Turkish Studies

Specialisation of: Arabic, Persian and Turkish Languages and Cultures
Degree: Master of Arts in Arabic, Persian and Turkish Languages and Cultures
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
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Run in co-operation with several universities in Turkey, this specialisation will allow you to spend time studying in both the Netherlands and Turkey by studying one semester at Leiden University and one at a university in Istanbul or Ankara.
Emphasis is placed on the study of the later Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey or Central Asia – looking at long-term political, social, economic and cultural developments – as well as at current affairs in Turkey.

The information about this programme is available in the following languages:

Career

As a graduate of the MA in Arabic, Persian and Turkish Languages and Cultures, you will be qualified to work in a wide variety of careers requiring specialist language or cultural knowledge. For example, within the diplomatic service, policy-making positions at ministries, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, positions in the educational sector or NGOs involved in development cooperation projects, but also within international organisations, the cultural tourism or socio-cultural sectors.

Teacher-training in Turkish

If you are interested in a career in teaching, you can follow a teacher-training MA at the ICLON Graduate School of Education once you have graduated from the master’s programme, specialisation Turkish Studies. You have to speak fluent Dutch to follow the course, and there are some additional entry requirements. .

Some figures about graduates of Middle Eastern and African studies

How successful are they in finding a job?

  • 90 % found a job within six months.
  • 90 % held a position at academic or HBO level when the study was carried out.

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: 46
  • Research: 36
  • Counselling / coaching: 27
  • Policy-making / preparation: 18
  • Providing advice: 14

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

Student's blog about her stay in Istanbul

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