The Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, is pleased to initiate a doctoral degree program (PhD) in Iranian studies to non-Iranian students from September 2016. This is a full-time program based on both intensive course-work and extensive research. Those who can successfully meet all the requirements will receive an internationally-recognized degree of “Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Iranian Studies” from University of Tehran. The whole program takes up to four years. Admission is given on the basis of academic excellence, with the minimum condition of holding an MA or an equivalent post-graduate degree from a recognized university.
Structure and Length of the Program:
The PhD program at the University of Tehran takes up to four years, with possibility of extension for a fifth year if necessary. During the first two years, students will pass 12 modules total. After successfully passing all the requirements and evaluations, students will be required to write an extensive PhD dissertation on a subject of their own interest related to Iranian studies. This research project will be supervised by at least two faculty members from University of Tehran, and must be defended before a board of examiners. All PhD students must be fluent in Persian language and they should write their dissertations entirely in Persian.
Themes and Content:
This PhD program is specifically designed and intended for non-Iranian students and follows a multi-disciplinary approach to Iranian studies. Candidates may choose to follow a “socio-cultural” or “political” orientation in taking their modules and later, in writing their dissertations.
Under “socio-cultural” orientation, candidates will take part in courses related to Iranian culture, society, religions and civilization.
Under “political” orientation, candidates can follow a wide range of topics on Iranian foreign policy, domestic politics, and political economy.
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.
Language of the Program:
Fluency in Persian is a pre-requisite for admission and a requirement to fulfill this PhD program. All applicants must provide evidence for their knowledge of Persian language. Phone interviews will be held during the selection process and a written exam will also be held by the faculty upon students’ arrival in Tehran to evaluate their language skills. For those applicants whose Persian is at intermediate level, a full-year intensive Persian course may be advised. After successfully passing the final exam for advanced Persian, they will be eligible to start their PhD. Good command of English is also required.
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. About 60,000 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 community of international students, mostly from neighboring countries but also from Europe, America, Africa, East and South-East Asia. Studying towards a PhD in Iranian studies at the University of Tehran is a prestigious and invaluable 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 original observations on its contemporary political and economic situation. The Faculty of World Studies has so far received students of more than 30 nationalities and enjoys a very vivid and interactive international environment.
Program Calendar:
PhD students may start their studies in FWS either from September (fall semester) or from February (spring semester). The fall semester begins from the nearest Saturday to the mid-September, and it 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 language courses.
Basic Conditions for Admission:
- Non-Iranian citizenship (Iranian nationals with dual citizenships are not eligible to apply).
- Holding a Master’s degree (M.A.) or higher in human and social sciences (preferably Middle Eastern or Iranian Studies, political science, international relations, social science, communication, history, geography, philosophy, economy, religious studies, and law) from a recognized university. Applicants are required to submit a scanned copy of their educational degrees/transcripts in their application package (including MA and BA levels). 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 MA grades at least 14 or above out of 20 (2.8 out of 4.0) or equivalent ranking.
- Age under 45 years old, with flexibility for highly-qualified applicants.
- Fluency in Persian is a requirement. Good command of English language is also obligatory. 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). Applicants must pass a Persian language test held by FWS.
Deadlines:
Applications will be received until April 15, 2016. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by early May 2016. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
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. 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 post-graduate programs 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 13,000$ for the whole program). This offer is valid for the students who register this year. Tuition fees must be paid annually and in cash at the registration desk.
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 fluency in Persian and English languages
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) including MA and BA levels.
7- Scanned copy of academic transcripts (MA and BA levels)
8- Scanned copy of passport’s personal data pages
9- A recent color photo (scanned and -sized)
10- Any additional supporting material that you may prefer to include in your application, such as a list of publications, or a sample writing (in Persian or English).
How to Apply:
All applicants are required to send in their applications via email before April 15, 2016. To submit your application package, and for general questions and queries about the Iranian Studies PhD Program, please contact Mr. Goudarz Mirani, Assistant to Head of Department of Iranian Studies:gmirani@ut.ac.ir (preferred way of contact)
For any special or urgent queries, you may also write to Dr. Mahdi Ahouie, Head of Department of Iranian Studies: ahouie@ut.ac.ir or to Dr. Mohammad Samiei, Deputy-Dean for Education and Research: m.samiei@ut.ac.ir
Tel: +98-21-61119283
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 orhttp://www.ut.ac.ir/en or send an email to: fws@ut.ac.ir
