MA Middle East Politics.

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MA Middle East Politics and International Relations at the University of Exeter is a two-year program that dives deep into the politics and international relations of the Middle East, equipping you with advanced research skills and insights from top theorists to tackle real-world issues like regional conflicts and global dynamics. It's perfect for students passionate about the region who want to build expertise valued by employers in government, NGOs, or academia, while studying alongside world-leading experts in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

### Curriculum structure
Year 1
You'll kick off with a strong foundation in core concepts, starting with State and Society in the Middle East (POLM651), where you'll explore how states interact with societies amid political upheavals, and International Relations of the Middle East (POLM082), diving into regional diplomacy, conflicts, and global influences. Then, Theorising the Middle East (ARAM232) sharpens your ability to apply key theories to the region's unique challenges, building critical thinking for interdisciplinary analysis. You'll also tackle Politics and Economics of the Middle East (ARAM244), examining economic policies, resource politics, and their ties to stability and reform.

Year 2
Building on that base, you'll hone research skills through Dissertation Skills (ARAM233), preparing you to craft your own independent project with expert guidance. From there, you'll choose from exciting options like War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East (ARA3045) to unpack historical conflicts and their modern echoes, or The Politics of Authoritarian Rule (ARA3108) to analyze power structures and resistance movements. The year culminates in your MA Dissertation (ARAM027), a 60-credit deep dive into a topic of your choice, showcasing your expertise to launch your career or PhD.

Focus areas
Core strengths include conflict, security and state-building; authoritarianism and democracy; politics of empire, post-colonialism, and decolonization; plus gender, migration, and inclusivity—drawing from the Centre for Middle East Politics' cutting-edge research across the MENA region.

Learning outcomes
You'll gain a sophisticated grasp of Middle Eastern politics and IR, master research tools for the region, and develop theoretically informed, interdisciplinary skills that employers and PhD programs crave—think analyzing debates on nationalism, reform, and global ties with confidence.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This program aligns directly with careers in public/private sectors, international development, NGOs, and government, building transferable skills in political analysis and research—no specific external accreditation noted, but it's designed by experts from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and Politics department for real-world impact.

Reputation (employability rankings)
Exeter's politics programs shine in employability, with the University ranking in the top 10 UK for Graduate Prospects (Outcomes) in Politics (Complete University Guide 2025) and strong showings in QS World University Rankings for Politics, thanks to our research-active staff and vibrant Centre for Middle East Politics.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/arabislamic/middleeastpolitics_ir/

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Exeter's Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, our MA Middle East Politics and International Relations programme immerses you in hands-on learning that builds real-world skills in analysing politics, international relations, and regional dynamics. You'll dive into group work, class discussions, student presentations, and critical analysis of media like videos, audio, newspapers, and academic journals, all led by experts at the cutting-edge of Middle East research. This practical approach sharpens your ability to tackle complex issues like state-society relations and the international relations of the Middle East, preparing you for careers in policy, diplomacy, or further study.

Here are some standout facilities and opportunities tailored to the programme, right on our Streatham Campus:

- Computerised language lab: Perfect for honing language skills relevant to Middle East studies, including advanced Arabic options, with state-of-the-art tech for interactive practice.
- Satellite TV for Middle Eastern channels: Watch live broadcasts and media to stay connected with current events, enhancing your understanding of real-time politics and culture.
- Arab World Documentation Unit (AWDU) in the Research Commons: A unique research powerhouse with academic textbooks, press cuttings, government papers, reports, periodicals, pamphlets, and business yearbooks in English, Arabic, and Hebrew—much of it digitised for easy access.
- Seminar rooms, lecture theatres, and lounge: Spaces designed for dynamic group projects, discussions, and presentations where you'll collaborate with peers on topics like the politics and economics of the Middle East.
- Gallery for Middle Eastern art exhibitions: Hosts events that bring cultural and political contexts to life, often tying into programme themes.
- Centre for Middle East Politics (C-MEP): Join research activities, workshops, and public events organised by staff and students, including policy-related consultancy opportunities and collaborations across disciplines.

These resources make your learning vivid and directly applicable—imagine analysing live debates from the region or digging into rare archives for your dissertation. Applying is straightforward with a 2:2 degree or equivalent, and our two-year format gives you depth like few other UK programmes. Ready to build expertise that stands out? Check the full facilities details here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/arabislamic/middleeastpolitics_ir/

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Exeter's Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, our MA Middle East Politics and International Relations programme immerses you in hands-on learning that builds real-world skills in analysing politics, international relations, and regional dynamics. You'll dive into group work, class discussions, and student presentations that sharpen your ability to debate key issues like state-society relations and the Arab-Israeli conflict, while accessing cutting-edge research from our expert faculty through lectures and diverse media like videos, satellite TV broadcasts from Middle Eastern channels, and academic journals. This practical approach, supported by top-notch facilities, equips you to thrive in policy, diplomacy, or further research—making it a standout choice for your career.

Here are some standout experiential learning opportunities tailored to the programme:
- Group work and presentations: Collaborate with peers on critical discussions and presentations, taking ownership of your learning while honing teamwork and public speaking skills essential for Middle East politics analysis.
- Computerised language lab: Practice advanced Arabic (via modules like ARAM081) and other digital tools in this state-of-the-art lab, perfect for handling multilingual research on topics like the politics of the Gulf or energy infrastructure.
- Arab World Documentation Unit: Dive into an extensive research collection in the Research Commons, featuring press cuttings, government papers, periodicals, and materials in English, Arabic, and Hebrew—ideal for your dissertation on Middle East IR or economics.
- Satellite TV and media resources: Watch live Middle Eastern channels to stay current on real-time events, analysing them alongside newspaper articles and journals in seminars for practical insight into regional politics.
- Specialised seminar rooms and lecture theatres: Engage in interactive sessions on modules like International Relations of the Middle East, building skills in critical questioning and evidence-based arguments.
- Institute gallery and lounge: Network in a vibrant space hosting Middle Eastern art exhibitions, fostering informal discussions that connect theory to culture and politics.
- Centre for Middle East Politics involvement: Join this research hub for collaborative events, policy-related activities, and access to staff expertise—open to all postgraduate students for hands-on research and career-building.

These elements make Exeter's programme uniquely practical and connected, giving you an edge employers love. Ready to apply? Check out the full facilities details here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/arabislamic/middleeastpolitics_ir/