Do you want to become a specialized expert on the region and its conflicts and meet the huge societal demand for knowledge and insights in the Middle East? Then join our Master’s programme Middle Eastern Studies in Groningen.

The one-year Master’s programme in Groningen focuses on contemporary developments in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the theme of conflicts. The programme is interdisciplinary and research-driven, using insights from fields such as International Relations, Religious Studies and Anthropology to help you to understand this highly dynamic and fascinating region.

If you have a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies, the Master’s programme enables you to specialize in the theme of conflicts and to increase your familiarity with important theoretical and methodological approaches to the region. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in another (related) discipline, the Master’s programme facilitates you to familiarize yourself with the Middle East and apply your expertise to this region, which is of huge importance in today’s world.

The programme offers core modules on contemporary developments in the Middle East, conflicts in the region, the role of international organisations and the theme of religion and politics. We discuss cases such as Syria, Israel-Palestine and Iran. We also give you ample space to pursue your own interests and develop your own expertise, for example through papers, tutorials and internships, for example, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies or think tanks, media agencies and societal organisations working on issues such as migration, refugees, terrorism and security.

Why study this programme in Groningen?

• Focus on contemporary developments in the Middle East; emphasis on the theme of conflicts
• Highly qualified staff and research-driven education
• Ample space to pursue own interests and develop own expertise
• Internship integrated in the programme
• Small-scale programme, strongly committed staff, dedicated students

Job prospects

There is a huge demand for expertise on the Middle East, for example in relation to foreign policy, refugees and terrorism and security. Our alumni work both in the Middle East and Europe. Relatively many students find a job in politics and diplomacy, for example at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an embassy or consulate. Quite a number of alumni have acquired a job in local authorities or NGO's in the development and refugee sector.

Others work in media, the security and counter-terrorism field or the cultural sector. The huge consequences of conflicts in the Middle East, both in the region itself as well as in the West provide ample opportunities to acquire Middle-East-related jobs and positions.