Middle East Politics and Arabic MA

Program Overview

This two-year program offers intensive Arabic language learning alongside specialized modules in Middle East politics. It develops language proficiency, research skills, political analysis, and community engagement. Students can pursue careers in academia, international agencies, media, politics, and business or pursue further doctoral study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This two-year program combines intensive language learning with specialized modules in Middle East politics and guided research on a topic of your choice.

Objectives:

• Language Proficiency: You will receive intensive tuition in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and an Arabic dialect in Exeter, followed by a period of study abroad in an Arabic-speaking country.
• Research Skills: You will learn how to make informed choices about your research, be exposed to successful research methodologies, and develop critical reading and questioning skills.
• Political Analysis: You will investigate and contextualize major events and current affairs in the Middle East, utilizing area studies and political science theories and methods.
• Community Engagement: The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (IAIS) offers a vibrant research community and opportunities to participate in various IAIS activities.
• Career Preparation: Your knowledge of Arabic language and expertise in Middle East politics will be valued by public and private sector employers and open doors to further academic study.

Assessment:

• Taught Modules: Assessed through a combination of essays, presentations, and group work.
• Dissertation: A 10,000-word dissertation is submitted in September following the completion of taught modules in April.

Teaching:

• Lectures: Provide direct access to cutting-edge research conducted by the academic team.
• Active Learning: Students participate in group work, class discussions, and presentations, taking responsibility for their own learning and that of their peers.
• Critical Thinking: Students develop critical reading skills and learn how to ask and field incisive questions.
• Media Literacy: Students utilize a range of media, including video, audio, newspaper articles, and academic journals.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Academia and Education
• International Agencies (e.g., United Nations, European Union)
• International Development
• Print and Broadcast Media
• Politics
• Private Sector Companies with Interests in Islamic Countries
• Business and Risk Analysts
• Further Study: The program equips students with the skills necessary to pursue doctoral study.
The Institute's international profile and expertise in Islamic Studies provide an ideal environment for MPhil/PhD studies.

Other:

• Facilities: The Institute boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a computerised language lab, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, a lounge, satellite TV for viewing Middle Eastern channels, and a gallery for Middle Eastern art exhibitions.
• Research Resources: The Arab World Documentation Unit, located in the Research Commons, houses numerous collections of academic textbooks, press cuttings, government papers and reports, periodicals, pamphlets, business yearbooks, and more, with materials in English, Arabic, and Hebrew.
• Networking Opportunities: The program's location within a hub of renowned academia offers students the possibility of connections, networking opportunities, advice, and guidance from others with extensive academic and career-related experience in the field.

Tuition fees per year: £12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time International fees per year: £24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time