International Islamic University Malaysia

Quick Links

Master of Human Sciences (Middle East Studies)

The region often referred to as the "Middle East" is a region of strategic importance. It is the birthplace of the world's major religions. It was once occupied- albeit indirectly -by imperialist Europe. It housed the world's most strategic resource, oil. It is also a region undergoing transformation at varying degrees: from an oil-dependent economy to a more diversified economy; from authoritarianism to democracy. Malaysia's ties with the Middle East have existed for a long time

Malaysia has consistently kept a keen eye on the political development in the Middle East. She offered her cooperation when needed. In fact, its statesman, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was appointed the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), an organization that was established as a direct response to Israeli aggression in Palestine.

While Malaysians are fed with news and views of the Middle East, there is a noticeable dearth of local-bred expertise on issues in the Middle East. An academic course on Middle East Studies, therefore, would fill this vacuum. The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), through its Centre for Human Development and Applied Social Sciences (CERDAS), is offering a Master's programme in Middle East Studies. The international character of IIUM, with scholars who specialize in various academic disciplines and with knowledge of the region, will be ideal for prospective students to learn the complexities of the region and undertake research in a wide variety of academic interests related to the region.

Programme Description

Programme Structure:

The programme has 2 options, namely:.

Thesis option:

Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of course works and 16 credit hours for thesis

Non-Thesis option:

Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of course works and 10 credit hours for research paper.

A.Core Courses

The following two core courses are compulsory for both options (Thesis and Non-Thesis)

Course Description

1. Approaches and Methodological Issues on the Middle East Studies

2. Advanced Statistics and Research Methods

B. Elective Courses

1. Students opting for thesis have to take 24 credit hours (8 courses) from the

following elective courses.

2. Students opting for non-thesis have to take 30 credit hours (10 courses) from the

following elective courses.

Course Description

1. Colonialism, Nationalism and Revivalism in the Middle East

2. The Palestinian Issue

3. Religions in the Middle East

4. Women Studies in the Middle East

5. Social Change and Development in the Middle East

6. Politics in the Middle East

7. Political Economies of the Middle East

8. Foreign Policies of the Major Powers in the Middle East

9. Mass Media and the Middle East

10. Literature and Society in the Middle East

11 Literature and Society in the Middle East

12. Political Psychology in the Middle East

13. Economies of the Middle East

14. Democracy and Authoritarianism in the Middle East

15. Malaysian-Middle East Relations

16. International and Human Rights in the Middle East

Thesis/ Dissertation Writing for Thesis Option

The dissertation should be original and contribute to knowledge in the chosen area. Candidates should follow the rules and regulations concerning the preparation of a dissertation as prescribed by CERDAS and the University.

Research Paper Writing for Non-Thesis Option

Students opting for this option are required to write a research paper of at least 6000 words

Duration of Studies & Programme Schedule

The programme has three semesters in one (1) academic year

Minimum duration of studies is two (2) years

Maximum duration of studies is five (5) years

Classes: Sunday

Time: 8.30am - 5.00pm

Venue: Gombak Campus

Attachment	Size
MMES APPLICATION FORM.pdf	116.62 KB
MMES-prospectus.pdf	99.21 KB

Entry Requirements

A relevant Bachelor's degree with good grades from IIUM or any other accredited institution of higher learning, or other certificates that are recognized as equivalent to a bachelor's degree or relevant professional qualifications that are recognized by the Senate of the university.

Students must also demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency for admission into the programme.

Courses