International Relations of the Middle East MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: International Relations of the Middle East
This programme offers an advanced theoretical and empirical understanding of the international relations of the Middle East, exploring and applying several theoretical models:
- realism
- constructivism
- historical sociology
- structuralism
You will develop an in-depth understanding of the main historical events, processes and actors that have shaped and continue to shape the political dynamics of the Middle East.
Specialised knowledge about the region will be delivered by our academic staff, whose research covers a variety of topics including:
- the politics of Islam
- oil
- the Arab-Israeli conflict
- the Arab Spring
- the politics and theories of the state
- the politics of human rights
- international law
As well as placing the region in broader analytical, conceptual and theoretical debates of international relations and the social sciences, we also aim to foster knowledge of Middle East international relations by examining:
- local cultures
- histories
- languages
- religions
You will acquire a strong understanding of theoretical and conceptual tools required to understand Middle East international relations.
The programme will be delivered through lectures, seminars, group work and guided independent study.
You will complete two compulsory courses and four option courses, after which you will work towards an independently researched dissertation.
Core courses
The compulsory courses are:
- The Middle East in International Relations
Either:
- International Relations Theory
- International Security
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2022/23 | |
MSc | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2022/23 |
This degree prepares you to have a specialized knowledge of the region and of International Relations that allows you to pursue careers in:
- international development
- research centres
- foreign service
- journalism
Our graduates also built on the skills that they acquired in this programme to pursue further academic training in doctoral programmes.
These entry requirements are for the 2022/23 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2023/24 academic year will be published on 3 October 2022.
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
(*Revised 17 November 2021 to add accepted PTE Academic qualifications.)
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Application fee
A non-refundable application fee of £50 must be paid after you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until we have received your application fee.
Living costs
You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.
Tuition fees
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees | |
MSc | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your residency status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 1560
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Nida Alahmad
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 1368
- Contact: nalahmad@ed.ac.uk
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LD
- Programme: International Relations of the Middle East
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc International Relations of the Middle East - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc International Relations of the Middle East - 2 Years (Part-time)
Programme start date | Application deadline |
---|---|
12 September 2022 | 4 July 2022 |
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
References are not usually required for applications to this programme.
Application fee
A non-refundable application fee of £50 must be paid after you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until we have received your application fee.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 1560
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director, Dr Nida Alahmad
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 1368
- Contact: nalahmad@ed.ac.uk
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LD
- Programme: International Relations of the Middle East
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences