Middle Eastern Studies (research) (MA)

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Why study Middle Eastern Studies (research) at Leiden University?

Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Leiden University has a reputation for a breadth and depth of expertise that is unmatched in Europe. You can explore subjects that span virtually the entire Middle East both in time and geography.

Learn more about the study programme

Flexibility to construct your own programme

This two-year research master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies allows you to freely combine subjects from seven focus areas: Turkish Studies; Arabic Studies; North African Studies; Persian Studies; Islam; and Modern Middle Eastern Studies.

You can decide to focus on a region such as the Arab world, North Africa or the Persian world, or on a discipline such as history, politics, literature or languages. A key feature is our comparative approach to learning, which includes intra-Middle Eastern comparisons, as well as comparisons of the Middle East with other regions in the world.

Admission and Application

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?

Check the entry requirements

Research on and in the Middle East

The courses in the first year of the programme develop your academic skills to an advanced level. In the second year, you will do research on a topic related to the Middle East and, where appropriate and possible, in the Middle East. You may also combine this research with attending courses at another top university, here or abroad.

Find out more about the career prospects

In which sector do students find jobs?

• 15 Education
• 15 Communication and marketing
• 15 IT
• 8 Research
• 8 Government and semi-government
• 8 Culture, sport and recreation
• 8 Welfare and health
• 8 Consultancy
• 8 Business services
• 7 Financial institutions

The graph above is based on alumni data from the Research Master Middle Eastern Studies 2016-2020.

Middle Eastern Studies (research) degree

Middle Eastern Studies (research) at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a research master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).