Programme structure
The course of study consists of a total of 120 ECTS credits.
Please note that there will be changes in the program structure for students admitted to the program from the fall semester 2021 and onwards.
Recommended course of study
| 4. semester | MES4590 – Master Thesis in Middle East Studies | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. semester |
or and or Semester abroad |
||
| 2. semester | Elective course | Elective course | MES4010 – Critical Literature Review in Middle East Studies |
| 1. semester | MES4000 – Theory, Methodology and Project Description in Middle East- and South Asia Studies | MES4110 – Readings of Middle Eastern Texts | |
| 10 credits | 10 credits | 10 credits | |
The first two semesters builds the methodological and theoretical basis for independent work on your master's thesis.
First semester
Compulsory courses
- MES4000 – Theory, Methodology and Project Description in Middle East- and South Asia Studies
- MES4110 – Readings of Middle Eastern Texts
Second semester
The student must choose three of the following courses:
Spring 2021 we strongly recommend MES4010 – Critical Literature Review in Middle East Studies
- MES4500 – Topics in Middle East Politics and Society I
- MES4520 – Topics in Middle East Politics and Society II
- MES4560 – Topics in Islamic Studies II (discontinued) (the course will not be offered spring 2021)
- MES4210 – Topics in Arabic Studies I
- MES4230 – Topics in Persian Studies I
- MES4270 – Topics in Turkish Studies I
- MES4010 – Critical Literature Review in Middle East Studies
- REL4020 – Religion and Politics (continued)
- KOS4020 – Conference participation and presentation
- KOS4030 – Work as a research assistant
It is possible to apply for recognition of 10 credits taken in other subjects when these can be seen as relevant for the candidate’s subject area for the dissertation. Contact the student advisor for more information.
Third semester - thesis preparation
Choose one of the following 30 credit options:
- AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East
- MES4020 – Fieldwork in the Middle East
MES4610 – Voices from the Middle East: How to Communicate Research Results - Semester abroad
Students should begin to reflect on a topic for their master thesis from day one. In the two last semesters (except if abroad), participation in monthly seminars for thesis writing is obligatory. All students are provided with a mentor at the beginning of the first semester and a thesis supervisor at the beginning of the second semester.
Fourth semester - thesis
The thesis is to be an individual research work. It should normally be written on a topic chosen in cooperation with the supervisor. The thesis is normally written in English, alternatively in a Scandinavian language. Sources in Middle East languages should constitute at least 1/5 of the source material used.
Practical information for Master students at IKOS
On the department's web site you will find important information and relevant links for Master students at IKOS, especially concerning the Master's thesis.
Diploma and degree
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.