Bachelor Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies

Are you interested in the political and social background of the events in the Islamic world? Would you like to know more about the history of these regions? Would you like to learn more about the religious and cultural traditions of Islamic societies? Would you like to learn Arabic, Turkish, or Persian and gain an insight into their literary traditions? Then study "Islamic Studies and Modern Oriental Philology" at the University of Bern!

Global interdependence, digital transformation and social debates are shaping the present day and repeatedly bring the Middle East and North Africa into the public spotlight. Political upheavals, migration, wars, social inequalities, religious pluralism and environmental challenges often shape perceptions of the region. To make sense of such developments, one needs historical knowledge, linguistic competence and the ability to understand complex social interrelationships. The Bachelor’s programme in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies at the University of Bern equips students with these skills. Languages play a central role in enabling students to shift perspectives and build bridges between different social contexts. Students learn Arabic both in writing and orally and can also acquire knowledge of other languages important to the region, such as Turkish and/or Modern Hebrew. At the same time, through practice-oriented modules, they acquire important skills for their studies and beyond – for example, in academic writing, in planning and implementing projects, and in the effective use of digital tools and media.
Bachelor Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
Basic information
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies, Universität Bern (BA)
Number of credits: 180 ECTS credits
Degree Programs:
  • Major Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies 120 ECTS credits

Other study programs:

  • Minor Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies 60 or 30 ECTS credits
Combination possibilities:

several      
Duration: 6 semesters
Language: German or English
Beginning of studies:

Fall semester, language courses start each fall semester

Details of program

Scheme of program

Combination possibilities

The Bachelor's program in Studies of the Middle East and Muslim Societies consists of a major of 120 ECTS credits and one or several minors of 60 ECTS credits.

All minors offered at the University of Bern in the corresponding scope can be combined with the major; the only combination that is not permitted is that of major and minor in the same field of study.

For all combinations, performance assessments or modules that are offered as part of several study programs can only be credited to one study program.

Study structures
Major ECTS credits
 Minor ECTS credits
120  60 
120  30 + 30 

Available minors
Minors you may choose

Requirements

Special knowledge

none

Language requirements

Good language skills in English and French are required. A stay abroad is strongly recommended to deepen your knowledge of the oriental languages. The time for such a stay is the lecture-free period after the 4th semester of the Bachelor programme.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

After your Bachelor's degree

Consecutive Master's programs

The Bachelor of Arts in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Berne, entitles the holder to enter one of the following Master's programmes without being assessed: