Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society

The M.A. in “Comparative & Middle East Politics and Society” (CMEPS) is a two-year joint master’s program offered by the University of Tübingen and the American University in Cairo (AUC). It provides in-depth knowledge of the political and societal developments in the Middle East as well as analytical tools for understanding this region’s complex dynamics and challenges.

The focal point of the degree program is the relationship between societies and states in the MENA region, as well as the dynamics of social and political transformation. Key topics are Comparative Politics of the Middle East, development politics and international cooperation, and issues of regime change and democratization. Students can also choose from a range of elective modules, concentrating, for example, on International Political Economy, Peace and Conflict Resolution, or on issues in the culture and civil societies of the Middle East. Depending on their first degree, students of the CMEPS program will also take courses in either Political Science methods or basic Arabic during their first year. Irrespective of their first degree, by the end of their studies CMEPS students will have a unique profile which combines an advanced knowledge of Comparative Politics with a strong specialization in the politics, society, cultures, and language of the Arab Middle East. To promote the link between theory and practice, study trips to international organizations and development agencies as well as to important political and cultural institutions of the respective host country are included in the program.

You are eligible to study in the CMEPS program if you hold a B.A. degree or equivalent

- in Political Science, International Relations or a related social science, or

- in Middle East Studies, Islamic Studies, or a related discipline.

You also need to provide evidence of your proficiency in English, e.g. through TOEFL (scores: at least 90), IELTS (at least 6.5), a similar certificate, or through having graduated from an English-language university.

Professional fields

CMEPS graduates will have excellent job opportunities for academic and non-academic careers in either country. They will be qualified to work at leading universities or in governmental or private research institutions. The focus on Middle East politics and societal issues provides an excellent foundation for a career in German and international institutions concerned with development cooperation or diplomacy, NGOs, Political Foundations and Think Tanks.