A PhD in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa is a research-intensive program that involves the in-depth study of the historical, political, social, and cultural developments of this region. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to become experts in the field of Middle Eastern and North African history.
During the program, students will be expected to conduct extensive research, write a dissertation, and defend their findings in front of a panel of experts. They will also be required to attend seminars and lectures, participate in workshops and conferences, and engage in scholarly discussions with their peers and professors.
Some of the topics covered in this program may include the ancient civilizations of the Middle East and North Africa, the rise and fall of Islamic empires, the colonial period, the formation of modern nation-states, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the contemporary political and social developments in the region.
Graduates of this program may pursue careers as historians, researchers, professors, and policymakers in various fields, including academia, government, international organizations, and the private sector.
Here are some highlights of a PhD in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa:
In-depth study of the region | The program offers a comprehensive study of the history, politics, society, and culture of the Middle East and North Africa. This provides students with a thorough understanding of the region's complexities, challenges, and opportunities. |
Research-intensive | The program requires extensive research and critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. This prepares students to conduct original research and contribute to the field of Middle Eastern and North African history. |
Specialization | Students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of Middle Eastern and North African history. This allows them to develop expertise in a specific field and contribute to scholarship. |
Interdisciplinary approach | The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Middle Eastern and North African history, which draws on other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics. |
Professional development | The program provides students with opportunities for professional development, such as attending conferences, presenting papers, publishing articles, and networking with scholars and practitioners in the field. |
Career prospects | Graduates of the program may pursue careers in academia, government, international organizations, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. They may work as historians, researchers, professors, policymakers, consultants, analysts, and cultural advisors. |
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The duration of a PhD program in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa may vary from institution to institution. |
Generally, the program takes between four to six years to complete. |
1 | Prospective students can typically apply online through the institution's website. |
2 | The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and other supporting documents. |
3 | Some institutions may also require an application fee. |
4 | It's important to check the institution's specific application requirements and deadlines. |
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The syllabus for a PhD program in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa may vary from institution to institution. |
Generally, the program involves coursework in research methods, historiography, and specialized topics related to the history, politics, society, and culture of the Middle East and North Africa. |
Students are also required to conduct independent research, write a dissertation, and defend their findings in front of a panel of experts. |
1 | Graduates of a PhD program in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa may pursue careers in academia, government, international organizations, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. |
2 | Some job titles include historian, researcher, professor, policy analyst, consultant, cultural advisor, and journalist. |
3 | The salary for these positions may vary depending on the organization, location, and level of experience. |
4 | According to PayScale, the average salary for a historian in the United States is around $63,000 per year. |
Graduates of a PhD program in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa may find career opportunities in various fields, including:
1 | Academic institutions | Teaching and research positions in universities and colleges |
2 | Government agencies | Policy analysis and research positions in government agencies |
3 | International organizations | Research and program management positions in international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF |
4 | Non-profit organizations | Research and advocacy positions in non-profit organizations focused on issues related to the Middle East and North Africa |
5 | Private sector | Consulting and advisory positions in firms focused on the Middle East and North Africa |
Some top institutions that offer a PhD program in History focused on the Middle East and North Africa include:
1 | Harvard University, Department of History |
2 | New York University, Department of History |
3 | University of California, Los Angeles, Department of History |
4 | University of Chicago, Department of History |
5 | University of Michigan, Department of History |
6 | University of Oxford, Faculty of History |
7 | Yale University, Department of History |
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.