MA Politics and International Relations of the Middle East

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in their first degree in a social sciences or humanities discipline. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Course content

You will examine key issues in the domestic, regional and global politics of the Middle East and North Africa, developing a critical understanding of the patterns of state-society interaction in the region, the processes of state formation, the constitution of social and political forces, and an awareness of the different perspectives and debates within this field.

This programme particularly explores debates about orientalism and post-colonialism; authoritarianism, democracy and resistance; the political economy of the countries of the region; nationalism, ethnicity and religion and Islamism. This is combined with an examination of the international relations of the region, aiming to place it within broader debates concerning theories of international relations, regionalism and foreign policy analysis.

To add a further dynamic to your studies you will also have the opportunity to take a beginners level introductory course in Persian, Arabic or Turkish as part of this Masters programme.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

Learning

Our range of teaching and learning methods should enable you to develop knowledge and a critical, sophisticated understanding of:

• The processes of state formation and the constitution of social and political forces.
• The key issues in contemporary Middle East politics
• State-society relations, patterns of interaction, and the dynamics and trends in the politics of the Middle East.
• Debates about democracy and political reform in the Middle East and Arab World.

Teaching and assessment

With the exception of the Dissertation, each module on this programme is normally taught through academic lectures expanded through seminar discussion, presentations, group work, reading, and essay assignments.

You will have an individual supervisor for your Dissertation, which is a 15,000 word extended essay on a topic of your choice (following discussion and approval from your supervisor).

Research

As a Masters student you can attend regular research seminars held across the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and organised by our research centres. These are given by academics from Exeter and other Universities in the UK and overseas, as well as guest speakers from the private, public and charity sectors.

Facilities

The Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a computerised language lab, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, lounge, satellite TV for viewing Middle Eastern channels and a gallery for Middle Eastern art exhibitions.

The Arab World Documentation Unit based in the Research Commons is a valuable research resource, housing numerous collections of academic textbooks, press cuttings,  government papers and reports, periodicals, pamphlets, business yearbooks, and much more, with material in English, Arabic and Hebrew.

Careers

Throughout your programme you will develop an advanced understanding and appreciation of the culture, politics and history of the Middle East which will be valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Alongside this, you’ll gain a range of academic and professional skills including:

• The ability to synthesise and comment critically on a body of academic writing and evaluate government and other relevant publications
• Construct and defend a rigorous argument, both in written and oral form, using primary and secondary materials
• Independent research
• Organising, planning and time management

Further study

The academic skills developed on the MA Politics and International Relations of the Middle East will enable to you to pursue doctoral study. The Institute has an international profile for our pioneering regional focus on the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula and expertise in Islamic Studies providing an ideal place in which to undertake an MPhil/PhD.

Employment and professional development

Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available.

In addition, the location of this programme within a hub of renowned academia will offer you the possibility of connections, networking opportunities, advice and guidance from others with extensive academic and career-related experience in this field.

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