Middle East in Global Politics: Islam, Conflict and Development (MSc) - 2013/2014 entry

This programme aims to equip you with critical and well-informed analyses of the Middle East in global politics. Particular attention is given to the intersection between Islam, conflict and development. Recognising that ‘Political Islam’ is at the centre of major discussions and disputes today, the programme looks into issues such as Muslim identity politics and controversies surrounding religious extremism.

The programme has its theoretical foundation in international relations and political science, exploring the region’s domestic and international politics and current concerns, such as sectarianism and persistent authoritarianism. Yet it also addresses interdisciplinary scholarship in order to provide a comprehensive and balanced analysis of contemporary discourse on and in the Middle East and Islam. This approach enables you to develop an understanding of how questions relating to the Middle East and to Islam impact on global society and on the UK.

Find out more about studying at Birkbeck's Department of Politics.  

• A unique course of study, which offers insight into Middle East politics.
• Balanced training in issues pertaining to Islam in the modern world.
• Outstanding expertise of tutors and international recognition of their research.
• A good foundation for undertaking a PhD/MPhil related to Middle East studies, international relations or international security and governance.
• Ideal if you are planning a career in international organisations, policy research, journalism or political forecasting.

You will take core and option modules, and will write a dissertation.

Core modules:

• Middle East Politics
• either Nationalism and Ethno-Religious Conflict or Global Governance.

Option modules are normally available in:

• politics of the Middle East and political Islam
• politics of globalisation and international political economy
• international relations, international security, and US foreign policy
• war, conflict, nationalism, politics and religion
• political theory and political sociology
• policy analysis, policy-making processes and comparative public policy
• public management and public sector reform
• research methods.

Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books and journals in politics and sociology. It also has an impressive range of electronic resources, including bibliographic databases and over 17,000 electronic journals. Most of these resources can be accessed online 24-hours a day. It is worth spending some time on the library website to familiarise yourself with its collections and services.

Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library. 

The Department of Politics organises a lively programme of seminars and conferences.

Find out more about our learning resources and student support.

If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Politics/Sociology.

Graduates go on to careers in local and national government, the diplomatic service, policy work, the voluntary sector, and as researchers or journalists.

• Applications from January.
• UK-based candidates satisfying entry requirements interviewed March–September.
• Overseas candidates satisfying entry requirements must apply by 15 August.