Careers in Italian Language

By Ethan Moser - Last update


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What is Italian?

Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary field covering the study of Italian literature, language, history, art and culture. This study is usually done through the Italian language, but can also be completed in English. Students interested in careers in Italian language will study both the use and the history of the language itself. 

What 3rd Level Courses are Available?

  • Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
    • Italian Language – the study of Italian as a second language
    • Italian Literature – the study of literature by Italian authors such as Dante, Italo Calvino, and Elena Ferrante.
    • European Studies: Italian – the study of Italian history and literature in the Italian language. 

Studying Italian in College

First year students will often combine their Italian studies with additional subjects and electives. Students will be introduced to Italian language, literature, and history in their first year, preparing them for more intensive study in the following years.

Language modules will be traditionally assessed using written, oral, and aural examination. At all levels students will be required to complete assessments in and out of class in addition to sitting for regular exams.

Most undergraduate Italian courses will run for three or four years and in certain cases universities will facilitate work experience. Many programs will also encourage study abroad programs for students to learn the language through immersion in Italian culture.

It is common with all humanities-based subjects that students are expected to complete a Capstone project. Students will research and write on a topic of their choice (in English or in Italian) with the aid of a faculty mentor, ensuring their successful completion of a rigorous curriculum and preparing them for life after university.

A bachelor’s degree is adequate for some non-research careers in Italian language. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Italian may start working as arts administrators, translators or interpreters, diplomats or secondary school teachers. Some go on to work in publishing, tourism, law and business as well.

Career Options

Graduating from college with a degree in Italian will serve you well in the job market as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill. Italian is a major European language, as such, knowledge of the language and literature opens up a world of opportunities to fluent speakers.

It is not uncommon for graduates to start off in ‘entry-level’ jobs. Many start their professional careers in international relations, tourism, translation and education.

Other careers in Italian langauge that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training and/or experience to qualify for, eg. teaching, research and diplomacy positions.

Most Italian students work abroad or for international companies helping to translate and distribute media to multi-lingual customers. Many also go on to teach Italian as a second language in primary and secondary schools.

Related Jobs Include:

  • Diplomat / Foreign Services Officer
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Translator / Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Public Relations
  • European Union & United Nations careers
  • Travel / Hospitality / Tourism
  • Technology Consultant
  • Museum Curator
  • Publishing Agent

Further Study

An undergraduate Italian degree is often the first step to go onto further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of Italian and/or undertaking work in new, sometimes interdisciplinary fields such as translation, manuscript studies, or education.

Visit postgrad.ie for more information.

FAQ

What points do I need to study Italian?

  • Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, English, Irish or another language. 

Are there any particular qualities you need to study Italian?

  • You will need to be fascinated by other languages and cultures and excited to study the world from a different perspective. You will need to possess the desire to learn to think critically through the study of literature and cinema as well as history. Finally, you will need to be detail oriented, self-disciplined, and confident.

Where can I study Italian?

  • Explore your options here.

Did You Know?

  • All three of Europe’s active volcanoes are located in Italy!
  • Italy boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites out of an y country in the world!
  • The Italian alphabet only has 21 letters – cutting out J, K, W, X, and Y!
  • More than 66 million people speak Italian worldwide!

Resources


Ethan Moser

Careers in Irish Language


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