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Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

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The Master in Middle Eastern Studies offers a full-year, five-part programme that combines academic training with practical skills. The structure supports a multidisciplinary approach, helping students gain deep knowledge of the region along with real-world experience. 

 

1st Level - Propaedeutic Phase: History, Power and Institution. The Conceptual Foundation of the Middle East 

  • Methodological premise: discourse and debate on the Middle East 
  • History of the Middle East 
  • Religion, society and thought in the Islamic Middle East 
  • Islamic law and economics 
  • Study of political and juridical terminology - glossary in Arabic 
  • Middle East within the 20th-century international order 

2nd Level - In-depth Analytical Phase: Sub-regional Contexts 

  • Maghreb 
  • Mashreq 
  • Sub-Saharan Africa 
  • South-West Asia and the Gulf 
  • Central-Southern Asia 

3rd Level - Thematic and Contemporary Issues 

  • Politics in the contemporary Middle East and the current international relations context  
  • Global security: jihadism, violent activism, conflicts and nuclear proliferation 
  • Post-conflict institution-building and human security 
  • Gender, ethno-religious diversity and pluralism in the Middle East 
  • Energy and geopolitics of resources 
  • Contemporary economic trends 

Level 4: Project Work 

Each student develops a personal research project with support from faculty. The project often relates to the student’s internship and explores a specific Middle Eastern issue. 

Level 5: Internship 

Students complete a professional internship in Italy or abroad. The placement is with a partner organization working on Middle Eastern topics. Internships usually last three months. 
As an alternative, students may attend a language course in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish. 

The Master programme is supported by a strong international network of NGOs, foundations, UN agencies, and research centers. Many of these organizations contribute to teaching and also offer internship opportunities for students. 

Some of our key partners include: 

  • NGOs and Foundations: ACRA, AVSI, CESVI, COOPI, FOCSIV, Caritas in Veritate Foundation, Fondazione Cariplo, World Friends (Kenya) 
  • International Organizations and UN Agencies: UNDP, UNCTAD, UNICEF (Thailand), UNRIC, WHO, World Food Programme, Red Cross (Peru) 
  • Research and Academic Institutions: University of Notre Dame (USA), ISMU, Transcrime, Observatoire de la Finance 
  • Other partners: European Training Foundation, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See (Geneva) 

These partnerships help bridge academic learning with real-world development practice. 

  • Prof. Riccardo Redaelli, MIMES Director - Università Cattolica

  • Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi - California State University San Marcos

  • Ms. Eleonora Ardemagni - ISPI and Nato Defense College Foundation

  • Prof. Paolo Branca - Università Cattolica

  • Dr. Michele Brignone – Fondazione OASIS

  • Mr. Alberto Brugnoni – ASSAIF and TIEF

  • Prof. Massimo Campanini - Università degli Studi di Trento

  • Prof. Martino Diez - Fondazione OASIS and Università Cattolica

  • Prof. Wael Faruq - American University in Cairo

  • Dr. Sameh FAWZY - Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt

  • Prof. Ersilia Francesca - Università degli Studi di Napoli l’Orientale

  • Dr. Michele Gaietta - JRC (Joint Research Center)

  • Prof. Mehran Kamrava - Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar

  • Prof. Bahgat Korany - American University in Cairo

  • Mr. Marco Latif - Monitor Deloitte

  • Mr. Paolo Lembo – former UNDP and World Green Economy Organisation

  • Dr. Paolo Maggiolini – Università Cattolica

  • Dr. Francesco Mazzucotelli – Università degli Studi di Pavia

  • Dr. Alessia Melcangi – Sapienza Università di Roma

  • Dr. Massimo Nicolazzi - University of Turin

  • Prof. Massimo Papa - Università di Roma Tor Vergata

  • Prof. Aldo Pigoli – Università Cattolica

  • Dr. Andrea Plebani – Università Cattolica

  • Dr. Massimiliano Trentin – Università di Bologna Alma Mater

What jobs can I get after the Specialising Master in Middle Eastern Studies?

The Master in Middle Eastern Studies (MIMES) prepares students for careers that require deep regional expertise and strong analytical skills. Depending on your background, you may find roles in:

  • International institutions and diplomacy-related bodies

  • NGOs and humanitarian organizations

  • Private companies and regulatory agencies

  • Research centers and area studies institutes

  • Media and communications networks

Where Students Have Interned

MIMES students have completed internships at a wide range of organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, including:

International and Regional Organizations

  • OCHA – UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Switzerland)

  • EEAS – EU Delegation (Italy)

  • Transparency International (Germany)

  • Friedrich Naumann Foundation (Turkey)

  • ACSIS – Arab Institute for Security Studies (Jordan)

  • ICDT – International Center for Democratic Transition (Hungary)

NGOs and Civil Society

  • ActionAid (Italy)

  • Perigeo NGO (Italy)

  • Musawah (Malaysia)

  • Child and Youth Finance International (Netherlands)

  • Fondazione Mission Bambini Onlus (Italy)

Academic and Policy Institutions

  • ISPI – Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale (Italy)

  • ITSTIME (Italy)

  • Fondazione Internazionale Oasis (Italy)

Diplomatic Missions and Cultural Institutions

  • Embassy of Afghanistan (Austria)

  • Consulate of Ecuador (Italy)

  • Ahlan World (Morocco)

  • Windows for Peace (Israel)

These internships allow students to apply what they’ve learned in class, gain valuable work experience, and expand their international network.

Graduates of the Master in Middle Eastern Studies (MIMES) now work in research, diplomacy, international organizations, and NGOs across the globe. They describe the program as intense, enriching, and transformative—offering deep regional knowledge and lifelong connections.

Francesco Teruggi, Italy
“This Master helped me understand the complexity of the Middle East from many angles. I gained research tools, critical thinking, and made lasting friendships in an international class.”

Lorena Stella Martini, Italy
“What I valued most was learning from lecturers with diverse professional and geographic backgrounds. Their direct experience in the region gave real insight and inspiration.”

Marie Figoureux, Belgium
“My year at ASERI was life-changing. The discussions, the friendships, and my internship in Tel Aviv made me feel ready to pursue an international academic career.”

Desirée di Marco, Italy
“Every day at ASERI was a journey into the Middle East. Learning with passionate classmates and top experts made this experience one of the most meaningful of my life.”

  • Class start date: January 2027

  • Class end date: June 2027

  • Exams: June 2027

  • Project work (Thesis) discussion: end of November 2027

  • Graduation: December 2027

International students can join Italian language courses offered by SELDA (Servizio Linguistico d’Ateneo). These courses require a fee.


To contact SELDA: