Conference interpreting

  • Master
  • Translation and Interpreting

The Master in Conference Interpreting aims to train future conference interpreters in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. This specialised programme also covers everything that budding interpreters need to know about parliamentary procedure, international organisations and interpreting theory.  

Like elite sports players, students train in small groups. They are supported throughout the process by their trainers, conference interpreters themselves, whether it is in the FTI’s interpreting booths, or during inactive booth and observation visits to international organisations or supra‑national bodies. The department’s cutting‑edge communication technologies and top‑of‑the‑range equipment perfectly prepare our future interpreters for the demands of the profession.

Students choose from a range of languages, selected with the requirements of the profession in mind.

With this tailored programme, students benefit from the first‑hand knowledge of experienced interpreters to ensure that when they graduate, they enter the market with their best foot forward.

Programme length

1.5 years (3 semesters)

Languages of instruction
French, English

and the languages in the student's chosen combination.

3 semesters (max. 5 semesters) | 90 ECTS credits

Thematic courses (80 credits)

  • Parliamentary procedures and conference terminology and knowledge about international organisations,
  • Interpreting theory
  • Consecutive interpreting
  • Simultaneous interpreting
  • Real-life observation and practice
  • Aspects of the profession

Master's thesis (10 credits)

LANGUAGE COMBINATION
Applicants must choose 2, 3 or 4 languages for their combination, based on the languages offered at the FTI: German, Arabic, Spanish, French, Italian, English, Portuguese and Russian. Your language combination must include your mother tongue or language of education, as well as one other active language, or 2 or 3 other languages, which can be active or passive. A language combination should be designated as active or passive based on your proficiency in each language and must include English.

Bachelor in Multilingual Communication from the FTI or bachelor’s from another university in the same branch of study, or a bachelor or another degree deemed to be equivalent in another branch of study. In addition, students must pass an entrance exam and have an excellent command of the languages in their chosen combination.

Successful admission exam (remote exam).

Deadline: 12 October 2025

www.unige.ch/enrolment

The training received at FTI opens up a number of opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Upon the completion of their studies, students of the interpreting stream may find work in-house or as freelance interpreters in a large number of areas and professions, such as international organisations, NGOs, publishing, translation agencies, administration, documentation centres, research institutes, banking, insurance, courts, the media and teaching, etc.
Interpreters are often required to travel.

FACULTY OF TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING
Uni Mail
40 bd du Pont-d'Arve
1211 Genève 4

STUDENT AFFAIRS
Marie-Laure Cudet
T. +41 (0)22 379 87 08
admission-fti(at)unige.ch

ACADEMIC ADVISORS
Bachelor, mobilité, doctorat
Olivier Demissy-Cazeilles
T. +41 (0)22 379 95 66
Olivier.Demissy(at)unige.ch

Masters
Nicole Stoll
T. +41 (0)22 379 87 07
Nicole.Stoll(at)unige.ch