MA Iranian Studies University of Tehran (Call for Applications 2016)

The Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, is pleased to offer a two-year academic program in Iranian studies to non-Iranian students. This is a full-time program based on both intensive course- work and research. Those who can successfully meet all the requirements will receive an internationally-recognized degree of “Master of Arts in Iranian Studies” from University of Tehran. The program starts every year in late September, and continues for four successive semesters. Admission is given on the basis of high academic qualifications, with the minimum condition of holding a BA or BSc from a recognized university.

Structure and Length of the Program:

During the first semester, students will attend some general and introductory courses. In the second and third semesters, students should pass 13 modules total. By the end of the fourth semester, students will be required to write (in English or Persian) a 100-page dissertation on a subject of their own interest related to Iranian studies. This research project will be supervised by two faculty members from University of Tehran, and must be defended before a board of examiners. Students are not obliged to stay in Iran while working on their dissertations. All students are required to regularly take part in intensive Persian language classes offered at the FWS. They are expected to achieve the advanced level of Persian language as a requirement for their graduation from the program.

 Themes and Content:

This MA program is specifically designed and intended for non-Iranian students and follows a multi- disciplinary approach to Iranian studies. Although attention is also given to historical backgrounds of every topic discussed, the main focus of this program is on the modern and contemporary issues of Iran. Course themes include: Iranian contemporary history, society and culture, ethnic groups and local traditions, media and arts, political economy, geopolitics and foreign policy, and Shi’a studies. Students will also be offered exceptional opportunities to take part in extra-ordinary field trips to different parts of the country (on highly discounted fares) and visits to several social, cultural, and political institutions during the program.

Language of the Program:

The Iranian Studies MA Program follows a cleverly-designed bi-lingual policy. The program starts in English. However, since Persian is the essential language for Iranian studies, all students are expected to gradually become fluent in Persian towards the end of the program (through regularly attending in Persian language courses). During the first and second semesters, most instructions will be conducted in English. However, as students improve their knowledge of Persian, some modules will be offered in Persian, particularly during the third semester. Students will have the option to write their dissertations in Persian or English, but highly encouraged to write in Persian.

University of Tehran:

The University of Tehran is the main university of Iran and the oldest one in the Middle East. With its universally-known reputation, the UT is ranked amongst the top 300 universities in the world. More than 50,000 students are studying at this university in all major academic fields and at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The UT is the host of a large community of 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 students with a unique chance to access the 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. Students of more than 30 nationalities from 5 continents of the world have been enrolled in the MA Iranian studies since the commencement of the program in 2012.

Program Calendar:

The academic year in the University of Tehran begins from the nearest Saturday to the mid- September. The fall semester continues until the end of December, and examination period usually takes two weeks until mid-January in the following year. After a short semester break, the spring semester starts in the first week of February and it goes up until the end of May. Examinations finish about mid-June. There is a three-week New Year holiday from mid-March to early April every year. Summer vacation extends from mid-June to mid-September. There is no summer semester offered, except for Persian language courses.

Basic Conditions for Admission:

·  Non-Iranian citizenship (Iranian nationals with dual citizenships are not eligible to apply).

·  Holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any fields of study from a recognized university. Graduates in humanities and social sciences will be preferred. Applicants are required to submit a scanned copy of their educational degrees/transcripts in their application package. Diplomas must be translated into English (if not originally) and approved by Iranian diplomatic or consular representations in the applicant’s home country if and after admission is granted.

·  Total average of the BA grades at least 14 or above out of 20 (2.8 out of 4.0).

·  Age under 35 years old. Exceptions may be made for highly-qualified applicants up to 40.

·  Good command of English is a requirement. Fluency in Persian language is not mandatory but will be an asset in the selection process. All applicants should express the level of their knowledge of Persian and English in their letter of motivation and provide supporting evidence/documents (e.g. scores obtained in international examinations, language course certificates, evidence of previous university educations in English or Persian).

Deadlines:

Applications are welcome from December 1, 2015 until March 1, 2016. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by mid-April 2016 and. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Accommodation:
Due to an increased number of international students, the University is not in a position to guarantee dormitories for all students arriving in 2016. Dorm rooms may cost between 150 and 200 US dollars per month depending on the availability and room conditions. The Faculty of World Studies will, however, provide consultations and support to facilitate the process of finding proper accommodations in Tehran for those students who may not be settled in dormitories.

Visa:
The University of Tehran will assist prospect students to get their entry visas and educational residency permits.

As in every other country, student visas are subject to background checks by related authorities. The visa approval process usually takes up to eight weeks after shortlisted candidates are notified of their successful application. However, we kindly urge all applicants’ understanding that we cannot guarantee the exact length of the process, since this is totally outside of the University’s control or jurisdiction. Once the visa approvals have arrived, candidates will be notified in due time to refer to Iranian diplomatic or consular representations in their countries to receive their visas.
Tuition Fees and Financial Aids:
The normal enrollment fee for international students in the humanities at the University of Tehran is 7500 US dollars per year. However, the Faculty of World Studies has the privilege to provide a 50% discount for ALL participants in the Iranian Studies Program. As a result, each student will only pay 3250 USD per year, (total of 6500$ for the whole program). Tuition fees must be paid per year and in cash at the registration desk.
è Please note that an additional sum of 7,000,000 IR Rials (equivalent of 200 USD) will be charged per course for Persian language training. Three courses are offered during every academic year and tuitions will be collected annually at once.

Required Documents for Application:

1.     A filled out application form available at: http://www.ut.ac.ir/Files/ApplicationForm.xls or obtainable through email.

2.     A detailed letter of motivation (no longer than 1000 words)

3.     A curriculum vitae, including detailed information about previous educations as well as

academic publications or work experience (if any)

4.     Evidence of knowledge of English and Persian languages (good command in English and any

level of familiarity with Persian)

5.     Two letters of recommendation from scholars capable of attesting to the applicant’s

qualifications (the letters must be sent directly to the program director by email)

6.     Scanned copy of previous academic diploma(s)

7.     Scanned copy of academic transcripts

8.     Scanned copy of passport’s personal data pages

9.     A recent color photo (scanned and small-sized)

10.  Any additional supporting material that you may prefer to include in your application

How to Apply:

All applicants are required to send in their applications via email before March 1, 2016. To submit your application package, and for general questions and queries about the Iranian Studies MA Program, please contact Mr. Goudarz Mirani, Assistant to Head of Department of Iranian Studies: gmirani(at)ut.ac.ir (preferred way of contact)

For any special or urgent queries, you may also write to Dr. Mahdi Ahouie, Head of Department: ahouie(at)ut.ac.ir

Tel: +98-21-88630862 (Office of International Relations, Faculty of World Studies) Fax: +98-21-88630196

Mailing Address: Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran’s Northern Campus, North Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran.

For any further information, please do not hesitate to consult http://fws.ut.ac.ir or http://www.ut.ac.ir/en or send an email to: fws(at)ut.ac.ir