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I had the pleasure of spending a year at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and completing my MPhil in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge. While my focus was on Middle Eastern politics, the program also offered rich insights into the region’s cultural and historical dimensions, which proved to be both eye-opening and valuable to my research. As a Middle Easterner myself, I found it deeply engaging to explore academic perspectives on my homeland through an external lens. Having access to such diverse materials, and the opportunity to engage with distinguished academics, allowed me to approach my research with both passion and intellectual depth, ultimately enjoying my well rounded experience at Cambridge and contributing to the smooth and successful completion of my degree.
Faisal Ahmad (March 28, 2025)
My time as an MPhil student at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies was both intellectually rigorous and deeply enriching, pushing me to think and engage critically with a broad body of literature. The Middle East is no easy subject to study, especially in a world where competing and complex narratives reveal different, and often contradictory, faces of “truth.” My research on Palestine-Israel was particularly challenging, as I conducted it during a time of war and bloodshed, making it a difficult project to navigate both intellectually and technically. However, with the unwavering support and mentorship I received from the faculty members, especially from my supervisor, Dr. Paul Anderson, and Dr. Elizabeth Monier, I was able to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and successfully complete my project. Being part of the Faculty of Middle Eastern Studies is a truly transformative and enriching experience for anyone willing to be challenged.
Jana Aljamal (March 28, 2025)
My time as an MPhil student the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies was truly transformative. The combination of world-class faculty, excellent libraries, and an intellectually stimulating environment provided the perfect setting to deepen my academic pursuits. I had the opportunity to explore Classical Arabic poetry and the mystic tradition, refine my skills in writing historiographies, examine the works of various intellectual thinkers, and study the history of the Persianate world. Beyond the subject matter, I gained invaluable insights into research methodologies and the inner workings of academic circles. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was engaging with a diverse cohort of classmates from all backgrounds. Their perspectives enriched our class discussions, pushing me to think more critically and approach topics from new angles. This experience also proved invaluable as I transitioned to law school. The exposure to diverse intellectual traditions and methods of inquiry continues to shape my approach to legal reasoning, research, and advocacy.
Maya Taha (March 28, 2025)