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PhDRecommended
PhD of Middle Eastern Studies
- Cambridge, United States
- English
- On campus
- PhD
About the program
Four-year full-time Master of Arts (Honours) degree in Middle Eastern Studies taught by the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.
Program highlights
- Internship available: no
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Demonstrate a structured understanding of core principles in Middle Eastern Studies. Apply relevant analytical
- Practical and research methods to subject-specific problems. Communicate findings clearly and evaluate evidence through academic work and projects.
Career outcomes
- Understand
- Analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
- Business
- Finance
- Commerce and tech
- Communications
- Marketing
- Advertising and public relations
- Education
- Outreach
- Advocacy and training
- Journalism
- Broadcasting and media
- Leisure
- Tourism and travel
- Politics
- Policy work
- Diplomacy
- Civil service and law
- Publishing
- Culture
- Heritage and the arts
- Research
- Development
- Consultancy and venture acceleration
Curriculum
- Four-year full-time honours degree. Whichever language you choose
- You will learn basic grammar and develop your vocabulary so that you can read and write the language and speak about a range of topics. You do not currently need to know any of the languages
- As Year 1 courses are designed for beginners. A study-abroad period is available.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Bachelor degree or equivalent (three- or four-year degree for international applicants)
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation and statement of purpose
- GRE
- Writing sample and personal statement depend on the programme
- TOEFL iBT 5 (Speaking 4.5) or IELTS 7 (Speaking 6.5) unless the undergraduate degree was taught in English.
Accepted academic background
Bachelor degree or equivalent (for international applicants a three- or four-year degree from an institution of recognised standing).
Language tests
- TOEFL iBT 5 (new 1-6 scale
- IELTS 95 on the old 120 scale for tests before 2026-01-21) with Speaking 4.5 (23 old scale)
Documents you’ll need
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Test Results
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Letters.
How to apply
- Check the programme page for requirements and the deadline
- Which varies by programme. Apply online in the GSAS Applicant Portal opens in September
- Fall admission only and pay the 105 USD fee by credit card
- Waivers are available. Upload transcripts
- Three recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency
- a writing sample or GRE where the programme asks. Visa documents are not needed at application
- Admitted international students receive visa information later.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $37,200 USD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $105 USD |
| Deposit | $500 USD |
Program details
| Campus | Cambridge |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences |
| Department | Department of Middle Eastern Studies |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | _ |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 1 year |
| Scholarship note | Applicants may be considered for institutional awards subject to program-specific and international-student eligibility. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
1 May 2027
168 days left
Frequently asked questions
The next deadline is 1 May 2027. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $37,200 USD per year. The application fee is $105 USD. The deposit is $500 USD. The estimated living cost is $35,966 USD.
Accepted language tests: TOEFL iBT 5 (new 1-6 scale, IELTS 95 on the old 120 scale for tests before 2026-01-21) with Speaking 4.5 (23 old scale).