Middle Eastern Studies: Arabic Studies
Universiteit Leiden

Deze opleiding
! | Deze opleiding communiceert alleen in het Engels. We tonen daarom de Engelstalige opleidingsinformatie. |
Designed by leading faculty in the field, the Master's in Arabic Studies at Leiden University explores the language, literature, history and cultures of the Arab world.
Leiden University has the largest department in Arabic Studies in the Netherlands and a reputation that is unmatched in Europe.
Expect a programme that delivers the best in academic skills and knowledge across a wide spectrum of topics. Unified around the dual themes of unity and diversity and continuity and change, teaching and research guidance is given on topics ranging from the birth of Islam and the medieval world of 1001 Nights, to the modern-day cultures of the Middle East, North Africa and South East Asia.
Key features of the programme include academic rigor, an emphasis on linguistic immersion, and practical experience. You have the opportunity to study courses at other universities, including at our partner universities in Cairo and Rabat, and the University of Amsterdam.
Leiden University's Humanities Faculty was recently ranked 17th in the Times Higher Education worldwide ranking.
printprint
locatieLeiden | |
diplomaMA Midden-Oosten Studies | |
typeregulier, 60 EC | |
start1 februari, 1 september | |
taalvolledig English | |
opleidingsduur12 maanden voltijd | |
accreditatiesNVAO | |
croho-code60842 | |
heeft geen numerus fixus heeft een honours programma |
Waarom aan de Universiteit Leiden?
- Leiden University's Humanities Faculty recently ranked number one in Europe and 17th in the world in the Times Higher Education worldwide ranking. You learn from Leiden's top scholars, as well as experts from our extensive international network. You also have the possibility of studying at institutions and universities in the Middle East itself.
- Leiden University has one of the largest research and teaching departments in the field of Middle Eastern Studies. Our Master's in Middle Eastern Studies covers virtually the entire Middle East both in time and in geography, offering students a rare educational opportunity. Access the unique resources of Leiden University's world-famous library.
- All Master's in Middle Eastern Studies give you the freedom to construct a personalised programme. Tailor your degree by opting for a particular disciplinary approach, geographic region, or historical period.
- Our reputation as a centre of excellence means that your qualification is respected by organisations worldwide. Our graduates enjoy successful careers thanks to their mix of relevant professional abilities, specialised and in-depth knowledge, and critical-thinking skills.
Open dagen en meeloopdagen
Studieprogramma

During your second semester you follow one course from the Arabic Studies programme at Leiden University. You also work on your master's thesis. Throughout this process you are guided by a thesis adviser. An extra-curricular course on research methods is offered to interested students.
For a detailed programme, see the e-Prospectus: https://studiegids.leidenuniv.nl/studies/show/middle-eastern-studies-Arabic-Studies. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.
periode | |||||||
1 | 2 | ||||||
Theories and Methods of Middle East and Islamic Studies | 10 EC | ||||||
Specialisation Courses | 20 EC | ||||||
Specialisation Course | 10 EC | ||||||
MA Thesis | 20 EC | ||||||
Thesis Seminar in Middle East and Islamic Studies |
Onderwijs
taal van onderwijs | 100% en |
---|---|
avondonderwijs | n.v.t. |
afstandsonderwijs | n.v.t. |
honours-/excellence program Leiden Leadership Programme
The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an honours programme of 15 ECs on top of the regular master's curriculum. The programme consists of training courses, seminars and a practical assignment.
Are you looking for an extra challenge in addition to your Leiden master's programme? Are you adventurous enough to look beyond the borders of your own master's programme? The Leiden Leadership Programme may be just what you are looking for. The programme gives you the opportunity to develop your leadership skills. You will follow seminars and courses, as well as carrying out a practical assignment for a company or organisation as part of a small, multidisciplinary team. Your lecturers will be leading academics and experienced professionals from the business sector.
Students can apply who have:
- Good study results in the bachelor's programme;
- The ambition and motivation to develop leadership qualities;
- A broad and interdisciplinary span of interest.
Toelating en studiekosten

startmomenten
1 februari 2018 | aanmelding deadline : 1 december 2017 wettelijk tarief : € 2060 |
---|---|
1 september 2018 | aanmelding deadline : 15 juni 2018 wettelijk tarief : € 2060 |
studie kosten
bedrag | kostenpost |
---|---|
€ 10000 | levensonderhoudper jaar |
inbegrepen in collegegeld
examination |
estimated monthly costs
bedrag | kostenpost | ||
---|---|---|---|
€ | 350 | kamerhuur in Leidenrond het landelijk gemiddelde | |
€ | 22 | internet+tv | |
€ | 152 | boodschappen/kostgeld | |
€ | 32 | telefoon | |
€ | 117 | verzekeringen | |
€ | 158 | collegegeldop basis van € 1906 per jaar | |
€ | 80 | studieboeken en -spullen | |
€ | 29 | drinken/snoep/snacks | |
€ | 77 | uiterlijkkleding, kapper, schoenen | |
€ | 30 | contributies/abonnementen | |
€ | 132 | vrije tijdstappen, uit eten, vakantie | |
€ | 42 | vervoernaast de OV-kaart | |
€ | 45 | overig | |
€ | 1218 | totale maandelijkse uitgaven landelijk gemiddelde is € 1181 |
Bekijk ook de uitgebreide toelichting: wat kost studeren?
Studenten en studentenleven
studentaantallen
63 | studenten volgen deze opleiding |
71% | daarvan is vrouw |
11 | eerstejaars gestart in 2017 |
45% | daarvan is vrouw |
26505 | studenten aan de Universiteit Leiden |
60% | daarvan is vrouw |
studievereniging
Hikma
Hikma is a study association intended for all master and PhD students working on Middle Eastern, Near Eastern, and Islamic studies. We intend to offer an addition to the study programmes with lectures, informal peer review sessions, and a online blog in which students can publish their work.Membership is open for all students in the master programmes of Middle Eastern Studies and Religious Studies, but also students from other disciplines (e.g. social sciences) working on the Middle East are invited to join.
Op kamers in Leiden
31058 | studenten studerend |
12630 | studenten woonachtig |
€ 350 | gemiddelde kamerprijs |
kamer betaalbaarheid | |
20 m2 | gemiddelde kameroppervlak |
kamer beschikbaarheid |
aan het woord: studenten en docenten


Ivan Gospodinov
Ivan Gospodinov - Student Testimonial Middle Eastern Studies Leiden University
Studying Middle Eastern Studies in Leiden lived up to the hype and high expectations that I had beforehand.
...
All aspects of student life
On top of all the academic benefits that the University provides, Leiden is one of the most picturesque and beautiful towns in the Netherlands. You are able to enjoy all spectrums of student life, from university organised activities, sightseeing, having fun with your fellow students and even having a cup of coffee or tea in a small café next to one of the beautiful canals whilst enjoying the view of the classic old Dutch windmill.
Editor of international affairs
I am very happy to say that my academic background as a Master's student at Leiden University was one of the main reasons I was chosen for an internship as an editor in one of the fastest growing and innovative news outlets in the Netherlands – Zapaday. The internship began during my second semester and as of this writing I am a full-time employee holding the position of “editor of international affairs” with a focus on the developments in the MENA region and I am delighted to say that the knowledge I gained is already being put to use on a daily basis.
lees verder ...


Prof. Erik-Jan Zürcher
Testimonial Prof. Erik-Jan Zürcher
“It is only possible to gain a better under-standing of present-day developments in the Middle East if you understand the historical background.”
“Leiden University enjoys a rich research tradition, and has a great many publications about Turkey to her name. The Turkish Languages and Cultures department is also well-known, particularly as text
books written in Leiden are used throughout the world...
Until the First World War, the greater part of the Middle East belonged to the Ottoman Empire. Around 1918, the great empires came to an end: not only the Ottoman Empire, but also the German
Empire, the Hapsburg Empire and the Romanov Dynasty in Russia. The centuries-old multicultural Ottoman Empire was transformed into the modern mono-cultural republic of Turkey.
As a result of the start of accession talks between Turkey and the EU, the number of students with an interest in political science has been growing of late, but teaching in the MA specialisation Turkish Studies focuses primarily on the language, history and cultural heritage of Turkey. I firmly believe that it is only possible to gain a better understanding of present-day developments in the Middle East if
you understand the historical background.
Turkey is two things at the same time: a young state which has been created by a political elite, but also an ancient state, heir to the Ottoman Empire, which
existed for six hundred years. This has left its mark on the country.”
lees verder ...
Keuzehulp

Studievergelijker
Arabic Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Persian Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Israel Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Middle Eastern Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Turkish Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Modern Middle East Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Islamic Studies
€ 350 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Midden-Oostenstudies
€ 303 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Hebrew and Jewish Studies
€ 424 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
100% Engelstalig |
Midden-Oostenstudies
€ 424 gemiddelde kamerhuur |
? eerstejaars |
?% vrouw |
? uur contacttijd/week |
50% Nederlandstalig 50% Engelstalig |
Feiten en / studie in cijfers
deze opleiding | landelijk | |
---|---|---|
algemeen oordeel | 3.9 | 3.8 |
inhoud | 3.9 | 3.6 |
docenten | 4.1 | 4.0 |
studiefaciliteiten | 3.4 | 3.6 |
studielast | 3.9 | 3.6 |
studiebegeleiding | 3.3 | 3.1 |
Studentoordelen
De Nationale Studenten Enquete is het grootschalige onderzoek van de overheid onder studenten in Nederland naar de kwaliteit van opleidingen aan hogescholen en universiteiten.In 2017 hebben meer dan 200.000 studenten hun oordeel gegeven over hun studie en instelling.
Middle Eastern Studies: Arabic Studies aan de Universiteit Leiden is beoordeeld door 12 respondenten. Gemiddeld waarderen ze de opleiding met 3.9 uit 5.
Na de studie

Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt
Some of the positions of our graduates include:
- Co-owner of a travel agency
- PhD candidate at Leiden University
- Content and digital marketing assistant at an online dictionary service
- Policy officer for Sahel region at a ministry
- Production assistant at a Swedish museum
- Teacher of English/Islamic religion at an educational institute in Saudi Arabia
- Middle East representative at a shipping and forwarding company
- Assistant defence attaché at a Dutch embassy in the Middle East
- International copyright manager at a publishing house in Turkey
- International affairs officer at a Dutch university.
current job market
vergeleken met andere studies
zoektijd baan | zeer slecht |
---|---|
salaris na 1,5 jaar | zeer slecht |
kans op een vaste baan | gemiddeld |
aansluitende masteropleidingen
instelling | opleiding | instroomeisen |
---|---|---|
UvA | Lerarenopleiding Arabisch part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
UvA | Lerarenopleiding Hebreeuws part-time educational | + aanv. eisen |
Potentiële beroepen
- beleidsmedewerker of voorlichter
- diplomaat of attaché
- docent
- journalist of buitenlands correspondent
- medewerker bedrijven met vestigingen in het midden-oosten
- medewerker bibliotheekwezen, toerisme, onderwijs en wetenschap
- medewerker bij bedrijven met vestigingen in het midden-oosten
- pr-functionaris
- tolk
- verslaggever midden-oosten voor krant, radio of tv
- vertaler
- wetenschappelijk onderzoeker
Contact
