About the Linguistics Monomaster

The MA in Linguistics stands out as a distinctive monomaster program encompassing 120 ECTS. At its core lies a singular methodological training that equips students with contemporary expertise in gathering, processing, and analyzing digital linguistic data. Going beyond conventional MA programs, this initiative uniquely blends the exploration of individual languages with targeted thematic studies not commonly offered elsewhere.

With a selection of nine focus areas, the program provides a tailored and enriching academic journey. Alternatively, students have the flexibility to pursue the program without committing to a dedicated focus area, allowing for a more versatile and individualized learning experience.

Please find more information in the Studies section.

Opting for a focus area entails selecting the majority of modules from that particular area. However, students retain the freedom to choose 18 ECTS from other focus areas if they desire a more diversified curriculum. For those choosing the focus area without specialization, coursework will span at least three different module groups. The specific combination of module groups is left to the discretion of the student.

Detailed requirements for each focus area can be found by clicking on the respective area in the table below.

The Specialized MA Linguistics program is designed for research-oriented students with a diverse fascination for various linguistic domains. While offering the opportunity to specialize in one of the 10 focus areas, it equally allows ample room for exploration in other areas.

With a minimum requirement of only 21 ECTS in linguistics, the program is accessible to students without a Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, providing an inclusive pathway for those with varied academic backgrounds. The Specialized MA Linguistics is available entirely in English (subject to the chosen focus area), making it explicitly tailored to both Swiss and international students.

Regardless of their chosen focus area, all students will acquire essential skills in collecting linguistic data, along with the ability to preprocess and statistically analyze this data. This foundational knowledge equips students to address fundamental research inquiries across diverse linguistic domains. Additionally, all students will gain proficiency in processing both textual and speech data for language technological applications, complemented by the acquisition of fundamental programming skills in Python and R.

These foundational skills serve as a springboard for further development within the chosen focus areas, where students can deepen and refine their expertise.

Please note that those modules are very technical and require solid high school mathematics knowledge. Check the specific requirements for the Quantitative Methods module here. 

Our program combines methodological expertise, language-specific modules, and thematic coursework, providing an excellent foundation for a Ph.D. in Linguistics or Computational Linguistics. Beyond academia, these skills open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in industry and the private sector. 
For students interested in the intersection of language and technology, the Digital Linguistics track offers specialized training in computational methods, preparing graduates for roles in AI, natural language processing, and language technology.

Additionally, the program allows students to qualify for ateaching diploma  (Lehrdiplom) in at least one school language, expanding career prospects in education and reinforcing the adaptability of linguistic expertise.

This is a brief overview, please see the Prerequisites & How to apply sub-section for more detailed information.

• A minimum of 21 ECTS from the field of linguistics
• Very good knowledge of English (C1) on an academic level (listening, reading, speaking), including academic writing skills in English
• Motivation letter in German or English and an independently written paper
• At the request of the study program directorate:
  • other evidence of qualifications relevant to the study program (e.g. seminar papers translated into English)
  • an oral admission interview

Applicants without appropriate knowledge may be subject to certain conditions. The decision on admission to the study program is made by the study program directorate.

Prof. Marianne Hundt presents the Specialized MA Linguistics at the UZH MasterDays 2023 (Studieninformationstage 2023).