MA International Relations and Arabic

Overview

This two-year programme combines language learning with specialist modules in international relations of the Middle East and guided research on a topic of your choice. You will receive intensive tuition in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and an Arabic dialect in Exeter and spend a period abroad studying in an Arabic-speaking country. You will investigate and contextualise major events and current affairs with a particular focus on international relations in the Middle East through a variety of specialist modules.

Entry Requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a social sciences or humanities discipline. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

• Accepted social science subjects include:
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Area and Development Studies
  • Criminology
  • Demography
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Economic and Social History
  • Education
  • Environmental Planning
  • Human Geography
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management and Business Studies
  • Media and Communication Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Psychology
  • Science and Technology Studies
  • Social Policy
  • Social Statistics, Methods, and Computing
  • Social Work
  • Socio Legal Studies
  • Sociology

Course Content

The MA in International Relations and Arabic will equip you with the general research skills, sources and tools relevant to the study of the Middle East, North Africa and the Muslim world in general, and introduce you to a broad range of key theorists whose work has underpinned scholarship in several key fields of study.

Year 1

• 105 credits of compulsory modules, 65 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits
ARAM232	Theorising the Middle East	15
ARAM240	Arabic Language 1	30
ARAM241	Arabic Language 2	30
ARAM254	Study Abroad	15

Optional Modules

• Option modules can be viewed via the URL below
• Code| Module | Credits
  • IAIS PGT 25.26
  • ARAM054 | State and Society in the Middle East | 30
  • ARAM055 | Iranian History, 1500 - the Present | 15
  • ARAM102 | Islam in Practice | 30
  • ARAM112A | Independent Reading Course - Sem 1 | 15
  • ARAM112B | Independent Reading Course - Sem 2 | 15
  • ARAM131 | Nationalisms in the Middle East | 15
  • ARAM186A | International Relations of the Middle East | 15
  • ARAM221 | The Palestine Question: Past and Present | 30
  • ARAM225 | Gender and Politics in the Middle East | 30
  • ARAM227 | Oral History: Principles and Practice | 30
  • ARAM230 | Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/Israel | 15
  • ARAM235 | Contemporary History and Politics of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula | 30
  • ARAM236 | Sociology and Anthropology of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula | 15
  • ARAM244 | Politics and Economics of the Middle East | 30
  • ARAM246 | Critical Readings in Kurdish Studies | 15
  • ARAM247 | Rethinking Palestine: Critical Readings | 15
  • ARAM249 | Theorising Islam | 15
  • ARAM250 | The Sovereign, the Good, and Society in Islamic Thought | 15
  • ARAM251 | Esotericism and the Magical Tradition | 30
  • ARAM248 | Texts and Traditions in Islamic Intellectual History | 15
  • ARAM147 | The Kurds: History and Politics | 30

Year 2

• 105 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits
POLM651	State and Society in the Middle East	30
POLM082	International Relations of the Middle East	30
ARAM233	Dissertation skills	15
ARAM245	Dissertation	30

Optional Modules

• Option modules can be viewed via the URL below
• Code| Module | Credits
  • IAIS PGT 25.26
  • ARAM054 | State and Society in the Middle East | 30
  • ARAM055 | Iranian History, 1500 - the Present | 15
  • ARAM102 | Islam in Practice | 30
  • ARAM112A | Independent Reading Course - Sem 1 | 15
  • ARAM112B | Independent Reading Course - Sem 2 | 15
  • ARAM131 | Nationalisms in the Middle East | 15
  • ARAM186A | International Relations of the Middle East | 15
  • ARAM221 | The Palestine Question: Past and Present | 30
  • ARAM225 | Gender and Politics in the Middle East | 30
  • ARAM227 | Oral History: Principles and Practice | 30
  • ARAM230 | Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/Israel | 15
  • ARAM235 | Contemporary History and Politics of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula | 30
  • ARAM236 | Sociology and Anthropology of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula | 15
  • ARAM244 | Politics and Economics of the Middle East | 30
  • ARAM246 | Critical Readings in Kurdish Studies | 15
  • ARAM247 | Rethinking Palestine: Critical Readings | 15
  • ARAM249 | Theorising Islam | 15
  • ARAM250 | The Sovereign, the Good, and Society in Islamic Thought | 15
  • ARAM251 | Esotericism and the Magical Tradition | 30
  • ARAM248 | Texts and Traditions in Islamic Intellectual History | 15
  • ARAM147 | The Kurds: History and Politics | 30

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

• £12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

• £25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

Teaching and Research

Teaching

• Lectures will give you direct access to the cutting-edge research being carried out by our academic team
• Take responsibility for your own learning and that of your peers by participating in group work, class discussions and student presentations
• Fine tune your critical reading skills and learn how to ask and field incisive questions
• Utilise a range of media from video and audio to articles from newspapers and academic journals

Assessment

The taught modules on this programme are assessed by a combination of essays, presentations and group work. Following completion of these in April, you will then be assessed by a 10,000-word dissertation for submission in September.

Research

As a Masters student you can attend regular research seminars held across the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and organised by our research centres. These 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.

Facilities

The Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a computerised language lab, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, lounge, satellite TV for viewing Middle Eastern channels and a gallery for Middle Eastern art exhibitions.

The Arab World Documentation Unit based in the Research Commons 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.

Careers

Graduates from this programme may find professional employment in a wide range of sectors both in the UK and internationally. A comprehensive background in Middle East politics, international relations and Arabic language 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 International Relations and Arabic will enable to you to pursue doctoral study. The Institute has an international profile for our pioneering regional focus on the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula and expertise in Islamic Studies providing an ideal place in which to undertake an MPhil/PhD.

Employment and Professional Development

Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available.

In addition, the location of this programme within a hub of renowned academia will offer you the possibility of connections, networking opportunities, advice and guidance from others with extensive academic and career-related experience in this field.

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.