Photos of university / #cambridgeuniversity
Program Description:
The PhD in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge is a rigorous research degree designed for scholars seeking to contribute to the academic understanding of the history, culture, politics, and societies of the Middle East and the Islamic world. This programme offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to engage deeply with a wide range of subjects including history, politics, religious studies, literature, and language studies related to the Middle East and the Islamic civilizations.
Candidates are encouraged to develop their research focusing on specific regions, time periods, or thematic areas, with the support of expert supervisors drawn from Cambridge’s distinguished faculty. The programme emphasizes original research, critical analysis, and the development of a nuanced understanding of complex socio-cultural dynamics within Middle Eastern and Islamic contexts.
Throughout the course of their studies, students will have access to superb academic resources, including extensive library collections, archives, and digital databases relevant to Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. The University’s vibrant academic community fosters an environment of inquiry and collaboration, providing numerous seminars, workshops, and conferences where students can present their research and engage with leading scholars from around the world.
The doctoral programme typically spans three to four years for full-time students or longer for part-time students, during which candidates are expected to produce a substantial thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. The assessment process includes ongoing supervision, periodic reviews, and a final oral examination (viva voce).
Graduates of the PhD programme in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Cambridge are well-equipped to pursue academic careers, research positions, policy analysis, or roles in cultural and educational sectors globally. The programme’s emphasis on original research, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary insight ensures that alumni are highly qualified to contribute to scholarly, policy-oriented, and public discussions regarding the Middle East and Islamic world.
This prestigious programme is ideal for motivated individuals passionate about understanding the complexities of Middle Eastern and Islamic societies and committed to advancing scholarly knowledge in this vital and dynamic field.
During the year, MPhil students attend various training courses offered by the Department in codicology, text reading, and other skills. They are also encouraged to attend fourth-year undergraduate lectures and language courses where relevant. They may 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 (Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies) are expected to work closely with their supervisor throughout the year on a 25,000 word dissertation which is submitted by mid-August.
One to one supervision |
10 hours per year. |
---|
Feedback
Students taking the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Middle Eastern and Islamic 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 (Middle Eastern and Islamic 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.
Funding for the PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge is typically available through a variety of sources. The University of Cambridge offers a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries that support postgraduate research students. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore funding opportunities such as departmental scholarships, university-wide postgraduate awards, and external scholarships provided by government bodies, charitable organizations, and international institutions. Many students secure funding through the Research Councils, such as UKRI, which offer Doctoral Training Grants in relevant disciplines. Additionally, applicants affiliated with their home country or with specific regional research interests may be eligible for country-specific scholarships and fellowships. The university's Graduate Funding Office provides detailed information and guidance on all available financial aid options, application procedures, and deadlines. Applicants are advised to prepare comprehensive research proposals and demonstrate academic excellence to strengthen their funding applications. While some funding opportunities are competitive and merit-based, others may require specific eligibility criteria related to nationality, research topic, or academic record. It is important to apply early and ensure all supporting documentation is complete. In some cases, students are expected to supplement secured funding with teaching assistantships or research assistant positions within the department. The university also provides guidance on external funding sources which can complement internal awards. Overall, financing a research degree at Cambridge involves a combination of university-administered scholarships, external grants, and personal or institutional sponsorship, ensuring that talented students receive the support needed to complete their studies successfully.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge is a highly specialized research program designed for students who wish to develop a deep understanding of the history, culture, language, and politics of the Middle East and Islamic world. This program provides an opportunity for rigorous academic study and independent research under the supervision of leading experts in the field. Typically lasting one year full-time, the MPhil offers a combination of taught elements and a substantial thesis component. Students are expected to engage extensively with primary and secondary sources, contribute to academic debates, and demonstrate proficiency in relevant languages, such as Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or others pertinent to their research focus. The curriculum is tailored to each student's interests, with specialization options that may include Islamic history, Middle Eastern politics, cultural studies, or linguistic analysis. Admission to the program requires a strong academic background in Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies, or related disciplines, along with evidence of research capability and language skills. The university provides excellent resources, including access to extensive libraries, archives, and research centers dedicated to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Graduates from this program often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, cultural organizations, or diplomatic services, contributing scholarly work and policy analysis related to the Middle East and Islamic world. The interdisciplinary nature of the program prepares students to contribute to a range of fields, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural competence. Overall, the program aims to produce scholars who are capable of conducting original research and contributing meaningful insights into one of the most historically rich and geopolitically significant regions of the world.