Master's Degree Program in Near & Middle Eastern Studies
Explore the historical, cultural, social, and political dynamics of the Near and Middle East at the University of Basel.
Best for:Best for students with a background in humanities or social sciences interested in the history, politics, and cultures of the Near and Middle East.
Overview
The Master’s Degree Program in Near & Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Basel examines historical, cultural, social, and political topics across the eastern Mediterranean from Sarajevo to Cairo. The curriculum emphasizes the early modern period from 1500 to the present day, with a strong focus on Southeast Europe, Turkey, and the Arab world. Students utilize modern Arabic and Turkish philology as foundations for historical and sociological analyses of Islamic culture and religion. The program is offered through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and prepares candidates for diverse careers in research, diplomacy, cultural exchange, and international organizations.
What you'll do
- Participate in advanced seminars, lectures, and coursework focusing on Near and Middle Eastern history and society
- Engage with primary texts in modern Arabic and/or Turkish as part of language and philological training
- Conduct independent historical and sociological research on topics related to the eastern Mediterranean
- Draft and successfully defend a Master's thesis based on original academic inquiry
- Collaborate with faculty members and peers in academic discussions and interdisciplinary workshops
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
Degree offered: Master of Arts
Language: German, English, Arabic, and Turkish proficiency as required by coursework and philological modules
Instruction: German, English, Arabic, Turkish
- Foundational knowledge in humanities or social sciences
- Interest in historical, cultural, and political developments in the Near and Middle East
- Capacity for critical text analysis and historical research
- Willingness to engage with complex multilingual source material
- Fulfil general University of Basel Master's admission criteria
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
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- Duration
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: April 30 / November 30
Prospective students must submit their application through the official University of Basel admissions portal before the specified semester deadlines. Ensure all required academic transcripts and proof of language proficiencies are uploaded correctly according to faculty instructions.
- CV
- Bachelor's degree transcripts
- Proof of identity
- Language proficiency documentation
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.