How to Say University Degree in Italian

When it comes to expressing the concept of “university degree” in Italian, there are various ways to do so depending on the level of formality and regional variations. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “university degree” in both formal and informal contexts, providing you with numerous tips and examples along the way.

Formal Ways to Say University Degree in Italian

If you are looking to express “university degree” formally in Italian, the most common terms to use are:

1. Laurea – This is the general term used for a university degree in Italy. It can refer to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
2. Laurea triennale – This term specifically refers to a three-year undergraduate degree, similar to a Bachelor’s degree.
3. Laurea magistrale – This term refers to a two-year graduate degree, similar to a Master’s degree. It is important to note that this term is not used for professional degrees such as law or medicine, which have specific titles.
4. Dottorato di ricerca – This term is used for a doctoral degree or Ph.D.

For example:

Ho conseguito una Laurea in Economia e Commercio. (I earned a degree in Economics and Business.)

Mio fratello sta per completare una Laurea magistrale in Ingegneria. (My brother is about to complete a Master’s degree in Engineering.)

Sto considerando l’opportunità di iscrivermi a un Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze Politiche. (I am considering the opportunity to enroll in a Ph.D. in Political Science.)

Informal Ways to Say University Degree in Italian

When speaking in more casual or informal contexts, Italians may use different terms to refer to a university degree. Some informal expressions include:

• Diploma universitario – In an informal setting, this term may be used to refer to a university degree in general. It is more commonly used among younger individuals.
• Laurea breve – This term is often used informally to refer to a three-year undergraduate degree.
• Laurea specialistica – Informally, this term can be used to denote a two-year graduate degree.

For example:

Ho ottenuto un Diploma universitario in Giurisprudenza. (I earned a university degree in Law.)

Mia sorella ha fatto una Laurea breve in Psicologia. (My sister completed a three-year degree in Psychology.)

Sto seguendo una Laurea specialistica in Architettura. (I am pursuing a graduate degree in Architecture.)

Regional Variations

While the terms mentioned above are commonly used throughout Italy, it is essential to note that regional variations exist. In some regions, different terms or expressions are used to refer to university degrees. For instance:

• Titolo di studio – This expression, which roughly translates to “educational qualification,” is sometimes utilized to refer to a university degree. It is more common in some northern regions of Italy.
• Laurea vecchio ordinamento – This term is used to distinguish degrees obtained following the old legislation (prior to the Bologna Process) from the degrees following the new system.

For example:

Ho conseguito un Titolo di studio in Scienze Politiche. (I earned a university degree in Political Science.)

Mio padre ha una Laurea vecchio ordinamento in Medicina. (My father has an old system university degree in Medicine.)

Tips for Talking about University Degrees in Italian

Here are some additional tips to help you talk about university degrees smoothly in Italian:

1. Remember to use the appropriate gender agreement when referring to your degree. For example, “Ho conseguito una Laurea” for females and “Ho conseguito un Diploma universitario” for males.
2. If you want to specify your field of study, remember to use “in” followed by the appropriate subject. For instance, “Una Laurea in Lettere” (A degree in Literature) or “Un Diploma universitario in Economia” (A university degree in Economics).
3. Use the verb “conseguire” (to earn) when talking about obtaining or completing a degree. For example, “Ho conseguito una Laurea in Psicologia” (I earned a degree in Psychology).
4. When discussing ongoing studies, you can use phrases such as “Sto seguendo” (I am pursuing) or “Sono iscritto/a a” (I am enrolled in) followed by the specific degree program. For instance, “Sto seguendo una Laurea magistrale” (I am pursuing a Master’s degree).
5. If you want to mention the university where you obtained your degree, use “presso” followed by the name of the university. For example, “Ho conseguito una Laurea in Economia presso l’Università di Milano” (I earned a degree in Economics at the University of Milan).

By following these tips and utilizing the appropriate terms, you will be able to confidently talk about your university degree in Italian.

Learning how to say “university degree” in Italian opens up opportunities for comfortable conversations and sharing your educational achievements in the Italian language. Whether you opt for a formal or informal expression, make sure to use the appropriate terminology in different contexts, effectively communicate your qualifications, and proudly showcase your academic journey!