Middle Eastern Studies (M.A.)
The Master’s degree program in Middle Eastern Studies offers you a unique opportunity to explore the cultural, religious, political and economic developments in the Middle East. Discover the global interrelations between these societies, for example the impact of transregional migration. Intercultural and transnational perspectives allow you to gain an in-depth knowledge of various disciplines such as Middle Eastern philology, Islamic studies, cultural geography, political science, economics, law and the cultural history of Christianity in the Middle East.
Fact Sheet
- Degree
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Admission
- Qualification assessment
- Duration of studies
- 4 semesters
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Faculty
- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology, Faculty of Business, Economics, and Law
- Start of degree program
- Summer semester, Winter semester
- Number of students
- 1-50
Program overview
What is the degree program about?
The Master’s degree program in Middle Eastern Studies deals with the cultural, religious, political and economic development of societies in the Middle East and examines the intercultural and transnational aspects of their global interrelations, with a focus on the consequences of immigration from Middle Eastern countries to Europe. It covers elements of Middle Eastern philology, Islamic studies, cultural geography, political science, economics, law and the cultural history of Christianity in the Middle East. Students can create their own individual study profile by choosing a specialization from Middle Eastern studies.
It is also possible to select Oriental and Islamic studies courses offered by Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg. Furthermore, international teaching and research partnerships give students have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad.
1st to 3rd semester
- Compulsory module: Area and region
- Elective module: Transregional topics and methods I and II
- Two modules in the chosen specialization
- Three elective modules (you may choose one from the entire range of FAU courses, subject to prior consultation)
- You may choose a placement as an elective module
- Bayerisches Orientkolloquium (Bavarian oriental studies colloquium)
3rd semester
- The third semester is the best semester for studying abroad
- Research colloquium
4th semester
- Research colloquium (in addition to Master’s thesis)
- Master’s thesis in the chosen specialization
The following specializations can be chosen during degree program that lasts a total of four semesters:
- Language and literature
- Religion and Law (Islam)
- Eastern Christianity
- Political Science
- Cultural Geography
- Business Studies
Applicants with a good degree (final grade of 2.5 or better) in Oriental/Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Economics or Geography are eligible. Applications from graduates of other subjects are assessed by an admissions committee. Furthermore, you must submit proof of proficiency in Arabic (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; corresponds to approximately 40 ECTS credits) at the time of enrollment.
The Master of Arts (MA) is an internationally recognized academic degree and a professional qualification. It qualifies students for doctoral degree programs in Germany and abroad and for academic work in research and teaching.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Middle Eastern Studies opens opportunities for graduates in careers requiring specific language and cultural skills and skills in cultural analysis:
- Policy and business consultancy
- Development partnership projects
- International organizations
- Migration and integration policy
- Cultural activities and publishing
- Political education
Application for a Degree Program
Admission Requirements and Application
Admission
- Master: Qualification assessment
Application deadline
- Winter semester: 15.07.
- Summer semester: 15.01.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants: DSH 2 (written 2 / oral 1) or equivalent
Content related master requirements
Applicants with a good degree (final grade of 2.5 or better) in Oriental/Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Economics or Geography are eligible. Applications from graduates of other subjects are assessed by an admission committee. Furthermore, you must submit proof of proficiency in Arabic (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; corresponds to approximately 40 ECTS credits) at the time of enrollment.
