Jared Martin

MPhil Scholarship in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Joining us from: Northern Ireland

MPhil Modern Middle Eastern Studies 2023

I am joining St Cross following the completion of a History and Politics degree at Merton College. During my undergraduate studies, two principal interests that emerged were Middle Eastern politics and contemporary Irish history, especially the Northern Ireland Troubles. My third year papers and dissertation focused on the latter, so I decided to go down the Middle Eastern route. I was excited about the opportunities for language learning as well as applying insights gained in the Northern Irish context to a different world region. 

My research interests are diverse, which was another reason why this course – with its breadth of content and methodologies – appealed. Particular interests include the dynamics of ethnic conflicts, the social and political effects of railway construction in the Ottoman Empire, and the contribution of Bedouin people to state-building processes in countries across the region. Outside of academic study, my main interests are sporting. In particular, I am a keen runner, captaining the university’s Cross Country Club and competing in its Blues team last year. I also compete in mountain running for Northern Ireland and Ireland. Other sporting interests include rugby, football, and tennis, though I’m now more of a spectator in the latter sports. I enjoy unwinding by reading and am a keen consumer of tea and coffee, these days in a copper pot that I acquired in Jordan, fitting nicely with the Middle Eastern content of my course.

I am happy to be studying at St Cross because I enjoy the college’s egalitarian ethos and international student cohort. The latter has already afforded stimulating and mind-expanding conversations. I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship. It has allowed me to continue studying things that I love, and without it, frankly, I would not have been in a financial position to take up my offer.