This interdisciplinary two-year MA combines in-depth study of Middle East politics with a complementary academic discipline to broaden your analytical toolkit. The programme begins with an intensive introductory political science course held before the semester starts and includes a winter study trip in the first semester to international organisations, development agencies and key political and cultural institutions. Over the first three semesters you follow core CMEPS political science modules alongside selected electives to develop comparative and regional expertise.
Students follow one of two profiles depending on their background. Those with an area-studies background at Tübingen and students from AUC follow the “Political Science” profile, emphasising research methods and political theory; non-native Arabic speakers in this group may also take advanced Arabic. Tübingen students who already have a political science background take the “Arabic” profile and attend intensive beginner Arabic courses across the first two semesters. Core courses taken by everyone in the first three semesters include Comparative Politics of the Middle East, Regime Change and Democratisation, Comparative Theories of Political Science, and International Cooperation and Development; electives cover topics such as IR and political economy of the Middle East, migration governance, social movements, development cooperation, conflict analysis, new media and political regime analysis.
The third semester is spent at the partner university (AUC for Tübingen students or Tübingen for AUC students). While abroad, Tübingen students typically take Arabic, a political science course and an elective at AUC; AUC students usually complete a core CMEPS course and electives at Tübingen. Students also take German courses at the University of Tübingen. During this semester you begin work on your MA thesis and prepare a proposal to present at the International CMEPS Colloquium in January alongside peers and faculty from both universities. In the fourth semester you complete your thesis and defend it orally before examiners from both institutions. An internship is completed either during a semester break or during the fourth semester to provide practical experience.
Key programme components and requirements
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Selection for the programme is based on academic ability, personal qualifications and motivation. You are eligible if you hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in political science or a related social science. The University of Tübingen additionally accepts applicants with a BA in Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies or a closely related field.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Minimum academic thresholds differ by location: at the University of Tübingen, applicants need a Bachelor’s grade of 2.5 or better on the German grading scale (note: lower numbers indicate stronger performance); at the American University in Cairo (AUC) a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 is required. Check the programme’s admissions page for the list of accepted English tests and score requirements.
Application documentation requirements differ slightly between the two partner institutions. The University of Tübingen specifies several mandatory and optional application documents (see below). If you apply to AUC, be sure to select “Graduate Admissions,” choose the correct entry term, and indicate the CMEPS concentration on the online application form.
Requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates gain a combination of regional expertise, language competence and political science research skills suited to careers in international organisations, diplomacy, NGOs, policy research, and think tanks. The programme’s joint-degree structure, Arabic language training and practical internship component are particularly valuable for positions requiring regional knowledge and language ability.
Alumni also pursue roles in journalism, consultancy, and academia or go on to PhD studies in political science and area studies. The international cohort and partner-university network expand professional connections across Europe and the Middle East.
Philipps-Universität Marburg — Marburg
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin
Hertie School — Berlin
Trier University — Trier