| UCAS code | T604 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Arab and Islamic Studies |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: 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 although you are free to study Persian or Arabic if you wish
- 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
2nd for African & Middle Eastern Studies in The Complete University Guide 2025
3rd for Middle Eastern and African Studies
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Unprecedented support for study abroad including dialect training and staff visits
2nd in the UK for African & Middle Eastern Studies
The Complete University Guide 2025
2nd for African & Middle Eastern Studies in The Complete University Guide 2025
3rd for Middle Eastern and African Studies
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Unprecedented support for study abroad including dialect training and staff visits
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 BA Middle East Studies degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
You may also be able to take up to 30 credits each year from outside 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.
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 will study the history, politics, society and economics of the Middle East, as well as the basic principles of Islam. You will also choose from a list of modules in history, politics and sociology.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 |
| ARA1018 | Introduction to Islam | 15 |
| ARA1021 | Introduction to Persian History and Culture | 15 |
| ARA1036 | Histories of the Middle East, 600-1800 C.E. | 15 |
Optional modules
View option 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 will continue your study of history, politics, society and economics of the Middle East, as well as the philosophy, theology, practices, traditions, poetry and law of Islam.
120 credits of optional modules.
Not all optional modules will be available every year and the lists may be supplemented by additional level 2 Middle Eastern Studies modules in any particular year.
Optional modules
View option 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
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.
Not all optional modules will be available every year and these lists may be supplemented by additional level 2 and 3 Middle Eastern Studies modules in any particular year.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA3106 | Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
View option 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
How will I learn?
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
- 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
Your future
Develop skills valued by employers
A degree in Arabic and Politics 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
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.
Career paths
Below are a few examples* of initial jobs undertaken by graduates of University of Exeter Arab and Islamic Studies undergraduate programmes. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
(* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey)
Job title
- Acting Head of Middle East and Africa Team
- Associate Professor
- English Teacher
- Graduate Management Trainee
- Intern: Parliamentary Assistant for an MP
- Officer Cadet
- Research Associate
- Royal Marine Officer
- Teacher
- Writer
Organisation
- Anglo-Continental School of English
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Cognolink Limited
- Exeter College
- International School of Choueifat
- MP Labour ‘Labour Friends of Palestin’
- HM Government
- Royal United Services Institute
- The University of King Abdulaziz
Further Study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation. Below are a few examples* of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes. Please note that, due to data protection, the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Subject area
- MA Kurdish Studies
- MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies
- MA Modern Middle Eastern Politics,
- MA International Studies with Diplomacy
- MPhil Middle Eastern Studies
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- MA Translation
- PhD Arabic Literature
- PhD Semitic Studies
- PhD Islamic Studies
Institution
- University of Oxford
- University of Exeter
- SOAS University of London
- University of Durham
- University of Leeds
- University of Edinburgh
- Harvard University
- University of Chicago
- Cairo University
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.
