Middle Eastern Studies

Programme

More info

Objectives

The multidisciplinary approach to a geographical area, the Middle East and North Africa, throughout history is characteristic of this programme. Using the rich collections of the University Library and other institutions the programme incorporates both the long textual tradition of Leiden University and the most up-to-date theories and approaches of history, literature, linguistics and the social sciences.

For a more detailed overview of the programme's objectives see the Course and Exam Regulations of the Programme.

The objectives regarding general academic skills can be found in the Course and Exam Regulations of the Faculty.

Programme

Structure

The master’s programme in Middle Eastern Studies consists of two semesters of 30 EC each. In the first semester students follow three courses of 10 EC each. In the second semester students take one more 10 EC course and write their MA Thesis (20 EC).

In the first semester all students take the course ‘Theories and Methods of Middle East and Islamic Studies’ (10 EC). In this course the emphasis lies on the relevance (or lack thereof) of contemporary theories, concepts and models from the social sciences for the study of the Middle East. Students are familiarised with a variety of methods to obtain and interpret information from different types of sources. In addition to this common course, students take two elective courses which cater to their interest.

In the second semester students all students take one more elective course of 10 EC specific to their interest. All students also work on their MA Thesis (20 ects) during the second semester.

Master’s thesis and requirements for graduation

In order to graduate, students must successfully complete the 60 EC programme including their MA Thesis as a component of that programme. The thesis carries 20 EC, and as a rule should not exceed a maximum of 20,000 words including notes, bibliography and appendices. The thesis is preferably supervised by a lecturer of the School of Middle Eastern Studies who possesses the appropriate expertise in the field addressed in the thesis. The department ensures that students are put in contact with a lecturer for thesis supervision, preferably at the commencement of the programme. More details on the procedures regarding the MA Thesis can be found in the Brightspace programme module.

Contact Information

Education administration offices

Phone +31 (0)71 527 2253

Visiting address (also address for courier services)

Matthias de Vrieshof 4, 2311BZ Leiden
Witte Singel 25, 2311BG Leiden

Coordinator of Studies

E.G. van Duijnen, MA

Email

Start of your Studies

Frequently asked questions about the start of the study MA Middle Eastern Studies.

• Does the department have an introductory programme?

• Directions and map

• How do I get hold of my prospectus and lecture timetable?

• Is there anything more I need to do to complete my enrolment?

• Registration for courses

• Where can I buy my study books and study material?

• Where do I go for any further information I may need?

Does the department have an introductory programme?

Yes, we will organise a compulsory on campus introductory meeting for the MA Middle Eastern Studies programme on Tuesday, September 7 at 13:00 hrs.

Directions and map

Directions on how to get from Leiden Central Station to the Faculty of Humanities.

Most rooms are situated at the Witte Singel Doelen-Complex, the location of the Faculties of Humanities.

How do I get hold of my prospectus and lecture timetable?

You can find the courses for the academic year 2021-2022 and the detailed course descriptions in the e-Prospectus. Find your programme under Middle Eastern Studies to view all courses on offer.

For information on the exam periods, (official) holidays, etc see the Academic Calendar

Is there anything more I need to do to complete my enrolment?

If the Admissions Office sent you a conditional decision upon admission, please make sure that all documents, as listed in your admission statement, are handed in before 1 September. Only if you are a graduate from Leiden University, you do not have to hand in a certified diploma or statement regarding your graduation.

Registration for courses

Once your registration with Leiden University is complete and you have received your Student Identity Number, log in name and password, you will be able to enroll online for all courses through uSis.

Where can I buy my study books and study material?

To find out what books you will need for next year, you can visit the e-Prospectus. Here you will find the course descriptions of the courses you will be taking, with the required literature.

Where do I go for any further information I may need?

General information on the programme is available at the Middle Eastern Studies (MA) website. You will have to log in the first time you visit this page. Once you have done this your cookies will enable you to enter this page further without problems.

For questions related to more general issues of registration, housing and other practicalities around your coming to Leiden and Leiden University, please, refer to the university's FAQ base.

For any other questions you may contact the Coordinator of studies, Eli van Duijnen.

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