Middle Eastern Studies and Politics BA

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.

This information is for our course starting in September 2020. If you have applied to study with us for 2019 entry, you can see full details of your course here.

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

Details of typical modules/components for this course will be published on May 1st. These may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

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

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

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

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019

Fees

UK/EU: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for 2019 entry 
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 for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For all full-time students starting in 2020, our fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed and we expect to publish an update later in 2019.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.