Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Studying Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies gives you a deep and wide-ranging understanding of the cultures, history, politics and societies of these regions.
You’ll also specialise in the study of Islam, one of the most influential and widely practised religions in the world, and a subject of strategic importance both in the global context and in modern Britain. This course also includes the opportunity to study of languages such Arabic, Turkish and Persian.
From the early history of the Arabs, North Africans and Islam, to the complex international relations of today, you’ll build your knowledge on concepts such as postcolonialism, decoloniality and Critical Muslim Studies. In addition to core modules on key issues and themes, you’ll also choose from a range of optional modules such as Arab culture, politics and performance to Qur’anic Studies and Islamic law.
To broaden and deepen your knowledge, you’ll also be able to access a wide range of co-curricular activities, such as Qur’anic Arabic and the ‘Amimiyyah’ seminars (readings of classical Islamic madrasah texts), offered by the School's Iqbal Centre for Critical Muslim Studies.
This course combines languages, humanities (religious studies, history, literature, performance), area studies and social science.
Enhance your ability to be self-reflective and critical, and to become a considered and informed thinker.
Explore important themes such as cultural prejudice, politics, sexuality, gender and race.
Learn from leading experts in critical areas such as international relations; Islamic law and legal theory; Muslim reformist thought; Islamophobia; and Muslim intellectual history.
Specialist facilities
The School archive at Leeds holds Arabic manuscripts and as many as 10,000 archaeological artefacts 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, North African and Islamic studies, along with free classes and workshops to learn how to use them.
With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.
The Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research.
The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practise with other learners and native speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.
Take a look around our libraries:
Course details
Year 1: Your first year will introduce you to the history, politics, cultures and religions of the Middle East and North Africa.
Year 2: You’ll undertake deeper exploration of cultures and societies of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including Palestine, while you delve into specialist areas of study such as the Shari’a and the politics of race, gender and sexuality in the MENA.
Year 3: You'll use the research skills you have developed in your final year project – an independent piece of research on a topic of your own choosing. The range of modules at this level continue to be broad, covering the politics of the MENA, hadith studies, contemporary Muslim thought and performance.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Arab and Islamic Civilisation | 20 |
| Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics and Religion | 20 |
| Muslim Beliefs: From Theology to Sunni-Shi’a Sectarianism | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Persian for Beginners | 20 |
| Turkish for Beginners | 20 |
| Arabic for Beginners | 20 |
| Politics, Culture and Society | 20 |
| Early and Medieval Islamic History | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Shari'a: Theory, Practice, Transformations | 20 |
| Cultures of the Arab Middle East and North Africa | 20 |
| Modern Middle Eastern History | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Arabic for Beginners 2 | 20 |
| Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict | 20 |
| Arab Media, Politics and Society | 20 |
| Global Jihad: From the Taliban to ISIS | 20 |
| The Qur'an: History, Text and Intepretation | 20 |
| The Politics of Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Middle East | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Islam and Modernity | 20 |
| Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict | 20 |
| Final Year Project: Dissertation or Podcast | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Arabic for Beginners 3 | 20 |
| The Hadith: History, Criticism and Canonisation | 20 |
| Performing Islam: Piety and Environment in Dialogue | 20 |
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from 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, workshops, small-group seminars and tutorials.
Independent learning is an important 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. You’ll have regular opportunities to provide feedback on teaching, course content and what is working well and what can be improved. You’ll be introduced to a range of texts and participate in inclusive safe spaces for critically engaged discussions on sensitive topics (such as gender, race, sexuality, religion, and politics).
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 a wide range of assessments including essays, exams, literature reviews, presentations and podcasts. You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress.
You’ll also be given opportunities to demonstrate what you have learned and communicate reasoned and well-supported arguments. It is important to note that we work hard to ensure textbooks are inclusive, that reading lists are diverse and that the teaching of both Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies is done in a culturally sensitive way that moves beyond lazy stereotypes and essentialisms. Crucial to our approach is the inclusion of texts by female authors and authors of colour.
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.
Alternative qualification
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
DDM
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
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 or 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: 75%
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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.
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 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.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
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 about additional costs.
Scholarships and 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.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
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
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Your study of languages and cultures is valuable preparation for employment in a multicultural, multinational environment. Leeds is the 5th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2022) and our graduates have pursued careers across the globe and in a variety of sectors including:
Business and finance
Islamic banking and finance
Government departments and the Civil Service
Not-for-profit
Education
Consultancy
Global
Increasingly, graduates with specialist knowledge of Islam, Muslim communities, Islamic law, theology and contemporary trends in Islamic thought are being sought by policy institutes and think-tanks, international development organisations and the Ministry of Defence.
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 also offer help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
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.
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.