BA Middle Eastern Studies and a Modern Language (4 Years)
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 BBB. Modern Language Requirements French - French grade B Spanish - Spanish grade B German - Any modern foreign language grade B Italian - Any modern foreign language grade B Russian - Any modern foreign language grade B 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: 32 points overall Modern Language Requirements French - French grade 6 higher level Spanish - Spanish grade 6 higher level German - Any modern foreign language grade 6 higher level Italian - Any modern foreign language grade 6 higher level Russian - Any modern foreign language grade 6 higher level Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Middle Eastern Studies and a Modern Language
Course descriptionCourse description
This is a four-year degree with a year of study divided between a Middle Eastern country and a European one in which your chosen languages are spoken. It combines the compulsory language element with options in culture, politics, history, literature, linguistics and religious studies for two countries. Language course units progress from beginner to advanced level in the Middle Eastern language, and usually from post-A-level in the European language. Transferable skills make up an important part of the degree scheme. There is a wide and constantly developing choice of optional course units; students receive advice from personal tutors when selecting these (between one and three each year).
Middle Eastern Languages
-Arabic
-Hebrew
-Persian
-Turkish
Modern Languages
-French
-German
-Italian
-Russian
-Spanish
In the first year, the balance between the two languages/cultures is equal; thereafter, the balance can be changed to one-third/two-thirds in favour of one of them.
Special features
Native speakers will be involved in your language teaching at all levels on BA (Hons) Middle Eastern and Modern European Languages, and an understanding of cultures forms an inherent part of the learning of the languages. Your study is supported by the multi-media facilities of the Language Centre. Staff there can also put you in touch with students who are native speakers of your chosen languages.
Multi-cultural Manchester provides excellent general opportunities for contact with speakers of other languages and the pursuit of European and Middle Eastern cultural interests outside the University of Manchester (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events etc.).
For some European languages, BA (Hons) Middle Eastern and Modern European Languages offers a unique independent language-learning course. This carefully structured course supports your learning during the first two years and is monitored by personal tutors. You are helped in focussing on areas you find difficult and receive constructive individual feedback.
The year abroad offers you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of fascinating countries in the Middle East and in Europe. You will have the chance to gain skills in the colloquial language, to experience the modern way of life there and to further your personal development. Students on BA (Hons) Middle Eastern and Modern European Languages are eligible for financial support from the University of Manchester towards the cost of tuition fees at Middle Eastern institutions.
Course content for year 1
First year study will concentrate on intensive language learning, features a core course on the contemporary Middle East and fosters the development of study and IT skills
Course content for year 2
In the second year you will continue your language learning, increase your reading of authentic texts in both languages and choose from a wide range of related subjects according to preference
Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions.
Course content for year 4
The fourth year covers advanced language courses, a variety of specialised thematic course choices in the two chosen cultures and an optional dissertation on an approved topic of your choice.
Career opportunities
There are numerous possibilities for graduates of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. The general and academic skills acquired in the courses 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 graduates have become academics and researchers in various fields, after having completed postgraduate studies in areas such as Development Studies, International Relations, Linguistics, European Studies and History. BA (Hons) Middle Eastern and Modern European Languages is an excellent foundation for postgraduate study, as well as for living and working abroad - languages such as Arabic, Spanish or French enable you to communicate with an enormous international community in all parts of the world.