Dr. Nora Derbal

Assistant Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Nora Derbal. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Nora Derbal is a junior professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Hamburg. She focuses on the modern and contemporary world of Islam, with research centering on the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Saudi Arabia, the Arab Gulf monarchies, and Palestine/Israel. Her work investigates Islamic practices and concepts in their lived execution while also reflecting on how knowledge about Islam and Muslim societies is produced and perpetuated in Europe. Her ongoing research projects include an examination of the life and works of Heinrich von Maltzan, an early modern traveler known for his contributions to the understanding of Islam. Derbal also explores themes of solidarity, martyrdom, and transnational networks between societies of the Arabian Peninsula and Palestine. She has been recognized for her contributions to the field with awards such as the second place in the German Study Prize by the Körber Foundation for her dissertation. With an academic background that includes significant international study and teaching experience, she advocates for enriching student experiences through research and understanding of the Arab world.

Research Interests

Experience

Junior Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

University of Hamburg • Hamburg, Germany

Engaged in teaching and research in Islamic Studies, focusing on the Arab world.

Postdoctoral Researcher

2020-01-01 — 2024-01-01

American University Cairo • Cairo, Egypt

Conducted research related to civil society and authoritarianism in Saudi Arabia.

Requirements for University of Hamburg

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.5
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field At least 60 ECTS in core computer science subjects
Application Checklist
  • Transcript of Records
  • Bachelor's degree certificate (or preliminary transcript)
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of Motivation
  • Module descriptions/table of 60 ECTS in CS
Specialization Notes

Includes tracks like Intelligent Adaptive Systems (IAS).