Overview

The Middle Eastern Studies MA programme at Leiden University can help turn you into an authority on what has been for many years - and will continue to be for the foreseeable future - a region of constant political, ethnic and religious upheaval.

Learning from renowned, internationally respected academics, you will delve into a wide range of relevant and contemporary topics. These can include the history, cultures and languages of Turkey, Persia and Israel, about Islam and all things Arabic, as well as international relations and the political economy of the Middle East.

Leiden University has one of the largest Middle Eastern Studies research and teaching faculties in Europe. The work of our teaching faculty and researchers is widely respected all over the world. Thanks to our partnership network we can offer you the opportunity to study at a university in the Middle East and immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture.

Some of the many good reasons to choose this programme

This is a highly flexible programme that allows you to focus on your own specific area of interest.

Leiden University has one of the largest Middle Eastern Studies research and teaching faculties in Europe.

The work of our teaching faculty and researchers is widely respected all over the world.

Thanks to our partnership network we can offer you the opportunity to study at a university in the Middle East and immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture.

Check the entry requirements

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Constructing Digital Language Toolkits
From Inkwell to Internet: Text and Transmission in the Muslim World
International Relations of the Middle East and Asia (IRMEA)
Literature and Politics in the Persian-speaking World
Material Culture, Memory and Commemoration along the Silk Roads in Central Asia
Modern Muslim Qur'an Interpretation
Narratives That Matter: Literature, Film and Television Drama in the Middle East
Oil, Waste and Water: Environmental Issues in the Middle East and North Africa
Pilgrimage and Holy Places
Religion Law and Society: the Case of Sharia in the West
The Middle East in the International Political Economy
Themes in Arabic Literature: Bandits and Outlaws

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-02-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

7

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Leiden, Netherlands

Disciplines

Islamic Studies View 5 other Masters in Islamic Studies in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

7

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

The following diploma requirements apply for this programme:

A bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university (in the specialisation):
Middle Eastern Studies;
A bachelor’s degree in the field of the specialisation of the relevant programme(s) BA Arabic Language and Culture, BA Hebrew Language and Culture, BA Religious Studies with a specialisation Islam Studies provided the student has at least 30 EC of courses on the cultures, histories, literatures, politics, and religions of the Middle East;
Completed the pre-Master's / bridging programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Leiden University and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

21600 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 21600 EUR per year during 12 months.
EU/EEA

2601 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2601 EUR per year during 12 months.

Living costs for Leiden

850 - 1250 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Middle Eastern Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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