University of Cyprus aims to establish itself as a Pioneer Research Institution achieving International Scientific Recognition in European Higher Education, offering Competitive Programmes and to become a Centre of Excellence in the wider Euro - Mediterranean Region.
Turkish Studies study the Turkish and other Turkic languages, as well as the history,the literatures and the civilizations of Turkic peoples from the 8th century until today.The various fields of Turkish Studies are: Turkology or Turkic Studies, which dealwith the whole spectrum of Turkic languages and literatures; Ottoman Studies, whichfocuses on the linguistic varieties, the history and the civilization of the OttomanEmpire (13th-20th century); Modern Turkish Studies, which deal with the politics, theliterature, the economy and the society of Turkey in the 20th century; Islamic Studies,which are an integral part of Ottoman and Modern Turkish Studies and are related toMiddle Eastern Studies, which cover the study of the Middle Eastern peoples(particularly Arab and Iranian), their languages and civilizations. Moreover, TurkishStudies also include the study of the Balkan peoples, in relation to the Ottoman andTurkish world.Turkish Studies in the University of Cyprus cover most of the above-mentioned fieldsof Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies. Thematic emphasis is given particularly to thecontext of the island, and particularly to the Turkish-Cypriot community, as well as tothe broader region, to the interests and orientations of the staff, as well as to theacademic and professional prospects of the graduates. Members of the academic staffof the Department of Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies participate in the Master’sProgramme as instructors and academic advisors, while it is possible that VisitingProfessors may also participate, offering courses.The aim of the Master’s programme is to render the students able to use scientificmethods and knowledge, in order to be able to work autonomously on the language,history, civilization, literature and politics of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey and theTurkish-Cypriot community. It is expected that, with the specialization courses in thescientific fields of Turkish studies, the students will improve, to a great extent, theirlinguistic skills, while they will specialize in one of the scientific fields and will writean original Master’s Thesis.
Graduate students are accepted to the Programme based on the criteria mentioned in
the General Rules of Postgraduate Studies. In order to be accepted to the Master’s
Programme a student must have a Bachelor’s degree in Turkish Studies or a
Bachelor’s degree in cultural studies, humanities and social sciences. He/she must
also succeed in a personal interview or another relevant test, designated by the
Department. Applicants for admission to the Master’s Programme must be graduates
of recognized universities in Cyprus or another country.