Master's Programme in Middle Eastern Studies
The Master's Programme in Middle Eastern Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides in-depth knowledge of the Middle Eastern and North African societies, as well as area studies as an academic discipline. The program has two study paths; Arabic and Area studies.
Study path 1 (Arabic) is intended for students who have already studied Arabic, and provides additional training in the Arabic language by developing the student’s ability to process and use Arabic source material in scientific analysis.
Study path 2 (Area Studies) is intended for students who have not studied Arabic or who wish to focus on regional studies, and provides advanced studies of the societies of the Middle East and North Africa.
The program’s joint courses covers both area studies in general and studies of the Middle East and North Africa in particular, as well as scientific methodology and academic writing. The program also gives the student the opportunity of choosing a number of courses in other main fields.
Within the programme there is the possibility of doing an internship, field studies, as well as studies abroad in that the student can choose to study the elective courses in the third semester at a university in the Middle East and North Africa.
The program prepares the students for work in business, management, international organizations, research and development projects, as well as media and journalism, where an extensive knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa and/or good knowledge of the Arabic language is required. The program will also provide eligibility for studies on the PHD level.
The language of instruction is English.
The program also provides eligibility for studies at graduate level.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
Study path 1 (Arabic) is intended for students who have already studied Arabic, and provides additional training in the Arabic language by developing the student’s ability to process and use Arabic source material in scientific analysis.
Study path 2 (Area Studies) is intended for students who have not studied Arabic or who wish to focus on regional studies, and provides advanced studies of the societies of the Middle East and North Africa.
The program’s joint courses covers both area studies in general and studies of the Middle East and North Africa in particular, as well as scientific methodology and academic writing. The program also gives the student the opportunity of choosing a number of courses in other main fields.
Within the programme there is the possibility of doing an internship, field studies, as well as studies abroad in that the student can choose to study the elective courses in the third semester at a university in the Middle East and North Africa.
The program prepares the students for work in business, management, international organizations, research and development projects, as well as media and journalism, where an extensive knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa and/or good knowledge of the Arabic language is required. The program will also provide eligibility for studies on the PHD level.
The language of instruction is English.
The program also provides eligibility for studies at graduate level.
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Programme overview
Term 1
Middle East: Historical Perspectives, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)Key Issues in Middle East Studies, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)
Scientific Method and Research Ethics, 7.5 ECTS credits (external course, see course website and Dept. of Philosophy)
For study path 1 (Arabic):
Modern Arabic Fiction: Narratology and Text Analysis - Arabic, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)For study path 2 (Area studies):
Modern Arabic Fiction: Narratology and Text Analysis - Area studies, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)Term 2
Human Rights in the Middle East, Turkey and East Asia, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)Revolutions in the Middle East: Practices and Paradigms, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)
Advanced Academic English, 7.5 ECTS credits (main field English)
For study path 1 (Arabic):
Middle Eastern Studies: Textual Sources - Arabic, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)For study path 2 (Area studies):
Middle Eastern Studies: Textual Sources - Area Studies, 7.5 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)Term 3
Elective courses of in total 30 ECTS credits. Here there is a possibility of choosing Internship, 30 ECTS or 15 ECTS, and/or Field Studies, 15 ECTS. The elective courses can also be replaced with studies abroad. The choice of courses is done in consultation with the Director of studies.Term 4
For study path 1 (Arabic):
Middle Eastern Language and Cultures, Arabic – Master's Course, 30 ECTS, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)For study path 2 (Area studies):
Middle Eastern Language and Cultures, Area Studies - Master's Course, 30 ECTS credits, (main field Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures)For specific entry requirements se the relevant syllabus. The available electives are announced on www.hum.su.se/kursutbud at the latest on September 15th and March 15th respectively.
The combined total of first-cycle courses may not exceed 30 ECTS credits. -
How to apply
The selection of students is based on a cumulative assessment of the relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme, the student’s academic skills as specified in the letters of recommendations as well as an assessment of the student’s letter of motivation.
The following documentation should be submitted with the application:
- Transcript of previous academic studies
- Documented proof of English language proficiency
- A letter of motivation
- Two letters of recommendations
Motivation letter
In the letter of motivation you should explain why you would like to study the programme as well as list any skills and experiences of relevance for the programme, including language proficiency in any languages other than English (and Swedish). The letter should not exceed two pages.
Letter of recommendation
The letters of recommendations should testify to your academic skills and should thus be from faculty/academic referees only.
Transcripts of previous academic studies
In the evaluation we will only consider previous academic studies documented by official transcripts. The transcripts should clarify whether you have written a bachelor's thesis and the credits awarded for the same.
Documented proof of English language proficiency
You can demonstrate you English language proficiency by certain upper secondary (high school) studies (English 6/B for Swedish students) certain university studies, or an internationally approved English test.
For more information see: https://www.su.se/english/education/admissions/entry-requirements/english-requirement-1.446683
For more information on entrance requirements and how to document your eligibility see: https://www.su.se/english/education/admissions/entry-requirements/entry-requirements-for-master-s-programmes-1.446797
All required documents should be sent with the application to the University Admission.
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More information
Scholarships
Scholarships and other funding options for master's programmes at Stockholm University:
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Contact
Do you have questions about the Master's programme in Middle Eastern and North Africa's Languages and Cultures?
Director of Studies:
Martin Säfström
Phone: 08-16 29 43