Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies BA | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Overview

Arabic is one of the world’s major languages, and this degree will allow you to become proficient while you build your understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped the Middle East.

You’ll benefit from a firm grounding in spoken and written Arabic – which you’ll strengthen by spending a year in Morocco – while gaining insight into the cultural, social and political issues that have shaped the Middle East. You could even learn Persian or Turkish. At the same time, you will build critical, analytical and advanced communication skills that are popular with employers.

We combine core and optional modules to give you a firm foundation in language study while allowing you to shape your degree to suit your interests. There are also plenty of resources to help you get the best from your studies, from our manuscript archives to our Interpreter Training Suites. Leeds provides everything you need to build a real understanding of Arabic and the cultures that have shaped it.

Part-time study

Year 1 can be studied part-time over two years through the Lifelong Learning Centre. The remaining years will be completed full-time through the School. For more information visit Arabic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies on the Lifelong Learning Centre website.

Specialist resources

At Leeds we have a wealth of resources to help you make the most of your studies. Our departmental archive holds 500 Arabic manuscripts and as many as 10,000 archaeological artefacts ranging from Pharaonic to early Palestinian eras, offering plenty of original sources for research. These are complemented by our excellent library resources – and the University Library runs a comprehensive training programme so you can take the fullest advantage of them.

However, we also have a wide range of electronic resources, including specialised computing facilities for Translation Studies and dedicated Interpreter Training Suites so you can explore different career options. There is also a fully equipped Language Centre with digital language labs, audio-video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).

Course content

Your first year will introduce you to the modern history and politics of the Middle East, while we support you through language classes to improve your Arabic skills. Then, you’ll broaden your understanding and develop your language skills further as you spend your second year in Morocco, combining Arabic lessons with the freedom to get out and explore the fascinating culture of the region.

By the time you return to Leeds, your Arabic skills will be ready to refine in core language modules across the next two years. However, you’ll also choose from a variety of optional modules so you can build a degree that suits you, whether you’re interested in Arab cinema, the relationships between Islamic countries or the role that Islam plays in contemporary society.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles. Your lecturers are all experts in their fields, and you will be able to benefit from their knowledge in lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials. Workshops may also be part of the mix in some modules.

However, the biggest difference between school and university is that independent learning is a much bigger element of your studies, allowing you to build your research skills and think critically about the range of different sources you can access. We offer plenty of support on everything from choosing your modules to making the most of our excellent library resources.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Exams and course essays are normally the main methods of assessment we use, but depending on your module choices you may also be assessed by oral presentations or group work. Throughout your degree, we’ll be on hand to offer support; we run extra classes on topics such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique.

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
BTEC

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U

M1, M1, M1
International Baccalaureate

34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications

European Baccalaureate: 77%

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies admissions team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

It is also possible to study this programme part time. The programme content is the same but you will study at a lesser intensity. Find out more about how to apply, support available and the part-time student experience at the Lifelong Learning Centre.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities

This degree combines rigorous Arabic language study with deep cultural insight. As a result, it equips you with a whole range of skills that will help you in a range of careers.

You’ll be able to research complex topics and assess information from different sources, thinking critically about what you find to form your own conclusions. You’ll then be able to communicate your views clearly, both verbally and in writing. Creativity, teamwork, time management and organisational skills will all come into play throughout your degree.

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers. Some of them have worked in language-specific roles, such as translating, interpreting and teaching, or pursued postgraduate training in these areas to help their career ambitions. But others have launched careers in the civil service, journalism, business and finance, think tanks, tourism, the charity sector and even global organisations like the United Nations.

We’re committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures offers a number of internships every year, and we work closely with the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies’ Work Placements Officer to source internship and training opportunities.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Residency abroad

You’ll spend your second year in an Arabic-speaking country.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, and when you’re not in your intensive language classes there will be plenty of time to travel and explore the region. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their course.