نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Introduction to the Master's Degree Program in Near and Middle Eastern Studies

The Master's Degree Program in Near & Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Basel deals with historical, cultural, social, and political topics concerning the eastern Mediterranean area. This program focuses on developments from the early modern period to the present day, with a key feature being the inclusion of Southeast Europe, the present-day Republic of Turkey, and the Eastern Arab world.

Focal Areas of Teaching and Research

The program's focal areas include the political and intellectual history of the Middle East in the 19th and 20th centuries, primary political and ideological currents such as nationalism, Islamism, and confessionalism, and the rise of modern nation-states in the Middle East and Southeast Europe. Modern cultural and social studies of the region, as well as current politics and international relations in the Middle East, are also integral parts of the program.

Study Structure

The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points. Students choose a second, independent subject, with both subjects studied for 35 credit points each. The subject in which the master's thesis (30 credit points) is written becomes a major, the other a minor. Additionally, there are free electives (20 credit points).

Subject Combination

Near & Middle Eastern Studies allows for many beneficial combinations with other subjects in terms of content, methodology, and future career opportunities in the Near and Middle East. Students may choose a subject from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or an extra-faculty subject as their second Master's degree subject.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is German and English.

Master's Admission Requirements

Admission to master's programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor's degree worth 180 credit points from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel.

Career Opportunities

The Master's Degree Program in Near & Middle Eastern Studies qualifies students for work in science, research, and teaching, or prepares them for subsequent doctoral studies or a career as a Middle East expert in political or journalistic institutions. The extensive linguistic, historical, and cultural knowledge provided by the program opens up excellent employment opportunities in numerous non-university areas.

Research Areas

The department is involved in numerous collaborations at the University of Basel, such as the "Cultural Topographies." It has close ties with the departments of Eastern European Studies, Religious Studies, and Political Science, as well as the Faculty of Theology. An example of the research agenda is the topic "Islam in Southeast Europe," which attracts increased attention due to the accession of Southeast European countries with Muslim populations to the European Union.

Degree Profile

• Degree: MA in Near & Middle Eastern Studies
• Type: Degree subject
• Start date: February, September
• Credit points: 120
• Study structure: The Master's degree comprises 120 credit points, with 35 credit points for each of the two subjects, 30 credit points for the master's thesis, and 20 credit points for free electives.

Master's Thesis and Examinations

The master's thesis is a critical component of the program, with specific deadlines for submission and defense. Master's examinations are also scheduled regularly, with application deadlines and examination sessions announced in advance.

Further Studies and Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master's Degree Program in Near & Middle Eastern Studies have excellent prospects for careers in intercultural cooperation, integration/migration, aid agencies, international organizations, diplomatic service, journalism, civil service, business, banking, museums, publishing, libraries, archives, documentaries, or translation/interpreting.