School of Modern

Languages and Cultures

FACULTY OF ARTS

Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Undergraduate Degrees

Undergraduate Studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Contents
Facilities

BA Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies 6

BA Arabic and Islamic Studies

BA Middle Eastern Studies

BA Islamic Studies

Applications and Funding

10

University Life

11

The information contained in this document was right at time of going to press. For current
information on courses and entry requirements please visit our website at
www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate
Legal notice
Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure
is accurate at the date of publication the University does not accept liability for any
inaccuracies contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable
control of the University, the University reserves the right to change or cancel parts of, or
entire, programmes of study or services at any time without liability, even after students
have registered at the University. Circumstances outside of the Universitys reasonable
control include, industrial action, over or under demand from students, staff illness, lack of
funding, severe weather, fire, civil disorder, political unrest, government restrictions and
concern with regard to the transmission of serious illness. The Universitys contract with its
students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of the Contract (Rights of
Third Parties) Act 1999.

www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic

Welcome
If you want to explore beyond commonly held notions and images of the Middle
Eastern and Islamic world, a degree in Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies could
be for you. Our courses encourage you to look behind media coverage and delve
into the literature and culture, religion, politics and history of this fascinating
region.
The Departments aim is to teach students about Arabic and Islamic cultures
past and present, whilst helping students develop excellent transferable skills for
their future careers.
Studying in the Department allows you to pursue interests in Middle Eastern
history, politics and literature together with Islamic thought and culture.
Students have the opportunity to study modern and classical literature, the
Quran and Quranic Exegesis.
Our degrees give you the opportunity to learn or improve your Arabic, a language
increasingly in demand in the job market both in the UK and internationally. We
lay emphasis on practical language skills and students are taught to speak as
well as write Modern Standard Arabic. On completion of a language degree, our
students are able to understand and translate Advanced Arabic texts, especially
Media texts.
Most (but not all) of our programmes involve a period abroad in Morocco or
Egypt. Students overseas pursue a specifically designed programme of language
study delivered by the host institution. On their return from residence abroad,
students move on to more advanced language study and select further options in
Middle Eastern Studies or Islamic Studies.

Undergraduate Studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Facilities
4

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is a leading

centre for international-quality research, scholarship and
teaching in languages, linguistics and visual cultures.
We are currently home to over 2000 students, together
with approximately 140 staff, many of whom are native
speakers of the languages they research and teach.
Our Language Centre includes digital language labs,
audio/video practice booths and CALL (Computer Assisted
Language Learning). Media resources include an extensive
foreign film lending-library, foreign newspapers and global
satellite television feeds. There are on-demand resources
covering over forty languages, accommodating a range of
abilities.

Languages Support
Our Electronic Resource Information Centre offers specialised
computing facilities for Translation Studies. Our Interpreter
Training Suites allow you to explore a career in interpreting.
Both of these resources are situated in the same building as
the teaching departments, allowing you to conveniently access
and engage with their services.
Leeds is also one of the only universities in the UK to offer an
independent language advisor on campus. Our advisor can
direct you to the most appropriate self-access resources, assist
you in organising your studies, give practical tips on learning
advanced vocabulary and help you find a suitable language
learning partner. Such advice is given in confidence, and
provided independently for your benefit.

Year Abroad
During the year abroad students will benefit from language
tuition designed to improve literacy, clarity and vocabulary.
Approximately twenty hours a week is spent in classroom
teaching with the remainder of the time devoted to personal
study and research.

Our students are hosted by the Arabic Language Institute in

Fes, Morocco and by the Alexandria Centre for Languages,,
Egypt. Both institutions organise an optional programme of
social and cultural activities to allow our students to fully
appreciate living abroad in an Arabic country. Past activities
have included invitations to lecture series by visiting
professors, regional tours of the host-country and extracurricular courses on calligraphy and music.

Joint Honours programmes

In addition to our single honours programmes detailed on the
following pages, there are around twenty Joint Honours
combinations available. Popular choices include Arabic French, Arabic - International Relations and Arabic Management Studies. Students taking two languages usually
spend a year abroad in one country and a term in the other.
However, a small number of joint Arabic language
combinations are five-year degree courses requiring two years
abroad. Please contact us for further information on these
combinations.

My favourite part of the course was definitely

my year abroad in Morocco. I studied in a
university there, improving my Arabic and
learning all about the culture and meeting
new people. It was great!
Hamzah Potia
BA Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies (2010)

www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic

Student profiles
Peter Bryan, BA Middle Eastern Studies Claudia Radiven, BA Middle
I have always been interested in foreign affairs and the Middle Eastern Studies
East offers a diverse and interesting social and political
spectrum. I did little theology or religious studies prior to
university, I found the topic really intriguing, and now I am
considering a masters in the field. Middle Eastern studies
offers the best of many subjects, politics, history, religion, etc,
and the best thing is you leave with a very solid knowledge of
the field. Eventually my aim is to work in the diplomatic
sphere, or perhaps in the human rights area, specifically
concerning the Middle East.

Alice Ratcliffe, BA Arabic and Middle

Eastern Studies
Before I came to university I had no knowledge at all of Arabic
or the Middle East. It is amazing now to turn on the news and
fully understand what is happening, and keep track of things in
the language of the countries it is happening, as opposed to just
English translations. During my year in Egypt I gained valuable
skills and experiences: from teaching English, to volunteering
with mentally disabled adults in a tiny village where donkeys
were the main form of transport, to doing an internship in Cairo
during the summer where I worked in an NGO and was involved
in projects which benefited street children, drug addicts,
inhabitants of slums, abused women among others. Arabic and
Middle Eastern Studies is a really exciting course, if you are up
for a challenge and you are prepared to work hard, you will get a
lot of fulfilment from this course.

Im currently writing my third year thesis on the comparison

between Jewish and Islamic Law regarding Usury. I also study
a number of politics modules and some modules on
contemporary Islamic thought and theology. I am interested in
the Diplomatic services or Security and given the current
political situation in the Middle East, and my interest in the
culture and history, this seemed the best course to take. I
have always been impressed with the quality of teaching, but
more importantly the support you are given from the teaching
staff is incredible. The facilities at the University are also top
notch! The libraries are fantastic and sources are widely
available. The Language Centre is also a must for students
studying a language and the staff there are always extremely
helpful.

Joel Gulhane, BA Arabic and Politics

Learning Arabic was a way of being able to explore Middle
Eastern culture and society further. The fact that the Middle
East has been so prominent in global affairs in recent years
has held my interest and the lectures on Middle Eastern
politics enhance my knowledge of the region. Studying in
Cairo was one of the best experiences of my life. Once I
graduate I plan to spend some time living in Cairo in order to
enhance my language skills and further build on my CV. Leeds
University is a fantastic place to study and the Arabic and
Middle Eastern Studies department has a family feel to it that
I will definitely miss when I graduate.

The National Student Survey 2011 ranked Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at Leeds 1st in the
country with an overall 98% satisfaction rate. source: Unistats website http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

Undergraduate Studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Single Honours Programmes in the Department

6

BA Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

UCAS code QT46
The BA in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies allows you to
combine core language competence with optional courses in
literature, visual culture, society and history. You will receive a
thorough grounding in spoken and written Arabic as well as
gaining substantial knowledge of Middle Eastern cultural life.
The year abroad in the Middle East consolidates both your
language learning and cultural studies.

I love the flexibility of my course, I've often

been able to choose the exact areas I want
to focus on
Alice Ratcliffe, BA Arabic and
Middle Eastern Studies
Graduate opportunities:
- Translation and Interpreting
- Tourism, Event Management and Hospitality
- Branding, Communications and PR
- Diplomacy and State Intelligence
- Self-employment in the UK and overseas
- Education and Law
- Journalism and publishing
Please note that modules are subject to availability

BA Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Level 1
Modules offered include:
Beginning Arabic 1
Beginning Arabic 2
Arab & Islamic History
Introduction to the Middle East
Introduction to Islamic Theology
Persian for Beginners
Turkish for Beginners
Up to 40 credits electives
Year abroad: study in the Arab World
Level 2
Modules offered include:
Advanced Arabic Grammar & Translation
Essential Skills in Practical Arabic
Modern History of the Middle East
Culture & Society in the Middle East
Modern Arabic Short Story
Zionism & the Arab-Israeli conflict
History of Islamic Legal Theory
Arabian Nights
Contemporary Arabic Media
Up to 20 credits electives
Level 3
Modules offered include:
Arabic Stylistics & Composition
Advanced Skills in Arabic
Issues in Middle East Politics
Arab Cinema
The Politics of Inter-Arab Relations
Islam & Modernity
Muslim Intellectual Encounter with Contemporary Thought
Political Participation & Opposition in Contemporary
North Africa
Arabic Dissertation
Advanced Media Arabic
Up to 40 credits electives

www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic

BA Arabic and Islamic Studies

UCAS code: TVP6
This course embraces both language study and religious
theological aspects of Islamic culture and practice. This allows
for a balanced understanding of language, religion and
civilisation. A year abroad in Morocco or Egypt enhances your
language competence and local knowledge.

I've most enjoyed studying culture and society

of the Middle East, especially in terms of
traditional and modern cultures meeting and
sometimes clashing
Maria Haifa Awad, BA Arabic
and Islamic Studies
Graduate opportunities:
- Translation and Interpreting
- Tourism, Event Management and Hospitality
- Branding, Communications and PR
- Diplomacy and State Intelligence
- Self-employment in the UK and overseas
- Education and Law
- Journalism and publishing
Please note that modules are subject to availability

BA Arabic and Islamic Studies

Level 1
Modules offered include:
Beginning Arabic 1
Beginning Arabic 2
Arab & Islamic History up to 1517
Introduction to Arab & Islamic Civilisation
Introduction to the Middle East
Introduction to Islamic Theology
Turkish for Beginners
The life of the Prophet Muhammad
Up to 40 credits electives
Year Abroad: study in the Arab World
Level 2
Modules offered include:
Advanced Arabic Grammar & Translation
Essential Skills in Practical Arabic
Culture & Society in the Middle East
History of Islamic Legal Theory
Quranic Studies
Modern History of the Middle East
Modern Arabic Short Story
Zionism and the Arab-Israeli conflict
Art of Tajweed
Contemporary Arabic Media
Up to 20 credits electives
Level 3
Modules offered include:
Arabic Stylistics & Composition
Advanced Skills in Arabic
Quranic Exegesis
Islam & Modernity
Arab Cinema
Issues in Middle East Politics
Muslim Intellectual Encounter with Contemporary Thought
Political Participation & Opposition in Contemporary
North Africa
Arabic Dissertation
Advanced Media Arabic
Up to 40 credits electives

Undergraduate Studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

BA Middle Eastern Studies

UCAS code: T600
This course maximises the opportunity to personalise your
studies through an exploration of Middle Eastern religion,
culture, society and history. You may wish to focus on the
impact of foreign policies on this region, study Arabic for the
first time or explore how globalisation has affected the region.

The Arab Spring happening alongside my

degree put even more relevance into the
course content. A particularly exciting time
for the region and in which to study it
Peter Byran, BA Middle Eastern Studies
Graduate opportunities:
- Tourism, Event Management and Hospitality
- Branding, Communications and PR
- Logistics and commerce
- Self-employment in the UK and overseas
- Education and Law
- Journalism and publishing
Please note that modules are subject to availability

BA Middle Eastern Studies

Level 1
Modules offered include:
Arab & Islamic History
Introduction to Arab & Islamic Civilisation
Introduction to the Middle East
Persian for Beginners
Turkish for Beginners
Arabic for Beginners
Introduction to Islamic Theology
Up to 40 credits electives
Level 2
Modules offered include:
Modern History of the Middle East
Culture & Society in the Middle East
Zionism & the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Quranic Studies
Art of Tajweed
History of Islamic Legal Theory
Contemporary Arabic Media
Up to 20 credits electives
Level 3
Modules offered include:
Issues in Middle East Politics
The Politics of Inter-Arab Relations
Political Participation & Opposition in Contemporary
North Africa
Arab Cinema
Islam & Modernity
Muslim Intellectual Encounter with Contemporary Thought
Arabic Dissertation
Up to 40 credits electives

www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic

BA Islamic Studies
UCAS code: V622
The BA Islamic Studies maximises the opportunity to
personalise your studies through an exploration of Islamic
teaching, law, faith and practice. You may wish to broaden
your studies by examining how Islam is practiced in different
countries, review Middle Eastern politics or build on your
introduction to Arabic language study.

I love that Islamic Studies involves much

philosophy and encourages independent
reasoning.
Nadia El-Anis, BA Islamic Studies
(graduated 2009)
Graduate opportunities:
- Education and Law
- Communications and PR
- Logistics and commerce
- Journalism and publishing
- Self-employment in the UK and overseas
- Postgraduate study of Islam, Theology and the Muslim
experience
Please note that modules are subject to availability

BA Islamic Studies
Level 1
Modules offered include:
Arabic for Beginners
Arab & Islamic History up to 1517
Introduction to Islamic Theology
Persian for Beginners
Turkish for Beginners
Arabic for Beginners
Introduction to Arab and Islamic Civilisation
Introduction to the Middle East
The life of the Prophet Muhammad
Up to 40 credits electives
Level 2
Modules offered include:
Quranic Studies
Culture & Society in the Middle East
History of Islamic Legal Theory
Arabian nights
Modern History of the Middle East
Art of Tajweed
Up to 20 credits electives
Level 3
Modules offered include:
Quranic Exegesis
Modern Islamic Thought
Islam & Modernity
The Politics of Inter-Arab Relations
Issues on the Middle East
Arab Cinema
Political Participation & Opposition in Contemporary
North Africa
Up to 40 credits electives

Undergraduate Studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies

Applications and Funding

10

Entry Requirements
The latest entry requirements for all our programmes are listed
online at www.leeds.ac.uk/coursefinder

"I wanted a city atmosphere and a University

with an excellent reputation. Leeds fits the bill
perfectly and is accurately described as the
perfect student environment"
Claudia Radiven, BA Middle Eastern Studies
Admissions information
Admission to our undergraduate programme should be made
through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service),
telephone +44 (0) 870 11 222 11. www.ucas.ac.uk
For more information contact:
Dave Baldwin
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
0113 343 7004
smlcadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic

Access to Leeds
Access to Leeds is the University of Leeds alternative entry
scheme and guarantees special consideration for applicants
whose personal circumstances may affect their ability to
demonstrate their full potential through grades alone.
Successful applicants receive an alternative offer alongside a
standard offer.

Applications are welcomed from students who meet the

eligibility criteria and have the potential to study at the
University of Leeds. For more information please go to
www.leeds.ac.uk and search Access to Leeds or email
accesstoleeds@leeds.ac.uk

Financial Support
Information for new UK and EU undergraduate students

Government Support
Eligible UK or EU students, whether full-time or part-time, will
be able to apply for financial support from the government to
help with tuition fees. Eligible UK full-time students will also
be able to apply for help with living costs. Find out more about
the financial support by visiting www.leeds.ac.uk/yourfinances

University Support
At Leeds we are committed to encouraging students from all
backgrounds, and we want to make it easy for everyone to
learn without worrying about financial difficulties. We offer
comprehensive financial support to help you with the costs of
studying. Support from us does not have to be repaid.
Find out more about the financial support available from us by
visiting www.leeds.ac.uk/yourfinances

Accommodation
All first year undergraduates at the University of Leeds
applying before July 1st in their year of entry are guaranteed a
place in our accommodation. Once you have accepted a firm
or insurance offer at Leeds, you can apply online at
www.leeds.ac.uk/accommodation or by telephone on 0113
343 7777. You will find lots of useful information about our
different types of accommodation on our website and details of
accommodation viewing days.

www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic

University Life
Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, the University
campus has shops, cafes, student residences, sports and
entertainment facilities, alongside academic departments,
lecture theatres, studios and the internationally acclaimed
University library with a stock of over 2.8million items, a wide
range of databases, electronic journals, and full text electronic
resources that are available campus-wide. The University has
one of the largest and most active student unions in the
country, with a shopping mall, bars, a games complex, concert
venue, and an award-winning nightclub. The Union also runs a
student newspaper, radio station and theatre company; and
two hundred student societies engage in cultural, social,
religious, political and sports activities.
Recognised worldwide for the quality of teaching and research,
the University has invested heavily to provide students with
first-class facilities, including modern, well-equipped lecture
theatres and laboratories, an internationally acclaimed
university library, first-rate computing resources, a well
resourced language centre and one of the biggest and most
active students' unions in the country.
We encourage and facilitate your personal and professional
development at all levels. We use the University's flagship
LeedsforLife personal development scheme to encourage
a skills-based interpretation of your degree studies from
the outset.
www.leeds.ac.uk/campus-life
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk
http://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/

Life in Leeds
Leeds is home to 700,000 people and regularly tops the polls
as the favourite UK destination for students. Many students
enjoy their time at Leeds so much that they choose to stay on
to live and work in the city after graduation. With 700
undergraduate degree courses, and over 32,000 students in
the University and also students from other higher education
institutions, the city is multicultural and student focused,
enjoying the status as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in
the north.
Leeds is an exciting multi-cultural city, rich in history and with
a thriving economy. An attractive and affordable place to live,
it is an important commercial, cultural and sporting centre. It
has a lively nightlife, a good music scene, fine cinemas and
theatres, and a wide range of shops, restaurants and pubs.
Leeds is close to the Yorkshire Dales and the rest of Yorkshire's
beautiful countryside. It has good road and rail links with the
rest of the UK, and Leeds-Bradford Airport is only twenty
minutes from the city centre. It is easy to find affordable
housing close to campus and the city centre.
www.leeds.ac.uk/citylife

The University of Leeds is one of the UK's top civic universities, in the heart of one of the UK's
most vibrant and student friendly cities. Established in 1904, Leeds is one of the largest
universities in the UK and one of the giants of the higher education system.
The Sunday Times University Guide

11

School of Modern Languages and Cultures

University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
t: +44 (0)113 343 7004
e: smlcadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
w: www.leeds.ac.uk/arabic