| UCAS code | T605 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Arab and Islamic Studies |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Overview
- You’ll gain a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of the contemporary Middle East including Middle Eastern ethnography, economy and economic development, gender and identity, politics, culture and arts, and religion and society
- No language study or previous knowledge of Arabic required. Students with proficiency in Arabic seeking a more rigorous programme of study will be better suited to our BA Middle East Studies.
- Our flexible module choices allow you to tailor your programme to your interests as you progress through your degree
- Our academics have expertise across the social sciences and modern history, providing a balanced, multidisciplinary study of the area
- You’ll develop an appreciation and understanding of the culture, history and language of the Middle East which can open up career paths in a wide variety of areas in both the public and private sectors
2nd in the UK for African & Middle Eastern Studies
The Complete University Guide 2025
Top 3 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in all seven themes
National Student Survey 2024
Work placements overseas to support career development
3rd for Middle Eastern and African Studies
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
As you can imagine Arabic is a small course, though we have one of the biggest programmes for it in England.
This means that the level of individual support and attention we get is incredible.
I know that all my teachers truly know how I learn and how best to support me and if I need any more support I know that I can always go to them for help. All the lecturers are very passionate and find enriching ways to teach us. One of my favourite lessons was the last day of term where our lecturer hid clues in Arabic all around our institute and we were all running around the building trying to solve it with these massive dictionaries.
Sumiah
MArabic
2nd in the UK for African & Middle Eastern Studies
The Complete University Guide 2025
Top 3 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in all seven themes
National Student Survey 2024
Work placements overseas to support career development
3rd for Middle Eastern and African Studies
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | n/a |
| IB | 32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
You must take the compulsory modules listed below. These total 105 credits. You must therefore choose an additional 15 credit option module either from within the Institute of Arabic and Islamic studies or from outside of the department (under modularity) as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You must achieve a stage average of 50% including a mark of at least 50% in ARA1033B to be eligible to study abroad in stage 2 of the programme. If you do not achieve a 50% stage average and at least 50% in ARA1033B, you will be required to either repeat stage 1 of the programme or to transfer to a 3 year programme of study that does not include study abroad.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 |
| ARA1018 | Introduction to Islam | 15 |
| ARA1033A | Elementary Arabic Language I | 30 |
| ARA1033B | Elementary Arabic Language II | 30 |
| ARA1036 | Histories of the Middle East, 600-1800 C.E. | 15 |
Optional modules
A maximum of 15 credits of options can be chosen from options not listed in the programme specifications, including Arab and Islamic Studies options.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
Stage 2 is spent abroad in an accredited institution (which has a formal study abroad agreement with the University of Exeter) along with a work placement in the Arabic-speaking world directly following the study abroad period.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA2174 | Year Abroad with Work Placement | 120 |
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA3190 | Intermediate Arabic Language | 30 |
| ARA3196 | Independent Research | 30 |
Optional modules
You must select a further 60 credits of options modules.
View optional modules here https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
You may select up to 30 credits from outside of the department (under modularity) as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
In the final stage of the degree, you undertake postgraduate Masters modules
Stage 4 includes i) a further period of study abroad during part of the Autumn Term (spent in an accredited institution in the Arabic-speaking world) and ii) a short work placement in the Arabic-speaking world directly following the study abroad period. Please note that these periods of study and work abroad are explicitly linked to the Advanced Arabic Language module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAM081 | Advanced Arabic Language | 30 |
| ARAM082 | Dissertation | 60 |
Optional modules
ONE 30 credit postgraduate module from the portfolio of IAIS Masters modules available.
View optional modules here https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Study groups
- Textual study
- Web-based learning
- Tutorial and discussion
- Interactive classes for language modules
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Presentations
- Project work
- Dissertation in final year of study
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Where will I study?
The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies has its own dedicated building that includes a state-of-the-art language laboratory and computing facilities for undergraduate students.
ExeTalks
ExeTalks are a chance to discover some of the fascinating research undertaken at the University of Exeter delivered by the academics who teach on our programmes.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Placement and Year Abroad
You will spend the second year at one of our accredited Arabic language study centres. Immersed in the culture of an Arabic country, you’ll supplement your language training through practical application.
We currently have students in Amman in Jordan, but opportunities may also be available in other locations. Destinations are carefully chosen depending on conditions in the region and the latest details can be found on our website. Many of our students take the opportunity to travel throughout the region once they complete their assessments. On return, you will have increased your fluency in the language and gained an invaluable cultural appreciation of the region.
MArabic students have an additional opportunity to study and work abroad in their final (fourth) year, again at an accredited Arabic language centre.
Your future
A degree in Middle East Studies will give you an appreciation and understanding of the culture, history and language of the Middle East which will be valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Written and verbal communication
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The broad range of transferable skills gained on our MArabic degree enables graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Teaching, research or academia
- Local or national government
- The Civil Service
- Business and finance
- Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UK and abroad
- Marketing and public relations
- Management and administration
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
