Middle East and Islamic studies

Key research themes

Interdisciplinary research is fostered through a number of research centres and groups which draw on expertise across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and particularly from the Department of Politics and Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies.

We are regularly involved in high profile research projects which are funded by organisations such as the ESRC and Leverhulme Trust. Our research active members of staff are widely published and are involved in a range of exciting and ground-breaking studies, often in collaboration with colleagues from outside the University.

Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies

The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies is one of the leading research bodies in Europe. The Institute has particular international research prominence in three main areas:

The social scientific and historical study of the modern Arab and Islamic world

Covering anthropological, economic, political, and historical interests. Three quarters of the Institute’s research students work in this field. Specialisations include the study of the Gulf and Arabian peninsula regions, contemporary developments in Iraq and Kurdish areas, the political economy of Arab countries, gender issues, and the international relations of the Middle East. A significant role has been played by research staff in consultancy with international and regional bodies on the ongoing developments in the region.

Islamic studies

The Institute has a larger body of research staff than any other university in Britain for Islamic studies. Research covers many of the critical issues at the forefront of global attention: the dynamics of Islamist movements, the character of Muslim communities in Europe, the basis, formation and beliefs of different Islamic sects, religious orders and institutions (from Shi’ite bodies in Iran, to Sufi beliefs and practices and Wahhabi ideology).

Arabic, Persian and Kurdish language, literature and culture, and Islamic material culture

This is reflected in the recent introduction of a degree course in Arabic and Persian, the establishment of a Centre for Kurdish Studies with a dedicated Chair in Kurdish Studies, and launch of an MA programme in Kurdish Studies.

Middle East politics

Our wide ranging multi-disciplinary research in Middle East politics follows a number of key themes including:

• The Arab-Israeli conflict
• Gulf security
• Islamic movements
• Political reform and democratisation
• Area studies: Kurdistan, North Africa, Iran and Iraq
• European-Middle East relations
• Urban politics of the Middle East
• The political economy