Course details

The MSc equips you with the knowledge and skills to carry out research related to the Arab world. From history and culture to politics and language, this course has been designed to provide rigorous, research-driven, interdisciplinary education and training in a broad range of social science research methods, as well as building the transferable skills you will need for Economic and Social Research Council recognition.

Studied over two years full-time, it is an ideal choice for high-calibre students who have not previously completed any substantive research training and who have few or no Arabic language skills. The course includes a period of language study on a placement in a Middle Eastern country, designed to develop your language skills to a level that enables you to effectively communicate in a research or employment context in the Arabic-speaking world.

As a student on this research-informed course, you will have access to the wealth of ongoing research being carried out in the School. Our researchers work at the cutting edge of their field, with areas of expertise including political philosophy and the history of political thought, comparative political science, international relations and the wider discipline of international studies, political economy and international political economy, and area studies.

We pride ourselves on turning students into independent researchers who take responsibility for their own learning. The knowledge, skills, and understanding developed on the course will prepare you to undertake research for a doctoral degree in Politics, International Relations, or International Studies, and provide a background that will help you take your first steps into professional research.