Politics and Society of the Contemporary Middle East
Source: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/politics-and-society-of-the-contemporary-middle-east-master-of-science-programme-SAMSE Parent: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/study-opportunities-lund-university/masters-degree-studies
Master's programme • 2 years • 120 credits
Are you interested in the current social and political issues in the Middle East? Gain deep insights into the regions social, political, and cultural landscapes with this interdisciplinary programme.
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
- Overview
- Teaching and learning
- Career prospects
Overview
This programme provides you with a deep scientific knowledge of the Middle East of today. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that you will learn how to apply various theories and research methods to current events and debates in and about the region. You will study the populations, societies, politics and recent history of these countries. You will learn about the various factors that shape the Middle East. This includes topics like political systems, social and economic conditions, role of religion, nationalism, authoritarianism, activism, cultural and gender issues, to name a few.
Teaching and learning
The medium of instruction is English, and you will complete examinations and the master's thesis in English. Our teaching methods are closely connected to ongoing research in Middle Eastern Studies, combining lectures, seminars, and personalised supervision. The programme emphasises practical experience. You will do independent fieldwork and academic peer review.
Experience the opportunities in Lund
Lund University provides a vibrant environment where you have the opportunity to participate in activities beyond your program, for example, attend seminars and cultural events at the Center of Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES), learn Arabic and other languages spoken in the Middle East.
Campus Paradis: a central study environment in Lund
Campus Paradis is where most of Lund University's social science programmes are taught. The campus is centrally located in Lund, in a historic neighborhood. Many of the buildings here were formerly hospitals, which is why they have been given names such as Gamla kirurgen (Old Surgery) and Gamla barnsjukhuset (Old Children's Hospital). The buildings were constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries and are valuable from a cultural and historical perspective, giving the area a unique character.
Another thing that distinguishes Campus Paradis from other parts of Lund University is the proximity between different study environments, libraries, and cafés, all surrounded by lush greenery and pleasant outdoor areas. In the area, you will find the Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB), where you can borrow course literature and find a quiet place to study. Next to Sambib is Micrologen, where you can easily heat up your own lunch box. On campus, you will also find Samvetet, where the student union for social scientists is located. There are two cafés here: Café Eden and Karnas café. Here you can have a coffee, eat lunch, or take a break between lectures. Since Campus Paradis is centrally located in Lund, you are also close to restaurants, other cafés, and the central station.
Career prospects
Degree
After completing the programme, you will acquire a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Middle Eastern Studies.
Career
After your studies you will be able to get a professional career in areas such as:
- diplomacy
- aid and development work
- work linked to migration, integration and societal development
- educational, journalistic and cultural work with a connection to the Middle Eastern and diasporic contexts.
The programme also provides a good basis for third-cycle studies if you are interested in an academic career.
- Dates
- Requirements and selection
- Tuition fees
- Scholarships and funding
Dates
Autumn Semester 2026
Closed for applications.
Lund - Full time 100%
Apply now
Start
28 August 2026
28 Aug 2026
End
4 June 2028
4 Jun 2028
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
Apply now
Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes
Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.
Requirements and selection
Prerequisites
To be eligible for the programme the applicant must have the equivalent of a Swedish Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in a Social Sciences discipline or in History, Economic History, Economic Development, Area Studies, or equivalent. A good command of English language both spoken and written, equivalent to English B/6 (advanced) proficiency in the Swedish secondary system, is required. Equivalence assessments will be made according to national guidelines.
Selection criteria
The applicant’s estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. Students are selected on the basis of their previous study results (grades on courses and thesis in the Bachelor’s degree), proficiency in English and a statement of purpose.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \ semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000 \ First payment: SEK 67,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Scholarships and funding
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
Overview
This programme provides you with a deep scientific knowledge of the Middle East of today. The social-scientific focus of the programme means that you will learn how to apply various theories and research methods to current events and debates in and about the region. You will study the populations, societies, politics and recent history of these countries. You will learn about the various factors that shape the Middle East. This includes topics like political systems, social and economic conditions, role of religion, nationalism, authoritarianism, activism, cultural and gender issues, to name a few.
Teaching and learning
The medium of instruction is English, and you will complete examinations and the master's thesis in English. Our teaching methods are closely connected to ongoing research in Middle Eastern Studies, combining lectures, seminars, and personalised supervision. The programme emphasises practical experience. You will do independent fieldwork and academic peer review.
Experience the opportunities in Lund
Lund University provides a vibrant environment where you have the opportunity to participate in activities beyond your program, for example, attend seminars and cultural events at the Center of Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES), learn Arabic and other languages spoken in the Middle East.
Campus Paradis: a central study environment in Lund
Campus Paradis is where most of Lund University's social science programmes are taught. The campus is centrally located in Lund, in a historic neighborhood. Many of the buildings here were formerly hospitals, which is why they have been given names such as Gamla kirurgen (Old Surgery) and Gamla barnsjukhuset (Old Children's Hospital). The buildings were constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries and are valuable from a cultural and historical perspective, giving the area a unique character.
Another thing that distinguishes Campus Paradis from other parts of Lund University is the proximity between different study environments, libraries, and cafés, all surrounded by lush greenery and pleasant outdoor areas. In the area, you will find the Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB), where you can borrow course literature and find a quiet place to study. Next to Sambib is Micrologen, where you can easily heat up your own lunch box. On campus, you will also find Samvetet, where the student union for social scientists is located. There are two cafés here: Café Eden and Karnas café. Here you can have a coffee, eat lunch, or take a break between lectures. Since Campus Paradis is centrally located in Lund, you are also close to restaurants, other cafés, and the central station.
Career prospects
Degree
After completing the programme, you will acquire a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Middle Eastern Studies.
Career
After your studies you will be able to get a professional career in areas such as:
- diplomacy
- aid and development work
- work linked to migration, integration and societal development
- educational, journalistic and cultural work with a connection to the Middle Eastern and diasporic contexts.
The programme also provides a good basis for third-cycle studies if you are interested in an academic career.
Dates
Autumn Semester 2026
Closed for applications.
Lund - Full time 100%
Apply now
Start
28 August 2026
28 Aug 2026
End
4 June 2028
4 Jun 2028
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
Apply now
Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes
Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.
Requirements and selection
Prerequisites
To be eligible for the programme the applicant must have the equivalent of a Swedish Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in a Social Sciences discipline or in History, Economic History, Economic Development, Area Studies, or equivalent. A good command of English language both spoken and written, equivalent to English B/6 (advanced) proficiency in the Swedish secondary system, is required. Equivalence assessments will be made according to national guidelines.
Selection criteria
The applicant’s estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. Students are selected on the basis of their previous study results (grades on courses and thesis in the Bachelor’s degree), proficiency in English and a statement of purpose.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \ semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000 \ First payment: SEK 67,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Scholarships and funding
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
Testimonials
Student portrait
"If you're interested in the dynamics of the contemporary Middle East, it is definitely for you!" ->
Student portrait
”I’m learning from some of the best minds in the field” ->
Contact us
Administration
Graduate school
Email: master@sam.lu.se