Call for Application: University of Tehran Master Program on “Iranian Studies”

The Faculty of World Studies of the University of Tehran welcomes applications for the next MA program course on “Iranian Studies” to be started from September 2012. The course is specifically designed and intended for non-Iranian students and it will be held in English (Some courses may be offered in Persian). Students will be expected to improve their knowledge of the Persian language during their stay in Iran.

The course will contain 2 semesters of intensive course-works, during which students are required to stay in Tehran, and 2 more semesters for writing a dissertation, which students can arrange to work on from their home countries or elsewhere. A special course on Persian language will be offered at the University of Tehran during the first two semesters. Those who can successfully complete the course requirements will receive a Master degree of “Iranian Studies” from the University of Tehran.

University: The University of Tehran is the main university of Iran and the oldest one in the region of Middle East. With its universally-known reputation, the University of Tehran is ranked amongst the top 400 universities in the world. More than 35,000 students are actually studying at this university in all major academic fields and at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The UT currently has about 500 foreign students, mostly from neighboring countries but also from Europe, America, Africa, East and South-East Asia. Studying for an MA degree on Iranian Studies at the University of Tehran is a prestigious and valuable academic opportunity which provides prospect students with a unique chance to access best scholars and professors of the field as well as first hand resources and information about Iranian society and its rich history and culture, as well as its contemporary political and economic achievements.

Deadlines: Applications are welcome until May 30, 2012. Successful candidates will be informed by June 15, 2012. The course will start in the second half of September. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Visa and Accommodation: The University of Tehran will assist prospect students to get their visas and it will provide accommodation at discounted student rates for all participants (rooms cost from 200 to 400 US dollars/month depending on the room conditions).

Duration of the program: 2 years inclusive of 4 semesters. The first year will be dedicated to course works. The second year will be the period for writing a dissertation. All students will be obliged to enroll at the University of Tehran for two years, but it is not obligatory to stay in Iran while writing dissertations. Extensions are usually not welcome but maybe allowed under exceptional circumstances.

Tuition fee and Financial Aid: The normal enrollment fee for foreign students in humanities at the University of Tehran is 3600 US dollars per semester. However, the Faculty of World Studies has the privilege to provide up to 60% discount for all participants in the Iranian Studies program. As a result, each student will only pay 1500 USD per semester, (total of 6000 $ for the whole program). This tuition fee will also include one year of special Persian language course at UT’s Dehkhoda Institute as a part of the Master program of Iranian Studies. In addition to all these wonderful discounts, the University of Tehran will also provide one full scholarship for the 2012 program. The winner will be totally exempted from paying any tuition fees for the MA program on Iranian Studies. If interested in the full scholarship, please include a request statement in your application. You should note, however, that the competition over the full scholarship might be tough.

How to Apply:

To receive application forms and related instructions, and for all other questions and inquiries, please contact the program director at the following address:

Dr. Mahdi Ahouie, Director of Iranian Studies Program.
E-Mail: ahouie@ut.ac.ir 

Details of the admission prerequisites and course syllabus:

Conditions for Admission:

• Non-Iranian citizenship.
• Holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any fields of study from a recognized university. Graduates of social sciences will be preferred. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degrees at the time of enrollment. Diplomas must be translated into English (if not originally) and approved by Iranian embassies or consulates in your home countries.
• Total average of the BA grades at least 14 or above out of 20.
• Age under 35 years old. Exceptions may be made for highly-qualified applicants up to 40.
• Advanced knowledge of either Persian or English and the comprehension level for the other. All applicants should express the level of their knowledge of Persian and English in their letter of motivation.

Course titles:

• General courses:
  • History of International politics
  • Theories of international relations and globalization
  • Foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Iran’s place in international political economy
  • International and regional security issues
  • Methodology in social sciences
     
• Major topics:
  • Politics and government in Iran
  • Political geography and Geopolitics of Iran
  • Iranian society and culture
  • Social and Political history of Iran
  • Iran and the Middle East
  • Political economy of Iran
  • Iran and great powers
  • Iran and international and regional organizations

Note: In addition to the Persian language courses offered during the program, students will also have a chance to go on several organized trips to different regions of Iran as a part of this program.