Master of Arts in Comparative Linguistics
Explore language diversity through historical, typological, and neurolinguistic lenses at Switzerland’s leading university.
Best for:Best for linguistics graduates or researchers seeking to specialize in comparative language analysis, neurolinguistics, or psycholinguistics with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research methods.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Comparative Linguistics at Universität Zürich equips students with advanced linguistic expertise to analyze languages from multiple perspectives—historical, typological, documentary, neurolinguistic, and psycholinguistic. Graduates develop interdisciplinary research skills, mastering quantitative and qualitative analytical methods while designing and executing comparative language studies. This programme fosters a broad comparative approach, preparing students for careers in academia, research, or language-related fields. The curriculum integrates theoretical rigor with practical application, ensuring graduates can contribute meaningfully to linguistic scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
What you'll do
- Conduct comparative linguistic research across diverse languages and linguistic traditions.
- Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical methods to linguistic data.
- Design and execute interdisciplinary research projects with a focus on language structure and function.
- Develop expertise in historical, typological, and neurolinguistic perspectives on language.
- Present research findings in academic and interdisciplinary contexts.
- Collaborate with faculty and peers to advance linguistic scholarship.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Language Studies, or a related humanities/social sciences field; proficiency in linguistic research methods is expected.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Comparative Linguistics
Language: English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent); German language skills are advantageous for academic engagement in Switzerland
Instruction: English and German
- Strong background in linguistics theory and methods
- Proficiency in at least one linguistic analysis tool or software (e.g., ELAN, R, Python for linguistic data)
- Ability to work with both qualitative and quantitative linguistic data
- Fluency in academic English and at least one additional language (preferably for fieldwork or comparative analysis)
- No nationality restrictions; open to international applicants
- Prior completion of a Bachelor’s degree in linguistics or a closely related field
- No age restrictions
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application through the official Universität Zürich portal. Required documents include a CV, academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, and proof of language proficiency. Additional materials may be requested depending on the program’s specific requirements.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
- Proof of German proficiency (if applicable)
- Reference letters (typically 2-3)
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.