Master Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies

The Master's programme provides in-depth subject-specific, linguistic and methodological skills for analysing historical and contemporary developments in the Middle East and Muslim societies. The programme combines research-oriented teaching, intensive language practice and application-oriented skills.

Global interdependencies, digital transformations and complex social debates shape the present and repeatedly bring the Middle East and North Africa into the focus of public and academic attention. Political dynamics, migration, conflicts, social inequalities, religious diversity and ecological challenges call for well-founded, differentiated analyses. In order to place such developments in their historical context and to understand current processes appropriately, in-depth specialist knowledge, a high level of language competence and the ability to critically reflect on complex social contexts are required.

The Master's programme in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies at the University of Bern builds on these foundations and enables research-oriented specialisation. The programme focuses on independent work with sources in their original languages, in-depth examination of theoretical approaches, and analysis of historical and current developments in Islamic societies.

Languages play a key role in this: Arabic is systematically developed as a working and research language in the Master's programme and actively applied in project-oriented formats. In addition, students deepen their knowledge of another language relevant to the region. This enables a change of perspective and opens up differentiated approaches to internal social perspectives.

In addition, the Master's programme strengthens practice-oriented skills in areas such as project management, science communication, problem-oriented work and reflective use of digital tools – including the critical integration of AI-supported methods. The programme thus qualifies students for both academic careers and demanding positions in international, cultural, media or political contexts.


Master Islamwissenschaft und Orientalische Literatur
Basic information
Degree:

Master of Arts in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies, Universität Bern 
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies 90 ECTS credits

 

Offer for other degree programs:

  • Minor Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies 30 ECTS credits
Combination possibilities:

several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: German and English
Beginning studies:

Fall semester and, with a BA in Middle Eastern and Muslim Societies from the University of Bern, also in the spring semester

Details of program

A central component of the program are the specialization and reflection modules, in which theoretical approaches and empirical findings are critically discussed and applied to specific issues. The courses are closely linked to ongoing research projects and promote independent academic work.

A unique feature of the Master's program is the consistent use of Arabic as the working and research language at an advanced level, which is unique in Switzerland and rare internationally in this curricular system. Students work continuously with Arabic-language sources and apply their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in a practical context.

Specialized teaching formats such as the Arabic Clinic and the Arabic Lab are directly integrated into the specialization modules. The modules Arabic as a Working Language and Arabic as a Research Language (Multaqā) also promote continuous language practice and project-oriented work with original sources. In addition, it is possible to obtain standardized language certificates (A1–B2) in cooperation with external partner institutions.

In addition, students deepen their knowledge of another language relevant to the region. This enables new perspectives and opens differentiated approaches to social contexts.

Practice-oriented modules promote skills in the areas of project management, science communication, event organization, problem-oriented work and the reflective use of digital tools, including the critical use of AI-supported methods. This prepares students specifically for professional activities in science, media, cultural institutions, international organizations or in an interdisciplinary project context.

A stay abroad is highly recommended in order to deepen your knowledge of the languages of the MENA region and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts. The Institute has several partnerships with universities in the region. Information on partner institutions and mobility opportunities can be found on the Institute's website under ‘Mobility’.

Scheme of program

Combination possibilities

The Master program in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits.

Any subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern can be chosen as a minor. However, students are not permitted to have a major and minor in the same branch of study.

To complete a minor at another Swiss university, students must submit a written request for permission to the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Humanities.

Structure
Major ECTS Minor ECTS
90  30        

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Islamic Studies and Oriental Literatures (major):

a) Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university with a major in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
b) Knowledge gained through 75 ECTS credits earned in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies is required for admission to the major study program, of which up to 30 ECTS credits can be made up retrospectively. The institute defines the content of the coursework required. Knowledge and skills that were not acquired during the completed bachelor's degree program may also be stipulated as admission requirements.
c) Knowledge gained through 60 ECTS credits in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies is required for admission to the minor study program, of which up to 30 ECTS credits can be made up retrospectively. The institute defines the content of the coursework required. Knowledge and skills that were not acquired during the completed bachelor's degree program may also be stipulated as admission requirements.
d) Students with bachelor's degree from other branches of study can be admitted to the Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies master's degree program (90 ECTS credits or 30 ECTS credits) upon request. In this case, either conditions (to be completed before the start of the master's degree program) or admission requirements (to be completed during the master’s degree program) may be stipulated (e.g. fulfilling the language requirement). Admission is not subject to a fixed set of rules and is determined on a case-by-case basis instead.

Additional coursework may be required if the bachelor’s degree was completed more than ten years ago.

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts in Middle East and Muslim Societies

from other Universities

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in s in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

After completion of the Master's degree

Graduates of the Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies program work in academia, international organizations, the diplomatic service, the media, cultural and educational institutions, civil society and public institutions, as well as in economic and security policy fields. In addition, language-related professions such as translation, editing or scientific analysis are open to them.