Elite Master's Programme Cultural Studies of the Middle East

This modularised MA program focuses on diversity and historical change in the cultures of the Middle East. It is Germany’s first elite course of study in this field. This program offers a new and challenging approach to talented and highly motivated students – going far beyond common language frontiers and transcending single-discipline perspectives.

The variety of specialisations in the field of Oriental Studies makes this program unique in Germany.  Students will encounter theoretical concepts and conduct research on a highly advanced academic level: They will enhance their language skills, cooperate in interdisciplinary seminars, and organise cross-disciplinary workshops. They will benefit from visiting fellows of international renown. Our graduates will be able to communicate in academic settings and professionally conduct excellent, interdisciplinary research – skills essential for continuing on at the PhD level. This master’s program is sponsored by the Bavarian Elite Network. 

In addition to consolidating and expanding their language skills (Arabic, Persian, Turkish or Hebrew), students can choose from five profile areas: History, Art and Archaeology, Religion, Language and Literature, Linguistics. The professors of the nine participating chairs, seven of them in Bamberg alone, stand behind this course of study with their teaching and research profile: General Linguistics, Arabic Studies, Iranian Studies, Islamic Art and Archaeology, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies and Turkology. At the University of Erlangen is the Chair of Arabic and Semitic Studies responsible for the joint Master's programme. An additional guest professorship of the course is filled for one year by internationally renowned scholars.

Students apply and enrol at the University of Bamberg and benefit from the courses offered by both universities.