Master's Degree

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Zurich is the biggest faculty of humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, and psychology in Switzerland. Its course offering consists of carefully designed programs with a wide range of possible combinations. Master’s programs equip you with the ability to do independent scholarly research on the basis of in-depth academic training or training to extend your interdisciplinary skills. A Master’s degree is a requirement if you want to study for a doctorate.

A Master’s study program at the Faculty of Arts is worth 120 ECTS credits. You can earn these credits in a major (90 ECTS credits) plus a minor (30 ECTS credits) study program, or in a single major study program (120 ECTS credits). This corresponds to four semesters of full-time study (regular duration of study).

Some combinations of major and minor study programs are not permitted if they consist of programs at Bachelor’s and Master’s level covering similar subject matter. You’ll find details of combinations that are not permitted in the annex to the relevant program regulation.

The title you earn on successful completion of a Master’s study program depends on your major or single major program:

• Master of Arts UZH, MA UZH (for a major or single major in humanities or cultural studies)
• Master of Arts UZH in Social Sciences, MA UZH (for a major or single major in social sciences)
• Master of Science UZH in Psychology, MSc UZH (for a major or single major in psychology)

Joint Master’s Degree Program in «Comparative and International Studies»

The Master’s degree program offered jointly with ETH Zurich looks into key questions of political order and government against the backdrop of international integration. You will find more information on the ETH Zurich website.

Joint Master’s Degree Program in «Teaching Natural Sciences»

The Master’s Degree Program in Teaching Natural Sciences offered jointly with ETH Zurich and the Zurich University of Teacher Education opens up a wealth of perspectives for teaching natural sciences, with the emphasis on nature and technology, biology, chemistry, and physics. You will find more information on the Zurich University of Teacher Education website.

Joint Master’s Degree Program in «Teaching Classroom German»

The Master’s Degree Program in Teaching Classroom German offered jointly with ETH Zurich and the Zurich University of Teacher Education opens up a wealth of perspectives in relation to German as a school subject and developing language skills in other school subjects. You willfind more information on the Zurich University of Teacher Education website.

Joint Master’s Degree Program in «Teaching Media and IT»

The program in Teaching Media and IT offered jointly with the Schwyz University of Teacher Education, the Lucerne University of Teacher Education (PHLU) and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts equips you with the latest knowledge on teaching, learning, and researching communications- and IT-related phenomena. The joint master’s degree program in Teaching Media and IT closes a significant gap in the higher education landscape. You will find more information on the Schwyz University of Teacher Education website.

Consecutive Master’s study programs

Consecutive Master's study programs follow on from one or more Bachelor’s study programs. They assume certain prior knowledge and skills.

Specialized Master’s study programs

In some cases admission to specialized Master's study programs is subject to additional requirements over and above the academic requirements, for example an entrance examination or a minimum grade at Bachelor’s level.

Complementary minor study programs

Complementary minor study programs are are not subject to admission requirements or academic requirements. They are non-consecutive, non-specialized study programs designed to supplement major study programs with additional discipline-specific or cross-disciplinary content.

Concentration

Single-major or major study programs may provide for selectable concentrations, with generalist concentrations or concentrations focused on specific subject areas available. The chosen concentration will be shown on the diploma.

Student Services can answer your questions about Master's admission and your studies at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

TheAdmissions Office accepts your general questions regarding the application to Master's degree programs.

Ordinance on Admission to Studies at the University of Zurich (VZS)

Program Regulation for the Study Programs at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (PDF, 168 KB)