Programme structure
The duration of the Master's programme is two years, and the programme consists of 120 credits:
- Compulsory courses, 40 credits
- Elective courses, 20 credits
- Thesis preparation, 30 credits
- Master's thesis, 30 credits
Recommended course of study
| 4. semester | MES4590 – Master Thesis in Middle East Studies | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. semester | |||
| 2. semester | Elective course | Elective course | MES4010 – Critical Literature Review in Middle East Studies |
| 1. semester | MES4000 – Theory, Methodology and Project Description in Middle East- and South Asia Studies | MES4110 – Readings of Middle Eastern Texts | |
| 10 credits | 10 credits | 10 credits | |
The first two semesters builds the methodological and theoretical basis for independent work on your master's thesis. You should begin to reflect on a topic for your master thesis from day one. You will be provided with a thesis supervisor at the beginning of the second semester.
First semester
Compulsory courses
- MES4000 – Theory, Methodology and Project Description in Middle East- and South Asia Studies
- MES4110 – Readings of Middle Eastern Texts
Elective courses that can be taken in addition
- EHS4020 – Introduction to Environmental Humanities
- EHS4030 – Environmental Sciences: Understanding Climate Change
Second semester
Compulsory course
Elective courses
Choose two of the following courses:
- MES4500 – Topics in Middle East Politics and Society I
- MES4520 – Topics in Middle East Politics and Society II
- REL4560 – Topics in the Study of Religion
- MES4560 – Topics in Islamic Studies II (discontinued)
- MES4210 – Topics in Arabic Studies I
- MES4230 – Topics in Persian Studies I
- MES4270 – Topics in Turkish Studies I
- KOS4050 – Religion and Politics
- KOS4020 – Conference participation and presentation
- KOS4030 – Work as a research assistant
- KOS4550 – Topics in Environmental Humanities
Elective courses may be offered on an irregular basis. You can find information about which semesters the course will be offered in the course description.
It is possible to apply for recognition of 10 credits taken in other subjects when these can be seen as relevant for the candidate’s subject area for the dissertation. This must be done in agreement with your supervisor.
Third semester - thesis preparation
Choose one of the following 30 credit options:
- AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East
- MES4020 – Fieldwork in the Middle East and
MES4610 – Voices from the Middle East: How to Communicate Research Results - Semester abroad
Fourth semester - thesis
Useful resources
- The department's website for master's students
- Previously submitted MA theses in Middle East Studies at the department
Diploma and degree
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.