BA (Hons) Arabic, Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies

On this course, you’ll learn Arabic, one of the world’s major languages, while also building your understanding of the cultural, historical, political and religious contexts that have shaped the Middle East, North Africa and the wider Muslim world. You’ll gain a firm grounding in spoken and written Arabic which is then strengthened further by spending a year in an Arabic-speaking country, where you will develop your skills in colloquial Arabic. During your year abroad, you’ll study a tailor-made curriculum designed exclusively for our students. In addition to Arabic, you’ll also have the option to expand your wider language skills by learning Persian.Studying Arabic, 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 develop your 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. You’ll also learn about contemporary relevant issues of the Middle East and North Africa, and explore themes such as cultural identity, sexuality, gender and race. In addition to compulsory modules on key issues and themes, you’ll also choose from a range of optional modules such as Arab culture, politics, performance, Qur’anic Studies and Islamic law.Alongside gaining linguistic, cultural and historical knowledge, you’ll also develop transferable skills to become a resilient and adaptable graduate. You'll enhance your ability to be self-reflective and critical, and to become a considered, informed thinker.Additional highlightsYou’ll learn from tutors who are recognised nationally and internationally as leaders in Arabic language studies. AIMES (Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies) at Leeds is also renowned for leading the design and development of Arabic language textbooks.Learn from leading experts in critical areas such as Islamic history, international relations, Islamic law and legal theory, Muslim reformist thought, Islamophobia, Muslim intellectual history, women’s contributions to Islamic history, sectarian difference, historical topics including the Crusades, Islam in China, Cultural anthropology and Arab and Muslim Cinema. From the early history of the Arabs, North Africans and Islam to the complex international relations of today, you’ll build your knowledge through pioneering approaches such as Islamic history and religion through the female lens, postcolonialism, decoloniality and Critical Muslim Studies, which has been pioneered at the University of Leeds.You’ll have access to a wide range of co-curricular activities, that will broaden and deepen your knowledge beyond the course’s teachings, 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.Specialist facilitiesThe School archive 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, audiovideo 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.

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 and 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.