Arabic Studies

Specialisation of: Middle Eastern Studies
Degree: Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60842
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The Arabic Studies specialisation explores the language, literature, history and cultures of the Arab world. As a student of this specialisation you will investigate the range and richness of its influence on societies across the globe.
Key features of the programme are its academic rigour and its emphasis on linguistic immersion.
Students are expressly stimulated to acquire broad practical experience in the field of study. The Arabic Studies department participates in study abroad programmes in Cairo and Rabat, and organises collaborative exchanges with the University of Amsterdam. Participation in these programmes will be an integral element of your study.

Entry requirements

  • BA in the field of Arabic, Islamic studies, Middle Eastern Studies or an equivalent degree and a good working knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic (listening B1; reading B2; spoken interaction B1; spoken production B1; writing B1.)
  • Good command of English as demonstrated by IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL
    570/230/88-90, evidenced by an appropriate test
    This requirement does not apply if you have:
    • completed your education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, or
    • an International Baccalaureate, or
    • a Dutch VWO diploma

Students who have a BA in Middle Eastern Studies (Midden-Oostenstudies) or Arabic, Persian and Turkish Languages and Culture from Leiden University do not have to apply for admission.

Prof. Erik-Jan Zürcher

Erik-Jan Zürcher

“It is only possible to gain a better under-standing of present-day developments in the Middle East if you understand the historical background.”

“Leiden University enjoys a rich research tradition, and has a great many publications about Turkey to her name. The Turkish Languages and Cultures department is also well-known, particularly as text
books written in Leiden are used throughout the world.

This master’s programme focuses on the one hand on the origin of the modern Turkish nation state, and, on the other, on Turkey and the Ottoman Empire and their relationship to Europe. I myself am fascinated by the Middle East and by modern history, in particular the period around World War I. This makes Turkey a rewarding subject for study.

Until the First World War, the greater part of the Middle East belonged to the Ottoman Empire. Around 1918, the great empires came to an end: not only the Ottoman Empire, but also the German
Empire, the Hapsburg Empire and the Romanov Dynasty in Russia. The centuries-old multicultural Ottoman Empire was transformed into the modern mono-cultural republic of Turkey.

As a result of the start of accession talks between Turkey and the EU, the number of students with an interest in political science has been growing of late, but teaching in the MA specialisation Turkish Studies focuses primarily on the language, history and cultural heritage of Turkey. I firmly believe that it is only possible to gain a better understanding of present-day developments in the Middle East if
you understand the historical background.

Turkey is two things at the same time: a young state which has been created by a political elite, but also an ancient state, heir to the Ottoman Empire, which
existed for six hundred years. This has left its mark on the country.”