Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Overview

From the early history of the Arabs, North Africans and Islam to the complex international relations of today, you’ll build your knowledge through a range of conceptual approaches such as postcolonialism, decoloniality and Critical Muslim Studies.

You’ll benefit from a firm grounding in spoken and written Arabic – which you’ll strengthen by spending a year in an Arabic-speaking country – while gaining insight into the cultural, social and political issues that have shaped the Middle East. At the same time, you’ll build critical, analytical and advanced communication skills that are popular with employers.

You’ll combine core and optional modules to give you a firm foundation in language study while allowing you to shape your degree to suit your interests in Middle Eastern Studies and North African Studies.

Career opportunities

This Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies degree from University of Leeds combines rigorous Arabic language study with deep cultural insight into the Middle East. As a result, it equips you with a whole range of knowledge and skills that will help you in a range of careers.

You’ll be able to research complex topics and assess information from different sources, thinking critically about what you find to form your own conclusions. You’ll then be able to communicate your views clearly, both verbally and in writing. Creativity, teamwork, time management and organisational skills will all come into play throughout your degree.

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers. Some of them have worked in language-specific roles, such as translating, interpreting and teaching (including CELTA courses) and others have launched careers in the civil service, journalism, business and finance, think tanks, tourism, the charity sector and even global organisations like the United Nations.