What will I study?

This interdisciplinary Master’s Programme aims to develop in students deep social-scientific knowledge about the Middle East of today. It trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region.The social-scientific focus of the programme means that students will learn how to apply various theories and research methodologies to study the societies, politics, and contemporary history of countries in the region and their populations both at home and in the diaspora. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugeeship, legal, political, social, and economic conditions, as well as cultural and gender constructs.

The programme uses a comprehensive definition of the Middle East and North Africa region to include some of the members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories, and Turkey.

The programme offers a combination of compulsory and elective courses. It emphasises the students’ development through supervision as well as in contacts with the research network to which the programme offers links. The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.

What happens after the programme?

After completing the Master of Arts Programme in Politics and Society in the Contemporary Middle East, you will acquire a Master of Arts Degree in Middle Eastern Studies (120 credits). The programme provides a basis for third-cycle (PhD) studies as well as professional careers in areas such as diplomacy, aid and development work, work linked to migration, integration and societal development, as well as educational and journalistic work with a connection to the Middle Eastern and diasporic contexts.

For further information about the programme, please refer to our website http://graduateschool.sam.lu.se or send us an email: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se

How to apply?

To be eligible for this programme you most hold the equivalent of a Swedish Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in a Social Sciences discipline or in History, Economic History, Economic Development, Area Studies, or equivalent.

A good command of English language both spoken and written, equivalent to English B/6 (advanced) proficiency in the Swedish secondary system, is required. Equivalence assessments will be made according to national guidelines.

We ask you to include a Statement of Purpose in your application.

Please see our website for detailed instructions on how to apply: http://graduateschool.sam.lu.se/how-to-apply