Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements English language: Candidates must be proficient in the English language, which is the language of instruction and examination at the university. Acceptable English Language qualifications include IELTS 6.5, CPE grade C, CAE Grade B or another equivalent A level: Grades BBC AS level: Two AS-Levels may be accepted in place of the third A-Level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 31 points overall Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA (Hons) Middle Eastern Studies
Course descriptionCourse description
BA (Hons) Middle Eastern Studies allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of a large region that is of central importance in the contemporary world. This course takes into account the fact that the study of the Middle East has grown into a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural academic phenomenon, attracting strong interest for political, cultural and social reasons.
It takes on board academic developments in fields such as globalisation, cultural identity, diaspora and migration studies, gender studies, and post-colonial studies all of which are based on techniques in the analysis of evidence across several Middle eastern languages, and uses original sources in English translation as well as secondary sources in English.
The interplay of disciplines and skills involved in achieving a balanced view of the history, literatures, cultures, and religions of the Middle East is broad and complex. Language skills are useful in achieving an advanced understanding of this balanced view, but not the only route. This degree programme therefore allows the study of language(s) up to level 2, but does not make language study compulsory.
Furthermore the course equips students, through core course units and a wide range of optional course units, with the ability to acquire a thorough and sufficiently specific, but language-independent understanding of the Middle East, alongside key contemporary methods in the study of culture, religion, literature and history.
BA (Hons) Middle Eastern Studies is carefully structured so that you can measure your progress step by step.
Special features
Unlike most programmes in Middle Eastern Studies, this degree course does not presuppose a particularly strong linguistic talent in an applicant, and thus removes one traditional hurdle for students with an otherwise strong and developed interest in the Middle East. However, if you do choose to try out some optional language learning, your study will be supported by the multi-media facilities of the Language Centre, whose staff can also put you in touch with students who are native speakers of Middle Eastern languages.
Multi-cultural Manchester has various communities with a Middle Eastern background and provides excellent general opportunities for the pursuit of Middle Eastern cultural interests outside the University (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events etc.).
A final-year dissertation allows students to bring to bear their acquired knowledge and skills in writing a substantial, independently-researched piece of their own choice, with a sustained focus. This gives you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired in research, analysis and advanced writing skills, which is attractive to future employers.
Personal tutors based in the department of Middle Eastern Studies will help you in planning and reflecting upon your progress, to ensure that you are constantly building up transferable and academic skills. Your personal tutor will also be able to help in case of problems.
You will have access to the excellent student support arrangements and the award-winning careers service of the University of Manchester.
Career opportunities
There are numerous possibilities for graduates of the department of Middle Eastern Studies. The general and academic skills acquired in the course units are welcomed by a broad spectrum of employers including the Civil Service, the British Council, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (for example the UN and the EU), business and commerce, banking, law, print and broadcast journalism, tourism management and teaching. Some of our graduates are academics and researchers in various fields, having completed postgraduate studies in areas such as History, Middle Eastern Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, Linguistics or European Studies. BA (Hons) Middle Eastern Studies is also an excellent foundation for living and working in the countries of the Middle East.
Other programs related to interdisciplinary studies