MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Modern Middle Eastern Studies)

University of Cambridge

The Modern Middle Eastern Studies pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Modern Middle East, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent primary research work in the Humanities or Social Sciences to a high academic standard. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in NGOs, charities, government, education, or in any other field where cultural understanding, linguistic skills and high-level critical thinking, analysis and communication skills are needed.Learning OutcomesThe pathway in Modern Middle Eastern Studies will equip its graduates with the skills and knowledge to research independently and effectively on aspects of Modern Middle Eastern Studies, using the methods of the Humanities and Social Sciences. They will have further developed their skills in reading Arabic, Hebrew or Persian source materials. Graduates will also be able to show a sophisticated understanding of the wider fields of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and the ability to communicate their knowledge and their research findings effectively.AssessmentThesisFor the Modern Middle Eastern Studies pathway, students will submit a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil dissertations must include a brief abstract at the start of the dissertation of no more than 400 words.EssaysFor the Modern Middle Eastern Studies pathway, students may submit essays as part of their degree:With the approval of the Degree Committee, a student may offer, in place of one or more of the examination papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee.Written examinationFor the Modern Middle Eastern Studies pathway, students may take examinations as part of their degree:Three written examination papers on subjects approved by the Degree Committee. With the approval of the Degree Committee, a student may offer, in place of one or more of those papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee.OtherAn oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, but at the Degree Committee’s discretion the requirement for an oral examination may be waived.