MSc in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A one-year full-time MSc that develops advanced research and writing skills on themes relevant to the Middle East through qualitative and quantitative methods training, language classes and a dissertation. It offers a language track for students with intermediate to advanced Arabic and a non-language track for students with full research fluency in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish.

Faculty: Asian and Middle Eastern Studies | Department: Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Oxford School of Global and Area Studies | Duration: 12 months full-time | Intake: 3 October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Qualitative research methods in the first term and quantitative methods in the second, two (language track) or three (non-language track) option papers such as History of the Middle East 1860-1970 or Mass Media in the Middle East, intensive Arabic classes on the language track, and a 12,000-word dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates may pursue careers in academia, government, business, journalism and the NGO sector, and the degree prepares students for doctoral study through qualitative and quantitative research training.

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 3.6/4.0; most successful applicants have higher). No GRE/GMAT. Language track: intermediate or advanced reading and writing proficiency in Arabic. Non-language track: full research fluency in at least one of Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish, as a literate native speaker or through a degree in the language; non-native applicants without such a degree must explain why they qualify and may submit writing samples using untranslated sources. Application includes three referees (at least two academic), transcripts, a statement of purpose (maximum 1,500 words) and two written essays (maximum 2,000 words each). Interviews may be held to assess language skills where proficiency cannot be confirmed from the application. 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 26,280 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

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

Intake: 3 October 2027

Duration: 12 months full-time

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