Arabic, Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies BA

Course overview

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.

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.

International Baccalaureate

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:

• media

• translation and interpreting

• business and finance

• law

• Islamic banking and finance

• government departments and the Civil Service

• not-for-profit organisations

• education

• consultancy

Increasingly, graduates with specialist knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa, 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.

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.