Master's Programs

The Master in Middle Eastern Studies

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Presentation of the Master in Middle Eastern Studies 

This program is aimed at students wishing to specialize in Middle East issues. It offers an open and multidisciplinary approach to the study of the politics, history, and culture of the region. 

The M. A. in Middle Eastern Studies (MAMO) allows students to deepen and enrich their knowledge of a strategic, promising and vulnerable region, one which is constantly propelled to the forefront of the world stage, where the ever-increasing interconnection between the various actors (states, civil societies, non-state groups, etc.) has a considerable impact on local and regional dynamics. 

The M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies provides the opportunity to study, among other things, social mobilization, the evolution of relations between Arab countries and Israel or Iran, the development of cultural diplomacy in the Gulf and elsewhere, oil revenues or the impact of global crises, such as COVID-19, on the region. The multidisciplinary approach - be it historical, cultural, geopolitical or other - allows students to grasp the various phenomena in their entirety and provides them with the tools to develop their own analytical skills while broadening their knowledge of the region and its people. 

These themes will first be introduced as part of the core curriculum; specialized courses, as well as elective courses (at the University of Geneva, the Graduate Institute, and the Universities of Lausanne and Neuchâtel), will allow each student to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the region, while choosing the themes of the courses according to his/her interests. Exchange semesters at universities in the region studied or internships in Geneva and the Middle East will further strengthen the students' skills. Those who wish to do so can also familiarize themselves with Arabic and Armenian during their basic training and improve their knowledge during a stay in the region.

Career Opportunities

Middle East issues are of great importance for the training of students from diverse backgrounds and called upon to work in all sectors of diplomacy, NGOs and international organizations, the media, companies active in this region, as well as the arts and culture. .

In addition, at regular intervals, the MAMO organizes events - conferences, colloquia, round tables - which offer students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with contemporary research, and to meet eminent specialists from the region, in addition to those invited to the various courses of the Master's program.

usefuL INFORMATION


DURATION OF STUDIES

2 years (4 semesters)

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

French
Passive knowledge of English is
recommended.

ADMISSIONS CONDITIONS

Bachelor or equivalent degree.
Admission based on application file.
unige.ch/gsi/fr/programmes/mamo

STUDY PROGRAMME

4 semesters (max. 6 semesters) | 120 ECTS credits

Required courses in the core curriculum

30 credits

  •  History of the Contemporary Middle East
  •  Geopolitics and Middle Eastern political regimes
  •  Orient, orientalism(s) and the West
  •  Political Economy
  •  Globalization and cultural issues in Middle East
  • Specialised courses

Specialised courses

48 credits
Concentration in one or more areas of the core
curriculum.

Electives

12 credits

Internship or dissertation

30 credits

LEVEL OF FRENCH REQUIRED BY UNIGE

Eliminatory basic language test for non-Francophones, with the exception of the following cases: www.unige.ch/frenchexam

MOBILITY

Master's students are allowed to go on exchange for one semester maximum. Students may go on exchange as early as their third semester but may earn no more than 30 credits at another university. The dissertation cannot be substituted.
www.unige.ch/exchange

PROFESSIONAL PROSPECTS

Students from diverse academic backgrounds will benefit from an in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding the Middle East, and such knowledge is essential for anyone going on to a career in diplomacy; NGOs and international organisations; the media; companies with economic ties in the region; cultural heritage and the arts.

UNIVERSITY TAXES

500 CHF / semester

APPLICATION

Registration period for the academic period 2020-2021 : from January 2 to February 28, 2021.