Middle Eastern Studies

The Middle Eastern Studies program at Tel Aviv University offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the history, culture, politics, and societies of the Middle East region. Designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of one of the most historically complex and geopolitically significant areas of the world, this program provides a multidisciplinary approach combining history, political science, sociology, anthropology, literature, and cultural studies. Throughout their studies, students will examine the development of Middle Eastern civilizations, the dynamics of modern state formation, conflicts, and diplomacy, as well as the rich cultural and religious diversity of the region. The curriculum includes courses on Arab, Jewish, Persian, Turkish, and other Middle Eastern societies, allowing students to analyze the social and political issues unique to each community and their interactions. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, original research, and engagement with primary sources. Students will also have opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in seminars led by scholars and experts. The program aims to equip graduates with a nuanced understanding of regional issues, fostering analytical skills and cultural literacy that are valuable for careers in academia, journalism, diplomacy, international organizations, and public policy. Graduates will be prepared to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern affairs with insight and sensitivity, contributing meaningfully to academic discourse and practical solutions. Ultimately, the program seeks to enhance students’ awareness of the region’s role in global affairs and promote a balanced and informed perspective on the Middle Eastern landscape.

• FOUNDATIONS FOR THE ADVANCED STUDY OF THE HISTORY OF ISLAM AND MODERN MUSLIM SOCIETIES
• ISLAM AND THE WEST
• SELECTED TOPICS IN THE MODERN HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST
• INT. TO STANDARD AND COLLOQUIAL ARABIC
• GLOBALIZATION, MEDIA AND CIVIL SOCIETY: THE STRUGGLE OVER THE ISLAMIC MESSAGE
• DEMOGRAPHY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIN THE MIDDLE EAST
• BETWEEN UNITY AND DIVISION: THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE ARAB STATE SYSTEM
• IRAN FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL REVOLUTION TO THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC
• BETWEEN CIVIL SOCIETY AND CIVIL WAR: COMMUNITIES & CULTURES IN IRAQ, SYRIA & LEBANON
• A HISTORY OF MODERN ISRAEL: CHALLENGES& REALITIES
• NORTH AFRICAN STATES
• HISTORY & HISTORIOGRAPHY: THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT 
• MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGIES SEMINAR
• THE REVIVAL OF SECTARIANISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST
• CONTEMPORARY MIDDLE EAST WORKSHOP 
• INTERMEDIATE STANDARD AND COLLOQUIAL ARABIC

Requirements

• Copy of bachelor’s degree diploma
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions you have attended. General GPA requirement of 80 on a scale of 100, 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, or C on the ECTS scale. These are approximate and candidates with other strengths are also encouraged to apply. If your transcripts are not written in English, you will need to acquire a translated copy which will need to be notarized for authenticity.
• Two letters of recommendation, from academic and/or professional sources
• Personal essay
• This personal essay must be up to three pages in length, and should include your interest in pursuing the M.A. Program in Middle Eastern Studies; how the program fits into your overall professional growth; and how you will contribute to the program and class dynamics.
• Resume/CV
• Your TOEFL or IELTS exam scores, if your native language is not English or your previous academic degree was not taught in English.
• Minimum TOEFL requirements: 573 on the paper based test; 230 on the computer based test; and 89 on the internet based test. The University's Code is 7704.
• Minimum IELTS requirements: Overall Band Score of 7.0.
• $100 USD application fee, payable by credit card or bank transfer.
• One passport sized photo
• A Health Declaration (to be filled out by the applicant) and a Medical Form (to be filled out by a licensed doctor). Both forms are not mandatory while an applicant's file is marked as 'Under Review,' but are highly suggested to be sent in as soon as possible.

Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships
• Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarships

The Middle Eastern Studies program at Tel Aviv University offers students an in-depth exploration of the historical, political, cultural, and social aspects of the Middle East. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's complex dynamics and its significance in global affairs. The curriculum includes courses on Middle Eastern history, politics, languages, religions, and societies, allowing students to develop a nuanced perspective of the region. Students have the opportunity to engage with both theoretical frameworks and empirical research, supported by faculty who are experts in Middle Eastern studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions within Middle Eastern societies. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and fieldwork, students can explore topics such as Arab-Israeli relations, regional conflicts, social movements, and economic development. The program also encourages language acquisition in Hebrew, Arabic, and other regional languages to facilitate direct engagement with primary sources and local communities. Graduates of the Middle Eastern Studies program are equipped for careers in academia, diplomacy, journalism, international organizations, and research institutes. The program benefits from Tel Aviv University's strategic location, offering access to a vibrant, multicultural city and numerous regional institutions. Overall, the program aims to produce well-informed, critically minded experts capable of analyzing and addressing the regional and global challenges related to the Middle East.