University of Exeter United Kingdom

MA Middle East Politics and Arabic

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Middle East Politics and Arabic at the University of Exeter provides you with a unique opportunity to develop advanced language skills alongside a deep understanding of the region’s political landscape. This postgraduate degree is ideal for those seeking to engage critically with contemporary Middle Eastern affairs, employing area studies and political science theories. You will explore complex issues such as state-society relations, nationalism, and international politics, preparing you for impactful careers in diplomacy, international relations, or research within this vital global area.

This full-time, on-campus Masters programme is studied over two years. You will undertake intensive tuition in Modern Standard Arabic and an Arabic dialect, including a period abroad in an Arabic-speaking country to immerse yourself in the language. The curriculum balances compulsory modules like 'Theorising the Middle East' with a wide range of optional subjects, allowing you to tailor your studies. You will culminate your degree with a dissertation, honing your research and analytical abilities. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in government, NGOs, journalism, and further academic pursuits.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master's program offers a comprehensive exploration of Middle Eastern politics, complemented by rigorous Arabic language training. Students will engage with foundational theories of the Middle East and have the opportunity to specialize through a wide array of optional modules. These options delve into diverse topics such as state and society, historical periods, religious and political movements, and specific regional dynamics like the Gulf and the Kurdish question. The program also includes a dissertation component to foster independent research.

1 Compulsory modules

Arabic Language 1
Arabic Language 2
Study Abroad
Theorising the Middle East
Theorising the Middle East

2 Optional modules

State and Society in the Middle East
Iranian History, 1500 - the Present
Islam in Practice
Independent Reading Course - Sem 1
Independent Reading Course - Sem 2
Nationalisms in the Middle East
International Relations of the Middle East
The Palestine Question: Past and Present
Gender and Politics in the Middle East
Oral History: Principles and Practice
Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/Israel
Contemporary History and Politics of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula
Sociology and Anthropology of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula
Politics and Economics of the Middle East
Critical Readings in Kurdish Studies
Rethinking Palestine: Critical Readings
Theorising Islam
The Sovereign, the Good, and Society in Islamic Thought
Esotericism and the Magical Tradition
Texts and Traditions in Islamic Intellectual History
The Kurds: History and Politics

3 Year 2

Politics and Economics of the Middle East
The Palestine Question: Past and Present
Dissertation skills
Dissertation

4 Optional modules

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

39% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,535.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 55,696.00 USD 69,071.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agricultural Research & DevelopmentBanking & Financial ServicesBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesCommercial & Industrial ConstructionCorporate Training & DevelopmentCrop Production & FarmingIndustrial & Offshore ConstructionQuantity Surveying & Cost EstimationReal Estate DevelopmentSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Deloitte UK

European commission

J.P Morgan Chase Co.

University of Southampton

Why Study MA Middle East Politics and Arabic at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MA Middle East Politics and Arabic at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students in Degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. You can work full-time during breaks without a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Specific score requirements vary, so please check the detailed criteria for each test.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as Political Analysts, Language Specialists, Diplomatic Officers, or International Relations Consultants.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program combines intensive Arabic language training with modules in Middle East politics and guided research. You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad in an Arabic-speaking country.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA Middle East Politics and Arabic program starts in September. It is a two-year course designed to enhance your language skills and political knowledge.
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