Palestine Studies MA

Program Overview

The MA Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter provides specialized knowledge in Palestinian Studies, the Israel/Palestine conflict, and the wider Middle East. The program emphasizes practical solutions, research skills, and a nuanced understanding of the region's history and culture. Graduates gain expertise valued in public and private sector careers, academia, and further study in Middle East studies.

Program Outline

MA Palestine Studies - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

The MA Palestine Studies program at the University of Exeter equips students with the skills, sources, and tools necessary to study the Middle East, with a specific focus on Palestinian Studies. It is a specialized and flexible program that allows students to tailor their studies to their particular interests and conduct independent research. The European Centre for Palestine Studies provides a lively and supportive research community where students can participate in organizing events. Graduates of this program will gain valuable knowledge and expertise in Israel/Palestine and the wider Middle East, which will be valued by public and private sector employers and open doors for further academic study.

Outline:

The MA Palestine Studies program is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program.

Course Content:

The program equips students with general research skills, sources, and tools relevant to the study of the Middle East and the Muslim world. It introduces students to a broad range of key theorists whose work has underpinned scholarship in several key fields of study. Students will learn how to make self-conscious choices around their own work and promote forms of theoretically-aware and interdisciplinary work found in some of the most successful research in Arab, Islamic, and Middle East Studies.

Modules:

• 45 credits of optional modules: Students can choose from modules offered by the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (IAIS), including up to 30 credits worth of modules offered outside of the department (also at the UG level) in line with the University's modularity policy.
• Arab and Islamic Studies modules: These modules are offered by the IAIS and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Arab and Islamic world.

Assessment:

• Taught modules: Assessed by a combination of essays, presentations, and group work.
• Dissertation: A 15,000-word dissertation is submitted in September following the completion of taught modules in April.

Teaching:

• Lectures: Provide direct access to cutting-edge research being carried out by the academic team.
• Group work, class discussions, and student presentations: Encourage active learning and peer interaction.
• Critical reading skills: Students develop the ability to analyze and evaluate academic texts.
• Media utilization: Students utilize a range of media, including video, audio, newspaper articles, and academic journals.

Careers:

Graduates from this program may find professional employment in a wide range of sectors both in the UK and internationally. A comprehensive background in Islamic Studies is relevant to careers in:

• Academia and education
• International agencies such as the United Nations or the European Union
• International development
• Print and broadcast media
• Politics
• Private sector companies with interests in Islamic countries
• Business and risk analysts

Further Study:

The academic skills developed on the MA Palestine Studies will enable students to pursue doctoral study.

Other:

• Research seminars: Regular research seminars are held across the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and organized by research centers.
These seminars are given by academics from Exeter and other Universities in the UK and overseas, as well as guest speakers from the private, public, and charity sectors.
• Arab World Documentation Unit: Based in the Research Commons, this unit is a valuable research resource, housing numerous collections of academic textbooks, press cuttings, government papers and reports, periodicals, pamphlets, business yearbooks, and much more, with material in English, Arabic, and Hebrew.

2024/25 entry UK fees per year: £12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time International fees per year: £24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time