ISME is a two-year interdisciplinary MA in which you study the Middle East through different academic fields rather than following one fixed disciplinary track.

Courses are offered across Arabic Studies, Iranian Studies, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Kurdish Studies, Ottoman Studies, Semitic Studies, and Turcology. You begin with a shared interdisciplinary foundation and gradually shape the degree around your own thematic, regional, linguistic, or methodological interests.

120 ECTS · 4 semesters · taught in English · Berlin

The program combines a 50 ECTS core area, 30 ECTS consolidation area, 15 ECTS complementary area, and a 25 ECTS master’s thesis.

How your studies develop

You begin with a shared interdisciplinary foundation. As the program progresses, you shape your profile through thematic, regional, linguistic, and methodological choices.

Semester 3 offers the greatest flexibility and may include electives, research, an internship, study elsewhere, or preparation for the thesis.

After graduation

ISME does not lead to one predefined profession. Graduates may continue into academic research and doctoral programs or work in areas such as:

research institutes · cultural institutions · museums and archives · media · NGOs · international organisations · education · publishing · cultural programming · consulting

Your path depends on the profile you build during the MA — including your languages, regional expertise, research interests, internships, and other professional experience.

Useful links

→ Detailed module structure and formal requirements: Regulations
→ Modules, ECTS and recognition: Credits & Recognition
→ Internship options: Internships