Overview

Programme structure

The first semester begins with a profile course introducing you to the main themes and issues of the programme. This is followed by a course in research methods.

• SIMP45: Introduction to Middle Eastern Studies, 15 credits (first half of the first semester)
• SIMM51: The Social Scientific Research Design and Process, 15 credits (second half of the first semester)

The second semester begins with another profile course directly related to the main theme of the programme. Through the profile course students further increase their understanding and knowledge of the Middle East through a deeper comprehension of theories and current research. The second profile course is followed by a course in theory of science and a course in research methods.

• SIMP46: Middle Eastern Studies: Theory and Society, 15 credits (first half of the second semester)
• Courses in the theory of sciences/research methods, 15 credits (second half of the second semester)

The third semester consists of optional courses (15 credits) as well as mandatory thematic courses within Middle Eastern Studies (15 credits). 

The optional course(s) can be taken at Graduate School (fieldwork, internship or elective course offerings), at another department at Lund University or any other recognised university in Sweden or abroad. The courses are chosen after approval of the programme coordinator, and enable students to tailor the programme to suit their particular interests. 

The mandatory, thematic courses include a range of Graduate School courses within the main field of study (Middle Eastern Studies), where students will have the opportunity to select two of four 7.5 credit courses. 

Students admitted to exchange studies for a full semester (30 credits) need to find the equivalent of at least 15 credits within the main field of study at the host university.

Read more about the third term here.

During the fourth and last semester you will complete the programme with a written thesis, which provides the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of theories, methods and argumentation. 

• Master’s Thesis in the student´s major social science discipline, 30 credits (the fourth semester)

This is a full-time programme, and the workload is equivalent to about 40 hours a week on average (including lectures and seminars).