Applied and Professional Ethics

This distinctive Masters programme directly addresses the complex nature of the Politics and International Relations of the Middle East, enabling students to gain an insight into the internal dimensions of the region and their links with regional and extra-regional relations.

Covering a range of approaches from the disciplines of Politics, Comparative Politics and International Relations it addresses the security, economic, identity and political dynamics of the region.

The programme is of interest to students/practitioners wishing to study these issues in more depth and to make comparisons across the region.

Career Possibilities

There is a growing market from employers for graduates with expertise in Middle Eastern politics: from NGOs and international institutions; ministries of foreign affairs, trade and defence; as well as consultancy and risk-management/analysis firms engaged in the region.

The programme is both academically cutting-edge and policy relevant at a time when the Middle East is undergoing radical change.

It will produce graduates who are able to fill the growing need for experts on the region in a variety of industries from oil and investment to security and services. The Middle East is a growing market for many firms who all want to understand the risks and opportunities of working in the region better.

MA International Relations and Politics of the Middle East offers you …

• an advanced understanding of the issues of security, economy and society across the Middle East
• a comprehensive analysis of the ever-changing dynamics of this complex region
• an interdisciplinary programme drawn from an international relations and comparative politics prespective

If you want to …

• examine the pressing contemporary issues facing the Middle East
• gain an insight into the internal dimensions of the region and their links with regional and extra-regional relations
• a programme which is both academically cutting-edge and policy relevant at a time when the middle is undergoing radical change

… then consider MA International Relations and Politics of the Middle East.

Compulsory Modules

Contemporary Politics of the Middle East adopts a thematic approach to studying the region. The module develops a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary issues that shape the Middle East. Particular attention is paid to the role of ideologies, religious radicalism, the role of the military, political parties, the emergence of civil societies, gender and the impact that democratisation and globalisation have upon the region.

Politics of the Israel-Palestine Conflict offers an in-depth study of the ongoing peace negotiations. The module develops a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary issues that shape the Israel-Palestine conflict through a detailed examination of the elements of a two-state solution. The module critically engages with the core issues of the conflict through the examination of the essential elements of a two state solution, which is the stated objective of the ongoing peace process. You will examine the issues of the national self-determination, the return of refugees, Jerusalem, borders, settlements and natural resources from human/state rights, conflict resolution and security perspectives. You will critically consider the stated positions of key actors. You will have the opportunity to pursue an aspect of the peace process in considerable depth.

Politics and International Relations of the Middle East Dissertation leads you through the process of developing a deeper understanding of a particular topic through independent research and the preparation of an extended piece of writing. You agree a research topic with your supervisors and write a 12,000 word dissertation that demonstrates your research skills, your ability to assess information, and appraise relevant concepts and theories.

Optional Modules

You also study two of the following optional modules.

• Authoritarianism, Popular Revolt and Democratisation in the Middle East and North Africa
• Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance
• Counterterrorism
• Insurgency
• International Political Economy
• Islam, Politics and Culture in the Middle East and North Africa
• Policing Post-Conflict Cities
• Terrorism

Please note module options may be subject to change.

Programme Structure

Formal contact time is two hours per week for each module, across an eleven-week semester.

Module tutors are available for consultation during their office hours, which are held on at least two days every week, and by appointment at other times.

During semester two, you will meet regularly with your dissertation supervisor to plan the topic area, design an analytical framework and carry out the requisite primary and secondary research to draft and complete the dissertation.

You are also allocated a personal tutor, with scheduled meetings each semester, where you discuss your overall academic progression and experience at University, as well as career planning and opportunities

In addition, you will benefit from extensive opportunities to interact with students and staff by attending our impressive range of research talks, guest lectures and seminars led by outside speakers or colleagues from within our department and University.

Teaching and learning

You will achieve your learning objectives through a combination of introductory lectures by our expert staff, lively seminar discussions, guided weekly readings as well as the completion of a piece of independent research in the form of essays of varying length under close supervision of your module leader.

As a postgraduate student, you will be expected to do a significant amount of preparatory reading before each session, and emphasis will be on student-led discussion to build critical and reflective confidence in a group environment.

Comprehensive reading lists are available for every module, and give you a structured guide to accessing the relevant concepts, debates and analyses which will ensure an in-depth knowledge of the relevant topics. For all modules, there is a guide to appropriate non-academic sources, including briefing papers, policy reports, datasets and appropriate media outlets.

In addition, you will benefit from extensive opportunities to interact with students and staff by attending our impressive range of research talks and seminars led by outside speakers or colleagues from within our department and University.

Assessment

Within modules, assessment consists of a mixture of essays, exams and group presentations. At the end of your studies, a 12,000 word dissertation will allow you to pursue your own research interest under close supervision by one of our expert colleagues.

If you wish to apply for one of our MA programmes you should normally hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a Social Science discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification. Suitable degree subjects for specific programmes are as follows:MA Global Development and pathways: A 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area e.g. development studies, sociology, social policy, geography.MA Politics and pathways: A 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area e.g. politics, history, economics.MA International Relations, MA Conflict Development and Security and MA Security, Terrorism and Insurgency: A 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area, e.g. history, international relations, security studies. Applicants with 2.2s and/or a degree in a non relevant subject may be considered, taking into consideration full transcripts, references and any relevant work/voluntary experience.Language requirements Successful completion of a postgraduate degree demands facility in English. It is a requirement that essays and dissertations be well-written. Prospective and intending students whose first language is not English will need to ensure that their linguistic proficiency is adequate. They may need to undertake some language training in the University or elsewhere. The School has a minimum requirement:TOEFL score on the internet-based test: 92, with minimum scores of 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing. A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with at least 6 in all components.PTE Academic score of at least 64 with not less than 60 in listening, reading, speaking and writing.Important information about language tests New British government regulations state that an ...IELTSTOEFL iBTor PET Academic... test score must be less than two years old when the University of Leeds issues a Certificate of Approved Study (CAS) to an international student that has been offered a place on a postgraduate taught programme.An international student requires a CAS in order to obtain a British student visa. What this means for youWhen you apply to one of our postgraduate courses, you must ensure that your English Language Test score will be less than two years old when we make a decision on your application.University Language CentreThe School keeps its requirements under review and may request a higher level of proficiency. The University's Language Centre offers specialised pre-sessional English language programmes, which are suitable for students going on to study in the Institute. These programmes are also useful in helping students acclimatise to the UK academic environment. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.