Middle Eastern Studies

The Department of Middle Eastern Studies in Groningen engages in the interdisciplinary study of the cultures of and contemporary developments in the Middle East and North Africa. Our teaching and research revolve around the interconnected themes of history, politics, international relations, culture, heritage, race, and religion.

Our Bachelor programme offers a broad and interdisciplinary introduction to the modern and contemporary Middle East. It does so by familiarizing the students with conceptual and methodological tools to understand key historical events and current political, geographical, cultural, and social issues. The study of Arabic comprises an essential part of the training and is linked to studying a full semester with partner institutions in the Middle East.

Our Master programme offers a specialised study of the various national and international key actors of the contemporary Middle East with a particular focus on the theme of conflicts and coexistence, aimed at analysing and understanding current and historical developments from a connected, comparative, and relational perspective. This entails studying the Middle East not in isolation, but in close relation to European and global developments.

We also offer a Minor programme that comprises a broad introduction to the region for interested students from other programmes.

The intellectual life of the department is collaborative and inclusive, aspiring to make everyone feel welcome and dedicated to scholarly exchange and the dissemination of knowledge. The department features vibrant conversations around timely talks, movie nights, and other events aimed at bridging studies with current developments in the Middle East.

Visiting address

Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 26
9712 EK Groningen
Building 1315
Room 261

Postal address

Department Middle-Eastern Studies - Faculteit of Arts
University of Groningen
P.O. box 716
9700 AS Groningen

tel. +31 (0)50 363 58 50
email seccet rug.nl