Get a deeper insight into the Arabic-Islamic world: The history and culture of Islam, Arabic literature, the religion of Islam and Islamic law are central to this degree programme. Students will learn the Arabic language to an advanced level. A further language from the Islamic cultural region or a second Semitic language will enable students to understand non-Arabic sources about the intellectual and cultural history of Islam.


Programme name: Arabic Studies/Islamic Studies (M.A.)
Degree: Master of Arts
Standard period of study: Four semesters
Start: Only the winter semester
Application: Application to the Faculty
Admission requirements: B.A. degree or equivalent degree with an overall grade of at least 2.5 (no additional oral examination). With an overall grade from 2.6 to 3.0 there will be an additional oral examination.
Verification is required for academic achievement in at least one of the following disciplines: Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, Iranian Studies, Turkish Studies and/or Central Asian Studies as well as in History, Culture, Politics of the Middle East comprising at least 50 credits, including 30 credits in the Arabic language as well as at least 15 credits in Islamic History, Culture, Religion and Law.
Language requirements: At least 30 credits in Arabic language courses (entrance language test if the case requires).
Note for international applicants: For the enrolment at the Faculty of Humanities certified proficiency in German language is required!
Reqirements for module packets: Overview
Application: application procedure
Language of the programme: German

Programme description
The Master's programme “Arabic Studies/ Islamic Studies” aims to give students scientific as well as non-scientific qualifications. The knowledge acquired in the Bachelor's programme on the history and culture of Islam, the Islamic religion, the Arabic literature as well as Islamic law are deepened. Students will gain understanding of the larger correlations of the development of Islam as a religion and a way of life. Acquiring a further language from the Islamic cultural region or a second semitic language should enable students to understand non-Arabic sources about the spirit and cultural history of Islam. The language exercise courses deepen the passive and active command of the Arabic language.

Students of the Master's programme “Arabic Studies/ Islamic Studies” will receive the skills necessary for independent scientific work as well as for recognizing and solving scientific problems. The lectures and seminars are designed as subject-specific courses with an interdisciplinary demand.

The Master's programme conveys in-depth scientific knowledge and the ability to independently conduct subject-specific and interdisciplinary scientific work. Of primary importance are original texts that are fundamental for understanding the histories of religion, humanities and culture. Students will be introduced to the current questions regarding methods and the international status of research in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Subject-specific knowledge and methodical-analytical capabilities qualify students with skills for the occupational fields stated below and create the scientific foundation for further studies in doctoral programmes.

Occupational fields:
The M.A. degree is required for further qualification in this academic field as well as associated occupations in research and teaching. It qualifies graduates for positions in the diplomatic services, national and international organizations, in business as well as for positions in areas that convey culture, such as in museums, libraries and publishing houses.

Suggested language knowledge:
Knowledge of Latin, English, French or Russian are suggested.