MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A two-year full-time MPhil combining intensive training in a Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish) with research methods training and thematic study of the region across the social sciences and humanities. It accepts complete beginners in these languages and supports research-level proficiency, with a strong emphasis on tutorial essay writing and a thesis.

What you will study

Qualitative Research Methods for Modern Middle Eastern Studies, intensive language training across all six terms, three option courses taught by tutorial (for example Politics of the Middle East, History of the Middle East 1860-1970 or Modern Islamic Thought) and a 30,000-word thesis, with a summer language course in the region encouraged after the first year.

Career pathways

Graduates have found employment in business, finance, law, the civil service, journalism, government and industry, and many have pursued further research and careers in academia, education and museums.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate degree with honours in any social science or humanities subject, or equivalent (US applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0). No GRE/GMAT. Evidence of the ability to learn a foreign language from scratch is desirable. Applicants with research-level proficiency in a course language must take a different language. Application includes three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, a statement of purpose (maximum 1,500 words) and two written essays (maximum 2,000 words each). Interviews are not normally held. English (higher level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on 5 January 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 25,300 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee Source

Intake: 3 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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