Master in Comparative Linguistics

The University of Zurich offers a Master of Arts in Comparative Linguistics. This program studies human language as a species-specific phenomenon. It explores why languages are the way they are. It investigates similarities and differences across world languages. The program focuses on general patterns that shape all languages. This includes current structure and historical developments. Comparative Linguistics differs from language-specific studies like German or Slavic Studies.

This program provides a broad comparative approach to languages. Its strengths include General Linguistics, Typology, Anthropological Linguistics, Indo-European Studies, and Neuro-/Psycholinguistics. Students will gain specialist knowledge to analyze language from historical, typological, documentary, psycholinguistic, and neurolinguistic viewpoints. They will learn advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. The program also covers interdisciplinary research presentation. Students will learn to design and conduct independent research projects in comparative language research.

The Master program Comparative Linguistics is currently offered as a Minor program (30 ECTS). A Major program (90 ECTS) will open in Fall 2025. The language of instruction is English. The program is located at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Language Evolution Science (ISLE-Institut) in Zurich-Oerlikon.

The University of Zurich is a public research university. It is located in Switzerland. The university is the largest in Switzerland. It has seven faculties. It also has over 150 institutes. More than 200 study programs are offered.

The University of Zurich is known for its diverse perspectives. It brings together different ways of thinking and academic cultures. The university is home to students and staff from over 120 countries. This creates a rich international environment for learning and research.