If you’re fascinated by the Middle East and Central Asia, transform your passion into a qualification at Australia’s premier institute for studies of the region.

Leading experts from the ANU Centre for Arab &; Islamic Studies will take you on a journey through the politics, international relations, modern history and political economy of the Middle East and Central Asia, drawing on our links with major counterparts in the Arab and Muslim world, as well as in North America and Europe.

Please be aware that any courses taken as part of the 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU list will not count towards the advanced degree should you decide to transfer. This is because the advanced degree has no free electives, as they are in practice replaced by a 24 unit thesis. ;

A MMECAS will advance your career in any professional area requiring a solid understanding of the Middle East and Central Asia, whether in diplomacy, the public service, teaching, journalism, development or business.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct detailed, sophisticated research on the Middle East and/or Central Asia, synthesize research material and explain the findings clearly and succinctly, and present these findings both in writing and orally;
2. Discuss, explain and analyse major modern events, characteristics and dynamics related to the Middle East and/or Central Asia;
3. Explain and assess the dynamics that shape and influence Middle East and/or Central Asia, including one or more of: the roles of key actors in these regions’ politics, international relations, and political economies; the impacts on the region of modern historical events; and the impacts of societal and cultural forces; and
4. Engage critically with key scholarly debates and controversies related to the study of the Middle East and/or Central Asia, including some that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.