Course features

The modern Middle East and North Africa (MENA) were shaped by the legacy of colonialism. This course explores the collapse of the Ottoman, British and French empires after World War II and examines how pivotal 20th-century events continue to define political, economic, and diplomatic relationships in the region. By understanding the region’s recent past, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of the critical challenges that MENA countries face today.

Guided by Professor Jonathan Hill, Director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at King’s College London, this course explores the region’s modern history through 5 interactive units. It charts the decline of Europe’s empires in the region from the 1930s onwards. Each unit focuses on a different critical moment and group in the region. The course will examine how nationalist and anti-colonial movements rose to power, how newly independent states navigated relations with former colonial rulers, and how global powers continue to influence the region’s future.

This course will be of particular interest to professionals and students working with and in the Middle East and North Africa. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply historical insight to current events, policy decisions, and professional work in diplomacy, development, security, or business.

Course format

This course is delivered through the edX learning platform and is designed to be completed in approximately 5 hours.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Chart the rise, fall and legacy of empires in the Middle East and North Africa
• Understand key 20^th-century historical events in the region, including World Wars I and II
• Examine the role of political, religious, and social movements such as Arab-nationalism and anti-colonialism
• Explore the different paths to independence of MENA countries after years of colonial rule
• Contextualise modern conflicts and alliances between countries within the region, and with ex-imperial powers
• Evaluate the influence of colonial legacies on present-day politics, diplomacy, and security

Entry requirements

No formal requirements. English proficiency recommended (IELTS Level 6).

Further information

King’s College London has partnered with the online education platform edX to deliver self-paced short courses to learners worldwide. Anyone can audit the course materials for free, excluding graded assessments, for a limited time.

For full access to the course, including graded assessments, and to obtain a verified certificate upon successful completion, the USD fee is $249.

The GBP course fee displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and subject to change in line with current exchange rates.

Payment for verified access to the course is made directly via edX. Please see edX Terms of Service for further information.