Arab World Studies

MSc
2 years full-time
Durham City
T6K109
Course details
The MSc in Arab World Studies is intended to provide rigorous, research-driven, interdisciplinary, Masters-level education and training. It is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that seeks to combine critical and practical reasoning so as to attain the following aims:
- The course is designed to establish a cadre of exceptional researchers, qualified at the Masters level, with skills and knowledge sufficient for the conduct of research in and on the Arab World
- To recruit students of high calibre who have not previously completed any substantive research training and who have few or no Arabic language skills
- To provide generic training in research methods and methodologies to provide a foundation in a broad range of social science research methods as well as basic research and transferable skills that all students in the social sciences require as deemed appropriate for ESRC recognition
- To provide subject-specific training in research methods and methodologies in Politics, relevant also to International Relations and International Studies
To provide language instruction in the Arabic language, such that you will develop appropriate and sufficient competence to utilise the language in your subsequent research, or employment in the Arabic-speaking world
- To develop the knowledge, skills and understanding which will prepare you to undertake research for a doctoral degree in Politics, International Relations or International Studies, and which may be required of a professional researcher in these fields of the social sciences
- To develop your knowledge of the range of existing disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research on the Arab World.
Year 1
Core modules:
- Arabic Language 1
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Science Research
- International Politics of the Middle East
- Empirical Research in Politics, International Relations and Security
- Quantitative Methods and Analysis
- Qualitative Methods and Analysis
Year 2
Core modules:
- Arabic Language 2
- Dissertation
Examples of optional modules:
You can choose two optional modules that may include:
- Contemporary Political Philosophy
- Core Concepts
- The Politics of Global Europe
- Designing Political Inquiry
- Global Governance
- Global Political Theory
- International Organisations
- Ideologies and Political Thought
- International Relations Theory
- Advanced Ethnographic Research
- Multilevel Modelling
- Simulating Data in R
- Systematic Review
- Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences
- Computational Social Science
- Participatory Action Research.
Learning
At the beginning of the academic year, you will go through five-day induction events in which you are informed about University, the School, the MA/MSc degrees and the facilities available for their learning.
The 180 credits one-year MA degree is divided into two core and two optional modules of 30 credits each. Furthermore, you will have to submit a dissertation of 60 credits of not more than 10,000 words. Most of the modules are delivered during the first two terms and you will spend the remaining time writing your dissertation.
PGT modules involve a range of different modes of delivery, but are largely based around lectures, seminars and other forms of active learning activities. The School places great importance on research-led teaching, which integrates new and cutting-edge research into the curriculum. Each module is build around 300 hours of learning, a large portion of which is independent reading and preparation. Class contact hours are all above 20 hours per module, with the exception of the dissertation, and are spread across the 12 teaching weeks in the academic calendar. Typically modules would have elements of lectures, discussions, and presentations or other activities — the extent of each of these components would differ from one module to another.
Modules generally include a formative assessment to help you prepare for summative assignments by allowing you to identify what aspects of your work you are doing well on and which areas require improvement. You are encouraged to make appointments with the course lecturers to discuss module content, and after you have received it, any feedback on your work.
Typically summative assessments are around 3,000 words, but these vary based on learning outcomes, assessment type, and module design. Some modules may be assessed by examination. The majority of coursework involves independent reading and written assignments, but you will have the opportunity to discuss course material as well either through presentations or class discussions. You will be assigned a dissertation supervisor, who will also act as your academic advisor, and is someone you can consult throughout the year for general academic support, in addition to dissertation supervision.
SGIA conducts regular seminars and organises lectures throughout the year which all postgraduate students can attend. These events provide opportunities to engage with, and debate, the most important issues in current political and international studies.
Towards the end of the course you can contact the Careers & Enterprise Office of the University to get advice on available job prospects and get assistance on applying for these.
Entry requirements
- UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent.
- Two satisfactory academic references. In cases of applicants who have significant relevant experience, one work-related reference and one academic reference would be considered appropriate.
- No prior substantive research training and few or no Arabic language skills.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
Home students | £14,700 per year |
---|---|
EU students | £24,900 per year |
Island students | £14,700 per year |
International students | £24,900 per year |
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
School of Government and International Affairs
Our students go on to a wide range of successful careers including civil service and other government agencies, UN/INGOs/CSOs, journalism, media, teaching, law, banking and finance, diplomatic services and risk analysis.
For further information on career options and employability, student and employer testimonials and details of work experience and study abroad opportunities, please visit our employability web pages.
Department information
School of Government and International Affairs
We combine a long tradition of expertise in a wide range of fields in politics, political theory, political economy, and international relations with in-depth study of Asia, the Middle East and the Muslim world.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2022
- 7th in The Complete University Guide 2023
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the School of Government and International Affairs pages.
Research Excellence Framework
- Over 80% of SGIA research outputs were rated 'Internationally Excellent' or 'World Leading' (REF 2021)
Facilities
The School of Government and International Affairs is a concentration of research expertise in political processes and institutions, political thought, and international and area studies. Teaching takes place both in the Department’s own rooms and in conveniently located lecture rooms.
The University Library has an excellent collection in politics as well as specialised research collections such as the European Documentation Centre.
Apply
Find out more:
Apply for a postgraduate course (including PGCE International) via our online portal.
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