International Relations and Politics of the Middle East

The compulsory modules will give you the opportunity to:

• gain an advanced understanding of the issues of security, economy and society across the Middle East
• undertake a comprehensive analysis of the ever-changing dynamics of this complex region
• examine the pressing contemporary issues facing the Middle East
• gain an insight into the internal dimensions of the region and their links with regional and extra-regional relations
• study in-depth the ongoing peace negotiations in Israel-Palestine.

You’ll also be able to hone your research and writing skills in your compulsory dissertation – an independent piece of research on your chosen topic.

The wide-ranging list of optional modules means that you can explore a diverse range of related subjects of interest to you.

In semester one you will study Contemporary Politics of the Middle East and in semester two you will study The Politics of the Israel-Palestine Conflict, along with your chosen optional modules.

If you’re a part-time student, you’ll take one compulsory module and study some optional modules in your first year. You’ll then take the second compulsory module, the dissertation module and other optional modules in your second year to complete your programme.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Contemporary Politics of the Middle East 30 credits
• The Politics of the Israel-Palestine Conflict 30 credits
• POLIS MA Dissertation 60 credits

Optional modules

• Debating the Middle East: Islam, Politics and Culture 30 credits
• Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance 30 credits
• Insurgency 15 credits
• Policing Post-Conflict Cities 15 credits
• Terrorism 15 credits
• Counterterrorism 30 credits
• Civil War and Intrastate Conflict 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read International Relations and Politics of the Middle East MA Full Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Teaching is through a combination of lectures, lively seminar discussions and weekly readings. We expect you to participate fully in taught sessions and to study independently, developing your skills and preparing for lectures and seminars. You’ll also be able to benefit from an impressive range of research talks and seminars led by outside speakers or colleagues from within the department and University.

Assessment

Within modules, assessment consists of a mixture of essays, exams and group presentations. At the end of your studies, a 12,000 word dissertation will allow you to pursue your own research interest under close supervision by one of our expert colleagues.