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This interdisciplinary Master’s Programme aims to develop in students deep social-scientific knowledge about the Middle East of today. It trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that students will learn how to apply various theories and research methodologies to study the societies, politics, and contemporary history of countries in the region and their populations both at home and in the diaspora. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugeeship, legal, political, social, and economic conditions, as well as cultural and gender constructs.
The programme uses a comprehensive definition of the Middle East and North Africa region to include some of the members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories, and Turkey.
The programme offers a combination of compulsory and elective courses. It emphasises the students’ development through supervision as well as in contacts with the research network to which the programme offers links. The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.
Questions about the programme and studying at Lund University? Fill in our contact form We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Politics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
This interdisciplinary Master’s Programme aims to develop in students deep social-scientific knowledge about the Middle East of today. It trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that students will learn how to apply various theories and research methodologies to study the societies, politics, and contemporary history of countries in the region and their populations both at home and in the diaspora. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugeeship, legal, political, social, and economic conditions, as well as cultural and gender constructs.
The programme uses a comprehensive definition of the Middle East and North Africa region to include some of the members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories, and Turkey.
The programme offers a combination of compulsory and elective courses. It emphasises the students’ development through supervision as well as in contacts with the research network to which the programme offers links. The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.
Questions about the programme and studying at Lund University? Fill in our contact form We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Admission Requirements
90+
6.5+
To be eligible for the programme the applicant must have the equivalent of a Swedish Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in a Social Sciences discipline or in History, Economic History, Economic Development, Area Studies, or equivalent.
A good command of English language both spoken and written, equivalent to English B/6 (advanced) proficiency in the Swedish secondary system, is required. Equivalence assessments will be made according to national guidelines.
15 Jan 2026
2 Years
Sep
Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
International
62,500 SEK
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Politics and Society of the Contemporary Middle East - Master's Programme
Lund Campus, Lund, Sweden
# 87QS Subject Rankings
24 monthsProgramme duration
62,500 SEKTuition Fee/year
15 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Politics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
This interdisciplinary Master’s Programme aims to develop in students deep social-scientific knowledge about the Middle East of today. It trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that students will learn how to apply various theories and research methodologies to study the societies, politics, and contemporary history of countries in the region and their populations both at home and in the diaspora. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugeeship, legal, political, social, and economic conditions, as well as cultural and gender constructs.
The programme uses a comprehensive definition of the Middle East and North Africa region to include some of the members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories, and Turkey.
The programme offers a combination of compulsory and elective courses. It emphasises the students’ development through supervision as well as in contacts with the research network to which the programme offers links. The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.
Questions about the programme and studying at Lund University?
Fill in our contact form
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Politics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
This interdisciplinary Master’s Programme aims to develop in students deep social-scientific knowledge about the Middle East of today. It trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that students will learn how to apply various theories and research methodologies to study the societies, politics, and contemporary history of countries in the region and their populations both at home and in the diaspora. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugeeship, legal, political, social, and economic conditions, as well as cultural and gender constructs.
The programme uses a comprehensive definition of the Middle East and North Africa region to include some of the members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories, and Turkey.
The programme offers a combination of compulsory and elective courses. It emphasises the students’ development through supervision as well as in contacts with the research network to which the programme offers links. The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.
Questions about the programme and studying at Lund University?
Fill in our contact form
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the programme the applicant must have the equivalent of a Swedish Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in a Social Sciences discipline or in History, Economic History, Economic Development, Area Studies, or equivalent.
A good command of English language both spoken and written, equivalent to English B/6 (advanced) proficiency in the Swedish secondary system, is required. Equivalence assessments will be made according to national guidelines.
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
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Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
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