Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) (Research)

This Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies (IMES). It builds on your knowledge in IMES or related fields and aims to develop and enhance your research skills and your skills in academic writing.

An MScR programme is likely to suit you if:

• you have a clear idea what you would like to write your masters dissertation about, right from the beginning of the programme

• you would like to be part of a large and supportive postgraduate community, while working independently

It is a good stepping-stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

On this programme:

• you will take courses in research skills and methods

• you will complete two research assignments, each of 6,000 words

• you will write a 15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor

With over 260 years of history in teaching and research, we are recognised internationally as a leading centre for postgraduate study in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies. We are able to supervise research in a wide range of specialist and interdisciplinary areas. Our expertise includes:

• language, literature, arts and cultures

• history and historiography

• religion

• contemporary politics and media

• gender and sexuality

• diasporas and ethnic minorities

• Palestine studies

You are not required to have any prior competence in a Middle Eastern language, but you will have the opportunity to take courses in Arabic, Persian or Turkish.

Our research collections resources and facilities are outstanding, and we have excellent links with a number of centres and networks, including the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.