The study program lasts 3 years for a total of 180 credits (CFM).
The goal of this program is to enable students to develop skills and competencies that are distinct and superior to the average. It’s not just about knowing the grammar, vocabulary, and business language of a language, but about translating, interpreting, and explaining even very complex concepts without losing the extralinguistic aspects like irony, body language, and cultural specificity. In just a few years, those who dedicate themselves and commit to the course, applying the study methods recommended by the faculty without holding back, graduate on time and are able to enter the job market without difficulty.
Objectives
Multilingualism is a key that opens the doors of the world. Speaking multiple languages not only allows you to communicate with people from different cultures, but also offers a new perspective on life: a polyglot thinks differently, observes the world with new eyes, and lives experiences in a unique way!
The way we see it, superior linguistic knowledge and skills mixed with technical knowledge and expertise in various sectors can transform a student into an exceptional student: a citizen of the world, ready to seize opportunities and make a difference.
What is the key to your future? What knowledge and skills can you acquire at SSML Pisa?
- Very advanced level (C1) of knowledge in two foreign languages
- Intermediate linguistic knowledge of a third foreign language as well
- Full mastery of technical/scientific methods and content in different languages
- Excellent oral and written linguistic-technical skills in multiple languages
- Specific and technical training in multiple business areas
- Knowledge of the art and techniques of public speaking
- Development of lateral thinking, time management, and other soft skills
How do we work to help you acquire these superpowers?
The Course, organized in this way, allows for the training of special and specialized profiles who, through solid linguistic skills and technical knowledge, are ready to seize the opportunities of an increasingly fluid and international society and job market.
Translation
We teach you the techniques of written linguistic mediation for texts in the socio-economic, legal, tourism, and medical-scientific fields with a practical approach;
Interpreting
We teach you the techniques of oral linguistic mediation with hours of practice and workshops for consecutive interpreting, liaison interpreting (or: negotiation interpreting), chuchotage (whispered interpreting), and introduction to simultaneous interpreting in the business and institutional sectors;
Employment
We prepare you for the corporate world with a focus on economic-legal disciplines, in the English language, and specific subjects depending on the chosen field of study;
Internship
We organize the curricular training internship with you in Italy or abroad; the internship will introduce you to the world of work with the challenge of making you apply knowledge and skills in the field.
Our superpowers: SSML di Pisa in numbers
A portion of the teaching is in the language
The 1 teacher for every 5 students ratio allows the students to be assisted and guided in the best possible way
A percentage of the students complete their degree within the expected timeframe
Partner universities where you can study with the Erasmus+ program
A portion of the students who apply access the Erasmus+ program
Partner companies in 22 countries where you can do an Internship
Languages Taught
Optional Languages Taught in All Concentrations
Mother-tongue teachers from 15 different countries
Internship
At SSML Pisa, we believe it is essential to complete an internship during the three-year degree program. The institution actively supports this choice by providing the Career Service office to identify, together with the student, the training experience that best aligns with their skills and personal inclinations, both in national and international contexts.
Discover why to do an internship, the affiliated companies, listen to the students’ experiences, and read what companies think of our students!
Career Opportunities – The Role of the Linguistic Mediator
SSML di Pisa Graduates and the World of Work
The graduates of the SSML (Higher School for Linguistic Mediators) of Pisa have a very high knowledge of languages (C1 level), thanks to the specific practical and technical study method taught by native-speaking teachers and professionals, and to the study of languages applied to different professional sectors
Once a high linguistic level is acquired, the career opportunities are numerous because the application of languages to the world of work is transversal (or: cross-sectoral)
Here are some areas:
How to choose the right University
Linguistic Mediation Degree (L12) and Languages Degree (L11) compared:
Choosing a course of study is an important decision, and it is normal to feel undecided and doubtful at times. It is even more so today, because young people have an endless array of options available to them, a world of possibilities that, while stimulating, can make the choice more difficult.
If your certainty is the desire to study languages, perhaps you’re asking yourself whether to study Linguistic Mediation or Foreign Languages and Literatures. We have created a diagram (or: chart) that guides you in understanding the main differences. Read and choose
L11 Foreign Languages and Literature
Over the three years, it involves the study of two foreign languages and, specifically, Italian and foreign literature, linguistics and/or didactics, as well as Italian literature.
L-12 Linguistic Mediation at the SSML of Pisa
We study 3 foreign languages. The SSML of Pisa has built a study plan that works on concepts by moving from practice, preparing the student to apply all knowledge to the different sectors of the working world: from marketing and communication to fashion, luxury, and export management, to eco-sustainable tourism, from international relations to audiovisual translation.
To understand these differences at a glance, it is sufficient to look at the comparison table between a curriculum of our SSML and that of a University of Languages.
L11 Foreign Languages and Literature
Exams in the philological-literary field
117
Language exams
54
Non-linguistic exams in the business, legal, and technical fields
3
Internship
0
Thesis
6
L-12 Linguistic Mediation at the SSML of Pisa
Exams in the philological-literary field
12
Language exams
126
Non-linguistic exams in the business, legal, and technical fields
30
Internship
4
Thesis
8
If you are an SSML Pisa student and not a Languages and Literature one:
- You come prepared, followed, and instructed to translate written and oral content of various kinds, useful in the business field;
- You will be able to distinguish yourself in the art of conference interpreting (consecutive and simultaneous), translating and interpreting specialized speeches in the first and second language.
- you will be immersed in a concrete and practical application of language knowledge, from the translation of written texts to the interpretation of a speech delivered orally during, for example, a conference
- You will achieve a total of 126 ECTS credits out of 180 related to language exams, compared to 54 for the L11.
- Your Thesis (or: final paper) will be a reflection of the work of the three years: concrete, useful, and in the language [of study].
