Overview

Our researchers are engaged in internationally recognised work in the history, literature, linguistics, social anthropology, sociology, politics and contemporary culture of the Middle East, North Africa, China, Japan and the two Koreas.

In addition, the work of several staff crosses traditional boundaries, both geographical and subject based. Please see our Research pages for more information about the kind of research carried out in the Faculty.

Features

Before you apply, it is essential that you contact your prospective supervisor to discuss your proposed research.

The PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge is a three to four-year course consisting of individual supervisions and guided research.

Students are given guidance in areas specific to their subject and in advanced research methods.

In the Easter term of the first year, students submit a PhD progress examination, which usually consists of a critical essay and a general statement about progress to date and the likely course of their future research. At the end of the programme students submit a PhD thesis, followed by a viva.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The course consists of individual supervisions and guided research. Students are given guidance in areas specific to their subject area and in advanced research methods.

Supervision is a very individual teaching method; students are therefore encouraged to contact their supervisors and discuss how regularly they will meet, how contact will be maintained, whether the supervisor or student should initiate contacts, and what kinds of work should be submitted and when.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

In the first year of their PhD, students might be required to attend the core postgraduate paper for the area of studies they are working in.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-04-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-01-15 00:00:00
Starting 2025-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-05-16 00:00:00
Starting 2026-01-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-02 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Islamic Studies Asian studies Middle Eastern studies View 9 other PhDs in Middle Eastern studies in United Kingdom

Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Student insurance

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Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Other requirements

General requirements

Two academic references

Transcript

CV/resume

Evidence of competence in English

Research proposal

Extended research proposal

Sample of work

Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

29826 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 29826 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

9858 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 9858 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Cambridge

846 - 1465 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.