UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · UNITED KINGDOM
MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
21 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 21 monthsProgram Duration
- Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, TurkishLanguage Options
- Beginner to AdvancedLanguage Level Accepted
- Oxford, UKLocation
- Full-time, on-campusAttendance Mode
The MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive two-year program designed for graduate students interested in the Middle East. This course provides rigorous training in a Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish), along with essential research methods and in-depth thematic study of the region. It caters to students at all language proficiency levels, including complete beginners, intermediate, and advanced speakers. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that blends intensive language acquisition with academic exploration of the Middle East across social science and humanities perspectives. The program emphasizes the development of strong research skills, culminating in a thesis. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including academia, diplomacy, journalism, business, and non-profit organizations, leveraging their specialized regional expertise and linguistic capabilities. This MPhil offers a unique opportunity to study at one of the world's leading universities, benefiting from world-class resources, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community focused on Middle Eastern affairs. The Middle East Centre (MEC) provides a hub for seminars, lectures, and extensive library collections, enriching the learning experience.
Curriculum
The MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies is structured over two years (six terms), combining intensive language training, core research methods, and chosen option modules, culminating in a thesis.
- Year 1
- Qualitative Research Methods for Modern Middle Eastern Studies
- Intensive Middle Eastern Language Training (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish)
- Tutorials for Option 1 (towards final examination)
- Tutorials for Option 2 (towards final examination)
- Year 2
- Intensive Middle Eastern Language Training (continued)
- Tutorials for Option 3 (towards final examination)
- MPhil Research Seminar
- Thesis Preparation and Writing
Careers
Graduates of Asian and Middle Eastern studies programs from Oxford pursue diverse career paths, equipped with specialized knowledge and language skills highly valued across various sectors.
- Business
- Finance
- Law
- Civil Service
- Journalism
- Government
- Industry
- Academia
- Education
- Museums
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies program structure and duration?
- The MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies is a full-time, on-campus program lasting 21 months. It combines intensive language training, research methods, option modules, and culminates in a thesis.
- What languages can I study in this program?
- You can choose to study Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish. The program accepts students at all language proficiency levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.
- What are the estimated living costs for graduate students?
- Estimated annual living costs for a single graduate student in Oxford for 2025-26 are between £17,100 and £24,420. This estimate covers food, accommodation, personal items, and study expenses, but excludes travel and visa fees.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Information on international tuition fees for 2026-27 is not provided here; please refer to the University of Oxford's official graduate admissions fees page for the most up-to-date information.
- How do I apply for the MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies?
- Applications are submitted online through the University's graduate admissions portal. You will need to prepare academic transcripts, English language test results, a personal statement, and references. For 2026-27 entry, applications are now closed; register for email updates for 2027-28 entry.
- What career paths are available for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, diplomacy, journalism, business, and non-profit organizations, leveraging their specialized regional expertise and linguistic capabilities.
Entry requirements
University's English Language RequirementsHigher level required
Students are accepted as complete beginners in a Middle Eastern language or at intermediate/advanced levels. If you have research-level proficiency in one language, you must take a different one.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on international tuition fees for 2026-27 is not provided in the source material. Please refer to the university's official graduate admissions fees page for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition (home)Information on home/domestic tuition fees for 2026-27 is not provided in the source material. Please refer to the university's official graduate admissions fees page for the most up-to-date information.
LivingEstimated annual living costs for a single graduate student in Oxford for 2025-26 are between £17,100 and £24,420 (for 12 months). This estimate includes food, accommodation (with utilities), personal items, social activities, study costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. These figures are based on a survey and existing expenditure data.
Living costs are estimates and can vary based on individual lifestyle. Additional costs such as travel to/from Oxford, fieldwork, and for international students, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, are not included in these estimates. The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid upfront for the entire visa duration.
How to apply
1. Find your courseBrowse the complete list of postgraduate courses and select the MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies.
2. Prepare your applicationGather all necessary documents including academic transcripts, English language test results, personal statement, and references. Ensure you meet the specific entry requirements for the course and English language proficiency.
3. Apply onlineSubmit your application through the University's graduate admissions portal. Pay attention to specific application deadlines for your chosen intake year. For the MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies, applications for 2026-27 entry are closed; interested students should register for email updates for 2027-28 entry.
4. College Choice (Optional but Recommended)When applying, you can specify a college preference. For New College graduate awards, you must specify New College as your first choice. If no college is specified, one will be allocated to you.
Scholarships
New College Graduate AwardsGenerous college awards
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies program structure and duration?
+
The MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies is a full-time, on-campus program lasting 21 months. It combines intensive language training, research methods, option modules, and culminates in a thesis.
What languages can I study in this program?
+
You can choose to study Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish. The program accepts students at all language proficiency levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.
What are the estimated living costs for graduate students?
+
Estimated annual living costs for a single graduate student in Oxford for 2025-26 are between £17,100 and £24,420. This estimate covers food, accommodation, personal items, and study expenses, but excludes travel and visa fees.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Information on international tuition fees for 2026-27 is not provided here; please refer to the University of Oxford's official graduate admissions fees page for the most up-to-date information.
How do I apply for the MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies?
+
Applications are submitted online through the University's graduate admissions portal. You will need to prepare academic transcripts, English language test results, a personal statement, and references. For 2026-27 entry, applications are now closed; register for email updates for 2027-28 entry.
What career paths are available for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, diplomacy, journalism, business, and non-profit organizations, leveraging their specialized regional expertise and linguistic capabilities.