Master of Arts in Modern Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Explore the social, cultural, and political dynamics of Asia and the Middle East through interdisciplinary research and comparative analysis.
Best for:Best for students with a strong interest in comparative area studies, cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary research in Asian and Middle Eastern societies.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Universität Zürich offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying modernization, globalization, and postcolonial transformations in Asia and the Middle East. Students engage with cultural and social science methods, theoretical frameworks, and historical perspectives to analyze regional differences and commonalities. The curriculum emphasizes understanding colonial legacies, structural parameters of modernization, and contemporary debates. Graduates develop expertise in comparative historical analysis and research methodologies, preparing them for careers in academia, policy, or international organizations.
What you'll do
- Engage with interdisciplinary methods from cultural and social sciences to analyze regional dynamics in Asia and the Middle East.
- Develop foundational knowledge of colonial and postcolonial transformations across the regions.
- Conduct comparative historical and theoretical research on modernization processes.
- Connect theoretical debates to concrete research questions in the field.
- Participate in seminars and discussions on contemporary and historical issues in the regions.
- Develop research skills and methodologies for independent academic inquiry.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Humanities, Social Sciences, or related disciplines (e.g., History, Anthropology, Political Science, or Area Studies).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Modern Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Language: English proficiency; German language skills are advantageous for academic life in Switzerland but not mandatory for the programme.
Instruction: English and German (depending on course selection)
- Proficiency in academic research and critical analysis.
- Ability to work with theoretical frameworks in cultural and social sciences.
- Strong writing and communication skills in English.
- Basic familiarity with historical and comparative research methods.
- No specific nationality restrictions; open to international applicants.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience requirements.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Applicants must submit their application through the official Universität Zürich portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency (if applicable), and a research proposal or writing sample. Additional documents may be requested depending on the programme requirements.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-taught programme)
- Research proposal or writing sample
- Passport-sized photograph
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