(Full time) 2021 start
Middle Eastern Studies and Politics BA
Overview
This course will allow you to gain an in-depth understanding of two subject areas.
You’ll build your knowledge of the history, politics, religion and culture of the Middle East, from the early history of the Arabs and Islam to the complex international relations of today. Speaking Arabic isn’t a requirement for this course, but you can choose Arabic language modules to develop those skills.
Alongside this, you’ll explore political ideas, structures and approaches that will help you to analyse the complex political circumstances that shape our world today. You’ll study the mechanisms of power and influence of politics in public life, exploring the real politics behind the headlines and constructing practical solutions to political challenges.
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 project in either subject in your final year.
In your first year, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of politics and political ideas. You’ll explore the key debates that shape politics at an international level using theory to understand and analyse political practices in the world today. You’ll compare the nature of politics and processes across different political systems, analysing how and why we make these comparisons.
As well as this, you’ll gain an overview of the history of the Arab world, from the rise of Islam in the 6th century to the Ottoman conquest in the 16th. You’ll also study the Middle East in-depth to understand the varied history, culture, politics, religions and languages of the region.
In your second year, you’ll explore issues relating to modern Arab societies and cultures, such as family life, gender relations, marriage and divorce, and the role of religion. You’ll examine the formation of the modern Middle East from empires to nation-states and you’ll have options to learn about Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict or the development of Arab media and its role in relation to politics, culture and society.
In addition to this, you’ll critically examine political theories in the 20th century or political problems such as justice, community and conflict. You’ll also study UK or international government and political systems from a choice of optional modules.
In your final year, you’ll undertake either a dissertation or complete a digital documentary on a topic of your choice. You’ll choose from optional modules to tailor your learning to your interests and career aspirations. You can critically explore topics such as Arab drama on stage and screen, Middle Eastern politics, British foreign policy and political psychology among many others.
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
- Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics 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
- Discovery module 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Culture and Society in the Arab World 20 credits
- Modern Middle Eastern History 20 credits
- <strong>Choose one from:</strong>
- Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict 20 credits
- Arab Media, Politics and Society 20 credits
- <strong>Choose one from:</strong>
- Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century 20 credits
- Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
- <strong>Choose one from:</strong>
- The Conservative Party Since 1945 20 credits
- Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
- Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
- Politics of Contemporary China 20 credits
- State and Politics in Africa 20 credits
- United States Politics 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You can choose to take additional credits from the below list of modules. This list is just a sample of options you can study.
- North-South Linkages 20 credits
- Security Studies 20 credits
- Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
- Analysing Data in Politics, Development and International Relations 20 credits
- Approaches to Analysis 20 credits
Discovery modules
You could choose to replace an optional module with 20 credits of Discovery modules.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- <strong>Choose one from:</strong>
- Final Year Project: Digital Documentary 40 credits
- Dissertation 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- If you choose to do a dissertation focusing on politics:
- <strong>Choose two from:</strong>
- Islam and Modernity 20 credits
- Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict 20 credits
- Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption 20 credits
- Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents 20 credits
- Decolonial Approaches 20 credits
- Social Movements across Cultures 20 credits
- If you choose to do a digital documentary or a dissertation focusing on the Middle East:
- <strong>Choose two from:</strong>
- British Foreign Policy 20 credits
- Prime Ministers and British Politics 20 credits
- The Politics of national identity in the UK 20 credits
- Land, Fuel and Agriculture 20 credits
- International Development and Social Policy 20 credits
- Violence and Reconciliation in Africa 20 credits
- Britain and the EU 20 credits
- Europe in the World 20 credits
- American Foreign Policy 20 credits
- Critically Analysing The Responsibility to Protect 20 credits
- Terrorism: Concepts, Debates, Cases 20 credits
- Machiavelli and the Making of Modernity 20 credits
- Radical Political Ideas: Marx, Nietzsche, Schmitt, Foucault, Kristeva 20 credits
- Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture 20 credits
Discovery modules
You could choose to replace an optional module with 20 credits of Discovery modules.
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 research, meaning what you’ll learn on this course is based on the latest findings in each field.
To help you get the most out of your tutors’ expertise, we use a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials and occasionally workshops.
Independent study is also central to this degree, as it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year project on a topic of your own choice.
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 different types of assessment. Usually, we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you might also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – 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:If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (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’re taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
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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 be required.
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BTEC
DDD.
Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. -
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
AAAABB (pre-2017) -
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.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80%.
Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.
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
BBC at A Level, A in a relevant EPQ and pass Access to Leeds.
International
Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.
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
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK/EU: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
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.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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
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. It will also equip you 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.
Middle Eastern Studies 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 is an increasingly popular option too, either at Leeds or elsewhere.
Politics graduates have pursued a wide range of careers as parliamentary advisors or researchers, civil servants, diplomats, advocacy workers, parliamentary assistants, lobbyists, special advisors to senior ministers, political researchers and local government officers – and some have even gone into elected office as MPs.
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 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. 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.