Study Profile Near Eastern Studies Master Near Eastern Studies
Brief Profile
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters
- 100%, cannot be chosen as a minor subject
- Start of studies only in winter semester
- Joint degree programme offered by Heidelberg University (Department of Languages and Cultures of the Middle East/Middle Eastern Studies) and Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies
- Two subject areas: ‘Jewish Near East’ and ‘Islamic Near East’
- Focus on cultural and religious diversity in the Near East
- Unique opportunities for language combinations (Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish/Ottoman, Persian)
- Unique combination of subjects and methods: Middle Eastern Studies, Jewish Studies, Israel & Near East Studies
- Individually funded stays abroad and credit transfer for external internships
MA Programme in Near Eastern Studies at Heidelberg University and at the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies
The interdisciplinary Master's programme in Near Eastern Studies is a joint degree offered by Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies. It integrates various disciplines that focus on the culturally and religiously diverse region of the Near East. By combining different methodological approaches of otherwise separate academic disciplines, the programme provides new perspectives on the societies and civilisations of the Near East. While many classes are offered in English and the MA thesis may be written in English, we expect prospective students to have an at least intermediate level of German or the willingness to acquire sufficient language skills in German during their studies in Heidelberg.
Programme Structure
Students are enrolled at both institutions and benefit from their unique academic environments. The degree programme requires a BA degree in a humanities or social science subject, a suitable focus on the region and appropriate knowledge of a written language of the region.
Study Focus
Students specialise in the areas of “Jewish Near East” or “Islamic Near East.” This includes:
- Basic knowledge of a new Near Eastern language and in-depth knowledge of the language you have already learnt
- In-depth knowledge of humanities and social science methods
- Access to current research projects
Benefits and Perspectives
In examining problems and structures in the Near East, the programme brings together different cultural, political and methodological perspectives. The programme enables you to create your own scholarly profile based on multiple opportunities in Heidelberg and on individual supervision to develop your own research topics and benefit from research and study stays abroad.
The Master's programme in Near Eastern Studies at Heidelberg University provides a unique combination of disciplines and methods, giving graduates a comprehensive and differentiated education in Near Eastern Studies
Application
The application deadline is September 30th of each year.
To apply for the Master's programme in Near Eastern Studies, you must submit your documents online. Create an account on the university’s new digital platform (HeiCO) and follow the instructions.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies and/or Jewish Studies or a related field with a minimum grade of 2.3 (German scale).
- Reading proficiency in English at least at level C1.
- Depending on the primary area of focus, reading proficiency at least at level C1 in one of the following languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish/Ottoman, Persian.
Study structure of the Master's programme in 'Near Eastern Studies'
The Master's programme in Middle East Studies is modular and comprises two alternative foci: “Jewish Near East” and “Islamic Near East.”
In the first and second semesters, all students attend the “Methodological Foundations Module” (NOS 1), addressing interdisciplinary issues. Additionally, they attend an introductory course and a colloquium, integrating all topics, participants and areas of interest.
Either:
- Primary Focus “Jewish Near East”: Advanced modern Hebrew, advanced seminars and research exercises.
- Secondary Focus “Islamic Near East”: Learning a source language (Arabic, Turkish/Ottoman, or Persian) and related courses.
Or:
- Primary Focus “Islamic Near East”: Advanced language skills in Arabic, Turkish or Persian, advanced seminars and reading courses.
- Secondary Focus “Jewish Near East”: Learning modern Hebrew and introduction to historical varieties of the language.
Students with sufficient previous knowledge in both fields choose a primary focus to continue at the beginning of the programme.
Final Semester: In the fourth semester, all students write their master’s thesis and take the final exams. The MA thesis of 70-80 pages should have an interdisciplinary approach.
Career Opportunities
Besides preparing students for academic research (e. g., a Ph. D.), the Master's programme prepares them for a wide range of careers that require analytical skills, cultural knowledge, and advanced language abilities. Occupational fields include:
- International and supranational organizations
- Humanitarian organisations
- Public service and security agencies
- Media
- Foreign trade
- Political and economic consulting
- Intercultural communication
- Integration work and interreligious dialogue
- Language teaching
- Adult education