1 year MA at University of Toronto

[Tiglath-Pileser III]

While I still have a couple of PhD applications out there, I was offered a 1-year masters program (instead of a PhD) from the University of Toronto from the department is Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations. Does anyone out there know anything about the 1-year masters at U of T? Does the program require a thesis? They are expecting an answer really soon, and I'd like to get some info about the program before I accept or reject the offer. Thanks...

[NorthernStar]

Hi Hermes,

I am a PhD student at the same department (working on the modern Middle East, but obviously familiar with the department's other streams).

Usually, most MA admits are required to do a 2 year MA, so consider yourself very lucky. You must have impressed them!

The MA program, whether 1 or 2 years does not consist of a master's thesis (unless you really really want to, but that's rare!). You basically have coursework, and that's it. It's not a tough program, and you can choose to take a course or two outside the department, if you so wish.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

[Viva1]

Hi Northern Star, I also was accepted into the 1 year MA (also concentrating in the Modern Middle East). I have the choice to do either the 1 or 2 years and i'm really unsure what to do , and what's best for me, considering I want to do my PHD in the same dept. I'm just a little weary that the 1 year isn't enough time, and that if I make any little screw ups, my GPA will suffer. You said it's not tough, although I hear otherwise. What do you mean exactly, not tough in what respects?? And how is the Arabic instruction? Also, how do you like the program as a specialist in the Modern Middle East? Sorry for all the questions...! Any advice/further information you have would be very much appreciated!