Master of Arts in History and Societies of the Islamic World
A research-oriented Master's programme exploring the history, culture, and social sciences of Islamic societies.
Best for:Best for students with a background in Islamic Studies or History seeking a research-intensive, interdisciplinary Master's degree.
Overview
The Master of Arts in History and Societies of the Islamic World at Freie Universität Berlin is a research-focused programme examining the history, politics, and cultures of Islamic societies from their origins to the present. Students engage with interdisciplinary perspectives, including postcolonial theory, gender studies, and urban studies, with a specific regional focus on West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. The curriculum emphasizes methodological training and research-based learning, encouraging students to conduct independent projects using philological, digital, or field-based approaches. Graduates are prepared for professional roles requiring deep expertise in the complexities of Islamic history and contemporary social dynamics.
What you'll do
- Engage in research-based learning through independent projects and guided field research.
- Analyze primary Arabic sources using philological and methodological techniques.
- Participate in interdisciplinary seminars covering history, religion, and social sciences.
- Develop expertise in theoretical frameworks such as postcolonialism, gender dimensions, and conceptual history.
- Complete a Master's thesis based on original research in the field.
- Utilize digital humanities tools for the systematic recording and analysis of knowledge production.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree in History and Cultures of the Middle East (or closely related subject) with at least 180 ECTS.
Degree offered: Master of Arts
Language: English C1; Arabic B1/B2.
Instruction: English
- Minimum 60 ECTS in courses relevant to the study of history and societies of the Islamic world.
- Written Arabic language skills up to B2 level (CEFR).
- Oral Arabic language skills at B1 level (CEFR).
- English language proficiency at C1 level (e.g., IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95).
- Applicants must hold a first university degree comprising at least 180 ECTS.
- Must meet specific Arabic language credit requirements or provide equivalent proof of proficiency.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Applications must be submitted via the uni-assist portal or the university's official application website. Ensure all required academic transcripts and language certificates are prepared according to the university's guidelines.
- Bachelor's degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- English language proficiency certificate
- Proof of Arabic language proficiency
Contact
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