Our MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Arabic Studies) is a one-year research course, primarily for students who intend to go on to do a PhD in Arabic. Students can take a modern or a classical option.

Applicants must already have good reading skills in Arabic, though a student can choose to enhance his or her skills in reading and interpreting texts specific to a particular topic. Some instruction in Arabic can be provided in the first term of study, but it will be consolidatory in aim.

Those applicants whose native language is Arabic must have an excellent command of the English language (evidenced by the appropriate English-language test scores). The aim of the course is to prepare graduate students for independent academic research.  By the end of the year, students wishing to study for a PhD degree will be able to formulate a viable programme of doctoral research and will possess all the required skills to complete it within three years of study, the time allotted for PhD degrees at UK universities.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

• acquired the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Modern and/or Classical Arabic;
• acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on Modern and/or Pre-Modern Middle Eastern culture(s);
• acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their dissertation;
• developed the ability to formulate original research questions and produce a well-constructed, argument to answer them, in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources;
• acquired the skills to use library and internet resources independently.

Continuing

Applicants for the PhD will be expected to have scored at least 67% or above (or the equivalent from an overseas University) in their Master's degree which should be related to the PhD programme they wish to pursue. All applicants should submit with their GRADSAF (graduate application) a workable and interesting research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each graduate applicant on his or her own merits and in accordance with its own set rules and regulations.

During the year, MPhil students can attend various training courses offered by the Department in subjects such as codicology, text reading, and other skills. They are also encouraged to attend fourth-year undergraduate lectures and language courses where relevant. They must attend graduate work-in-progress seminars where they have an opportunity to present their own work to their peers for feedback in a supportive environment.

Students who take the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Arabic Studies) are expected to work closely with their supervisor throughout the year on a 25,000 word dissertation which is submitted by mid-August.

Feedback

Students taking the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Arabic Studies), working on a 25,000 word dissertation to be submitted in mid-August, will receive feedback on their work throughout the year from regular one-on-one supervisions with their supervisor. Supervisors will produce feedback via termly CGSRS reports on CamSIS. Students will receive feedback on their MPhil dissertation results and overall Degree results after the final Degree Committee meeting in September.

Assessment

Thesis

For the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Arabic Studies), students will submit a thesis of not more than 25,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil dissertations must include a brief Abstract at the start of the dissertation of no more than 400 words.

Those students who take the MPhil by research will be required to take a viva examination.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal 
• Attainments in languages. Good reading knowledge of Classical Arabic will be expected.Applicants are required to list the languages they know and their level of competence.
• Sample of Work
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Applicants who wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge (USA) and Gates Cambridge (International) must include a personal reference with their GRADSAF and other supporting documentation.

The financing studies for the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Arabic Studies program at the University of Cambridge are primarily supported through a variety of funding sources available to postgraduate research students. Applicants are encouraged to explore Scholarships, Research Councils, and University-funded bursaries which may cover tuition fees, maintenance stipends, and research expenses. The University of Cambridge offers several funding opportunities including the Cambridge Trust, which provides scholarships to both international and domestic students, and specific departmental bursaries aimed at supporting research in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Additionally, applicants might consider external funding bodies such as the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) which offers grants and fellowships for postgraduate research in humanities disciplines, including area studies and Arabic language research. Some funding packages also include teaching or demonstrating assistantships, which not only provide financial support but also valuable academic experience. It is recommended that prospective students consult the official departmental webpage and the university’s central funding portal for detailed application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Many students supplement their funding through research grants obtained during their candidature or through partnerships with cultural and academic institutions related to Middle Eastern and Asian studies. International students are advised to explore specific scholarships applicable to their country of residence or nationality. The university’s financial aid policies are designed to reduce the economic barriers to postgraduate research, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly inquiry and academic excellence in Arabic studies.

The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Arabic Studies program at the University of Cambridge is a specialized postgraduate research degree designed for students with a strong academic background and a keen interest in Arabic language, literature, history, and culture. This program provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of expert faculty members, contributing original scholarship to the field of Arabic Studies. The program typically involves rigorous coursework combined with extensive research, culminating in the submission of a substantial thesis that demonstrates the student's mastery of their chosen area of study.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from Cambridge’s world-renowned resources, including comprehensive libraries, electronic databases, and access to a wide network of scholars and research centers dedicated to Middle Eastern and Asian Studies. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to explore various aspects of Arabic language and culture, such as literary traditions, historical developments, political contexts, and contemporary issues facing the Arab world. The research areas may include Arabic linguistics, classical and modern Arabic literature, Islamic studies, socio-political studies, and regional histories.

Candidates applying for this program are usually required to have a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Arabic Studies or a closely related field. Flawless proficiency in Arabic language skills is essential, often demonstrated through standardized language testing or previous academic coursework. The program emphasizes original research, critical analysis, and scholarly writing, preparing students for careers in academia, research institutions, cultural organizations, or diplomatic service.

Cambridge’s Arabic Studies by Research offers a vibrant academic environment through seminars, workshops, and conferences, fostering intellectual exchange among students and faculty. The program typically lasts between one to three years, depending on the research scope and the student's progress. Throughout their candidature, students receive personalized supervision, which ensures the development of their research skills and knowledge base. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to contribute to the academic community or to pursue further research at the doctoral level. Overall, the program aims to deepen understanding of Arabic language and culture through rigorous scholarly inquiry while promoting intercultural dialogue and academic excellence.