(Full time) 2021 start
Middle Eastern Studies BA
Overview
This degree gives you a deep and wide-ranging understanding of the history, politics and culture of the Middle East.
From the early history of the Arabs and Islam to the complex international relations of today, you’ll build your knowledge of the religious, social, cultural and political life of a diverse and fascinating region.
Core modules will build up your knowledge base on the key issues and themes in Middle Eastern studies and you’ll choose from a range of optional modules depending on your interests. You can choose from a variety of topics, from Arab cinema to the Qur’an and Islamic legal theory.
If you want to, you can choose Arabic, Turkish or Persian language modules. Whether you decide to do this or not, you’ll still develop a real insight into the context of communities across the Middle East.
You do not need to be able to speak Arabic for this degree, however you’re also welcome if you do.
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. Applications must be made to the Lifelong Learning Centre.
Specialist resources
Our departmental archive contains Arabic manuscripts, as well as 10,000 archaeological artefacts that ranging from Pharaonic to early Palestinian eras. It’s a fantastic research resource – as is the University Library, which has extensive collections relating to Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. The University Library runs free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
If you choose to study Arabic or another language during your degree, you’ll have access to the Language Zone with digital language labs, audio-visual booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
Course content
Core modules in your first year will give you a sense of the diverse politics, history and civilisations that have shaped the Middle East today. You’ll also begin to tailor your degree to your interests, with optional modules allowing you to explore areas such as the region’s media, Islamic theology or even new languages.
The following year you’ll be able to build on this knowledge as you explore issues such as Zionism, the Arab-Israeli conflict and modern Middle Eastern society while choosing from a range of optional modules on topics from the Qur’an to Islamic legal theory.
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop critical and research skills alongside your subject knowledge.
In your final year you will continue to strengthen these across your module choices, but you’ll also put them into practice in your Final Year Project – an independent piece of research on a topic of your own choosing.
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.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Your tutors are experts in their fields, and they share their knowledge through a number of different teaching and learning styles. Lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials are all important, while workshops may also be used in some modules. You’ll also spend more time studying independently, researching topics and reading widely to develop your critical and analytical skills. Support is always available, too – lecturers will even advise you on your choice of modules.
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
We use various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules will include group work, reports, or presentations. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
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.
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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.
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BTEC
DDM.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2.
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers or AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers
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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.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools 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.
Arabic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies CertHE
This qualification develops your knowledge and understanding of Islam, Middle Eastern culture and the Arabic language and builds your academic confidence by concentrating on research, critical thinking, writing and communication skills. This course is available on a full or part-time basis and is offered by the Lifelong Learning Centre. On successful completion, you can progress on to year 2 of a full-time undergraduate degree in Arabic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 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.
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.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £20,250 (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.
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
Middle Eastern studies is a fascinating subject that will give you deep cultural awareness of a fascinating and complex part of the world.
You’ll graduate with a variety of transferable skills. You’ll have strong research skills, and you’ll be able to think critically about the information you find before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll also be able to communicate your views clearly and defend them in debate – all of which are skills in demand from employers.
Graduates have gone into careers in the media, business and finance, administration, the civil service and government departments, think tanks, the charity sector and global organisations such as the United Nations, where an understanding of the region’s culture and politics is vital.
Postgraduate study at Leeds or at another university allows for further specialisation in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, which can lead to PhD study and a career in academia.
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.
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
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.