Career opportunities

Whether you plan to work in a Middle East-related field, or hope to become a scholar, the programme will equip you with the skills necessary to understand an area of crucial importance. To that end, you will be trained in the use of relevant theories and methodologies in the field of contemporary Middle East Studies.

This programme offers you the flexibility to specialize in a field of your choice, whether it be Middle East Politics and Society, Islamic Studies, or literature and language-based studies in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish. You will engage in in-depth studies and analysis of topics crucial for understanding the contemporary Middle East, such as political and ideological developments, the cultural expressions and tensions produced by modernization and globalization, and the important, contested, and diverse roles of religion.

Middle East studies make you qualified for positions requiring advanced language and cultural knowledge about this region. This may be within public administration, international businesses, or humanitarian organizations.Previous graduates have found employment in teaching, cultural, and consultancy services, or public service, embassies, and consulates. Some have developed careers in the Middle East region, while others work in various sectors in Norway. Furthermore, you qualify for advanced research at the doctoral level in Middle East studies and other humanities disciplines.

Read more about career opportunities and relevant industries

Former students at work

  • KPMG analyst

    “Knowledge about the Arabic language and the Middle East are of great relevance in my job, where the analysis of how international political and economic trends affect Norwegian trade and industry is an important task,” says Henrik.?

Start developing your career

In the third semester you can choose to have an internship abroad in a relevant organisation or company as part of your degree. You can also write your master's thesis in cooperation with an external partner. Through this you can get valuable contacts and network that can be useful when you apply for a job after graduation.

You can also prepare for working life along the way by participating in career fairs, job search and interview workshops, and career counselling offered to students.

Enhance your degree with an interdisciplinary certificate

Gain unique interdisciplinary competencies for your degree, together with students from across UiO. The certificate provides students with knowledge and skills sought after in the job market.

The honours certificates consists of 20 ECTS, which may be taken as a supplement to your program. It is available for all students enrolled in a master's or professional degree program.

Further studies

Read more about research training at the Faculty of Humanities:

Published Apr. 7, 2026 4:41 PM - Last modified Apr. 7, 2026 4:41 PM