Middle Eastern Studies (research)

Degree: Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies (research)
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60843
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Middle Eastern and Islamic studies in Leiden have a justly deserved worldwide reputation. Their breadth and depth are not only unparallelled in the Netherlands, but represent the very best of Middle Eastern and Islam-related research and teaching in Europe and beyond. The Research MA in Middle Eastern Studies allows you to focus on a region, such as the Arab world, North Africa, Turkey and the Persian world, or on a discipline, such as history, politics, religion, languages and literature, both regionally and cross-regionally.

Career

The programme prepares you for functions outside of academe in the public or private sector in which advanced research skills and substantial practical research experience are among the qualifications required. This may be in a research agency or research department in a businesses or governmental organisation, or any number of other career opportunities. If you wish to pursue an academic career, the Research Masters Middle Eastern Studies is an excellent preparation for writing a PhD thesis

Some figures about graduates of Middle Eastern Studies

How succesfull are they in finding a job?

  • 90 % found a job within one year.
  • 90 % found their first job at academic or HBO (higher professional) level.

In which sector do they find jobs?

  • Research: 30
  • Teaching: 13
  • Publishing / book sector: 13
  • Idealistic organisation: 13
  • Communication: 4
  • Business services: 4
  • Other: 22

What are their main tasks and responsibilities? (%)

  • Writing/ editing / translating: 45
  • Research: 36
  • Counselling / coaching: 27
  • Policy-making / preparation: 18
  • Providing advice: 13

Source: Employment Market Study among Leiden Graduates of Middle Eastern and African studies (2009, Student Career Service Humanities )

Dr. Seyed Gohrab

Seyed Gohrab

“Poetry is the most tangible icon of the identity of the Persian people.”

“I am a specialist of the New Persian language, literature and culture. Leiden University has a long history in studing New Persian. Shortly after the foundation of the University in 1575 Persian was being studied here, and masterpieces from Persian literature were being translated.Even today Leiden has an eminent reputation in this field, not only in Persian-speaking countries but also in Europe and America.

Persian is currently spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and parts of Central Asia, but for a long time it was the cultural language of a much greater area. Until the nineteenth century Persian was a cultural language of India and a large part of the Ottoman Empire. When we talk of ‘Persian’, we are referring generally to this large area where Persian language and culture are or were important.

I am fascinated by the beauty of the Persian language. Poetry is the most tangible icon of the identity of the Persian people. Unlike in Egypt, for example, Persian kept its own language and culture after the invasion of the Islamic Arabs in Persian cultural areas.

Poetry is a bearer of Persian culture in all its facets. Astronomy and medical treatises were expressed in poetic form and even now we see on many ceremonial occasions, such as births and marriages, that classical Persian poems are recited. A TV presenter of a game show in Iran can readily recite a classical poem. Poets and writers have prominent status in Iran.”