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The aim of our programs is to provide quality and coherent graduate education in Middle Eastern & Central Asian studies. They are designed for students who seek academic preparation for a career in a professional arena requiring solid understanding of Arabs, Islam, the Middle East & Central Asia; whether in diplomacy, the public service, teaching, journalism, or business. Qualified applicants from both Australia and overseas are invited to apply.

Read the CAIS Graduate Guide 2013 (PDF, 3073KB) for more information about our programs, entry requirements, and application procedures.

Graduate Info Evening - 6 May 5.30 to 6 pm at CAIS.

Inquiries can be addressed to the CAIS Graduate Administrator, Lissette Geronimo.

Coursework programs

Master of Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies Research (MMECAS-Advanced)

The Master of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies (Advanced) enables students to undertake research training in the form of a supervised research sub-thesis of 25,000 words (24 units) to complement the skills and knowledge gained in the coursework.

Applicants must have completed the Master of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies with a minimum 70% course average.

Master of Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies (MMECAS)

The Master of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies is designed for students who want to get a broad education in Middle East and Central Asian Studies, but who do not want to write a sub-thesis.

The program consists of 48 units of coursework. Students will choose eight 6 unit courses and can elect to include a maximum of two language courses from either Arabic, Persian or Turkish. The MMECAS is usually completed over two semesters of full-time study or 4 semesters of part-time study.

Master of Islam in the Modern World (MIMW)

The Master of Islam in the Modern World aims to provide detailed understanding of the complex and diverse issues that are common to Muslim societies across the world. It will also allow students to develop critical methods for the study of the modern Muslim experience.

The program is designed for students who wish to familiarise themselves with debates on modern Islam as a preparation for employment in international organisations, government, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, media organisations, or private sector companies in which some knowledge of Islam and contemporary Islamic issues would be of value.

The program consists of 48 units of coursework. Students will choose eight 6 unit courses and can elect to include a maximum of two language courses from Arabic, Persian or Turkish.

This degree is normally be completed over two semesters of full-time study or 3-4 semesters of part-time study.

The MIMW subjects are available to students in other degree programs, subject to approval.

Graduate Certificate in Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies is an entry level graduate program aimed at students who wish to pursue graduate studies in the field, or gain a minimum-level graduate qualification. The program consists of 24 units of coursework. Students are required to take four courses each of 6 unit value. **Students this degree are able to include up to four language courses in their program.

Double Masters: Master of Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies/Master of Diplomacy
Master of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies / Master of Diplomacy

Students may elect to combine the MMECAS with the Master of Diplomacy offered by the Asia–Pacific College of Diplomacy.

The program is ideal for those students whose professional role involves a solid understanding of transnational diplomacy and its contemporary challenges, whether this is with a civil service department, multilateral body, international corporation or non-government organisation.
The Master of Diplomacy is a 48 unit program offered from January-June following completion of the MMECAS program. 

Courses offered in the programs

Master of Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies, Graduate Certificate & in Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies

• Oil Religion Politics and Conflict in the Middle East
• Islamic Radicalism
• Central Asia in Regional and Global Perspectives
• Islam in World Politics
• Islam and Democracy
• State and Society in the Arab World
• Issues of Development in the Middle East
• Energy and Security in Central Asia and the Caucasus
• Islam, the West and International Terrorism
• Dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• The Gulf Strategic Environment
• Geopolitics of Central Asia
• Modern Turkey: History, Culture and Regional Relations
• Turkish History: Ottoman State to Modern Turkey

Master of Islam in the Modern World & Graduate Certificate

• Approaches to the Study of Modern Muslim Societies
• Islam: Faith and Community
• Islam in Turkey
• Islam in Central Asia
• Shi´ite Islam in World Politics
• Islam, the West and International Terrorism
• Islam in World Politics
• Islamic Radicalism
• Islam and Democracy
• The Politics of Islam in Southeast Asia
• Islam in Australia
• Special Topic in Modern Islam

Languages

CAIS offers programs in Arabic, Persian and Turkish.

Research programs

Research at the Centre is carried out in a wide range of areas relating to the politics, political economy, history and international relations of the Middle East and Central Asia. See the CAIS Research page for current PhD topics and published dissertation titles.

Two degree options are available:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil): Supervised research culminating in a thesis of up to 60,000 words
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words

Students who are interested in MPhil or PhD studies should contact the Centre directly to discuss their proposed research topic.

Application procedures

Research students and international students can now apply online.

The online application process should be both quicker and easier.

For more information on how to apply please read the CAIS Graduate Guide 2013 (PDF, 3073KB).

To view all postgraduate coursework options from the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies type ‘Middle East’ into the first search field.

If you are interested in enrolling in a research degree at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies read through our Future Student page.

Domestic students and students enrolling in coursework programs should apply through the University Admissions Centre.