophone writing from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. Italian is the language of Dante, Boccaccio, Leopardi and Calvino, the tongue of opera, Renaissance art and one of the most celebrated culinary and design cultures in the world.

At the University of St Andrews, you will study this programme over four years full time, following the Scottish MA (Hons) structure, which includes a year abroad as an integral part of the degree. St Andrews develops language and communication skills in both French and Italian to a high level of proficiency, combining linguistic training with engagement with French and Francophone literature and culture on the one side and Italian literature and culture on the other. The year abroad allows you to spend time studying or working in a French-speaking or Italian-speaking country, which is essential for the development of genuine fluency.

The typical entry tariff for this programme is around 232 UCAS tariff points, reflecting the high selectivity of St Andrews.

You will read literary texts across periods and traditions in both languages, develop your critical understanding of French and Francophone and Italian culture and history, and work intensively on speaking, writing, listening and translation. The tutorial-intensive teaching at St Andrews develops your ability to construct and defend independent critical interpretations.

Graduates of French and Italian programmes work in international business, diplomacy, translation, publishing, cultural organisations, arts management, journalism and academic research. The combination is particularly valued in contexts involving European cultural institutions, luxury goods, fashion, food, and bilateral trade and investment between France and Italy. Postgraduate study in either language, European studies or translation is well supported by the St Andrews academic environment.