MA in Politik und Gesellschaft des zeitgenössischen Nahen Ostens

This interdisciplinary Master’s Programme aims to develop in students deep social-scientific knowledge about the Middle East of today. It trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that students will learn how to apply various theories and research methodologies to study the societies, politics, and contemporary history of countries in the region and their populations both at home and in the diaspora. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugees, legal, political, social, and economic conditions, as well as cultural and gender constructs.

The programme uses a comprehensive definition of the Middle East and North Africa region to include some of the members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories, and Turkey.

The programme offers a combination of compulsory and elective courses. It emphasises the students’ development through supervision as well as contact with the research network to which the programme offers links. The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.

Lund University – Sweden's Top-Ranked University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and has 40 000 students and 8 000 employees. It offers more than 130 Master’s programmes and 10 Bachelor’s programmes taught in English .

Lund is Sweden’s most attractive study destination. The University offers one of the broadest ranges of programmes and courses in Scandinavia, based on cross-disciplinary and cutting-edge research. A degree from Lund University is a hallmark of quality both in Sweden and abroad.

Subject areas

Our nine faculties and many specialised research centres offer education in the following subject areas:

• Architecture & Design
• Area Studies
• Business, Economics & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Humanities & Languages
• Law
• Medicine & Health
• Science
• Service Management
• Social Sciences

Research

Lund is home to over 30 world-leading research environments and is home to two of Europe's largest materials research facilities: MAX IV (inaugurated in 2016) and ESS (to open in 2023). Lund University is also a member of the prestigious research-intensive university networks Universitas 21 (U21) , the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH).

Teaching style

Critical thinking and freedom of mind are the cornerstones of academic life at Lund University. A focus on group work in more informal, open class environments facilitates learning, creates a dialogue and helps generate new ideas.

Lund is an international meeting place for students and researchers alike. This creates global class environments where students gain new cultural perspectives and can develop their international networks, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Students in Lund are given excellent opportunities for business interaction . The city of Lund has a unique, world-class environment for technology, knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship and hosts an impressive breadth of international companies.

Student Life

Lund is the #1 choice for international students coming to Sweden and is considered the best student city in Sweden, with its unique combination of large social clubs (the historic 'nations'), student unions and the Academic Society creating a vibrant and active student life.

City of Lund

Located in southern Sweden, the city of Lund is just 10 minutes by train to Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, and only 35 minutes by train to Copenhagen Airport in Denmark.

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden, dating back to 990, Lund is a city of contrasts where over 1 000 years of history blend with modern knowledge and ideas. In Lund, you find the charm of a small, picturesque, cobble-stoned city, side-by-side with big city attractions such as services, shopping, restaurants and cultural events. Lund is also home to major international companies such as Sony Mobile, Tetra Pak, Ericsson, Alfa Laval and Gambro.

English is widely spoken in Sweden and Lund (90% of Swedes are fluent) , meaning that you can experience a unique European culture without experiencing a language barrier.

Learn more about Lund University

For more information, please visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se

For more information, please visit You can also ask questions via our web form at lunduniversity.lu.se/degree-studies or find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. You can also listen to Lund University International Podcast!