(Full time) 2019 start
Middle Eastern Studies and Politics BA
Overview
Middle Eastern Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the politics, history and cultures of a complex and fascinating region. Core modules will introduce you to the diversity of cultures, religions and ethnicities in the region as well as Arabic and Islamic history. You’ll then develop specialist knowledge with your choice of optional modules, from the Arabic media and popular culture to the Arab-Israeli Conflict and democratisation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Politics allows you an in-depth understanding of the institutions and practices of modern political systems, as well as the theories that underpin them and the ways in which they shape, and are shaped by, society. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in political ideas, challenges and institutions around the world, while allowing you to develop specialist knowledge in areas that suit your interests.
Course content
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.
Middle Eastern Studies
You’ll be introduced to early Arab and Islamic history in your first year to put your studies into context, while exploring the diversity of the Middle East. In the following year you’ll take core modules exploring the recent history and different cultures of the region, and may have the chance to study optional modules. In your final year, you’ll explore Middle East politics and choose from further options relating to Middle Eastern politics and culture.
Politics
Core modules in your first year will allow you to explore the similarities and differences between political systems and introduce you to key concepts, theories and ideas in politics. In the following year you’ll develop this knowledge by choosing from a range of optional modules on topics like security, electioneering and politics from the US to Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. You’ll continue to pursue these interests by choosing from an even wider range of optional modules in your final year.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Early and Medieval Islamic History 20 credits
- Introduction to the Middle East: Politics, Culture and Religion 20 credits
- Politics, Culture and Society 20 credits
- Comparative Politics 20 credits
- Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Culture and Society in the Arab World 20 credits
- Modern Middle Eastern History 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will study either ARAB2066 or ARAB2091 You will study either PIED2601 or PIED2602
- Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict 20 credits
- Arab Media, Politics and Society 20 credits
- Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century 20 credits
- Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
You will study either a Final Year Project module or the Dissertation module
- Final Year Project
- Dissertation
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arab Drama on Stage and Screen 20 credits
- Islam and Modernity 20 credits
- Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Dissertation 40 credits
- Final Year Project: Extended Essay 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Digital Documentary 40 credits
- British Foreign Policy 20 credits
- Politics of Islamism 20 credits
- Dirty War: Insurgency, the State and Cities 20 credits
- Radical Political Ideas: Marx, Nietzsche, Schmitt, Foucault, Kristeva 20 credits
- Dissertation 40 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
Other course specific tests:When 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 ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
-
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 be required.
-
BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
-
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1
-
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
-
Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
-
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB 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: 80%
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: BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a wide 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 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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £18,500 (per year)
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250.
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
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.
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
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 at the Careers website.
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. The University has over 300 partnerships with universities 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.