Entry requirements
Selected 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 preferably including History. 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 preferably to include History at higher level Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Course description
Course description
BA (Hons) Modern Middle Eastern History allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the recent history of a large region which is of central importance in the contemporary world. You will study the intellectual and political forces, and the internal conflicts, which have transformed the Middle East in modern times. The programme also covers the complex and dynamic interactions between the peoples and states of the Middle East and the wider international community.
BA (Hons) Modern Middle Eastern History is carefully structured so that you can measure your progress step by step. First year study will concentrate on foundation courses on the contemporary and the early modern history of the Middle East and the development of study and IT skills. In the second year you will take in-depth courses on the modern Middle East and its place in international relations and choose from a wide range of related subjects according to preference. The third year covers a major topic in the modern history of the Middle East studied through authentic historical documents, a variety of specialised historical, political or cultural course choices and an independently researched dissertation on a subject of your choice.
Special features
BA (Hons) Modern Middle Eastern History is unique in British universities because its approach to the modern Middle East places it in its broader international context.
The emphasis throughout is on the discipline of historical study and research, but you also have the option of learning a modern Middle Eastern language up to the end of Year 2.
The final-year dissertation in Modern Middle Eastern History allows students to bring to bear their acquired historical knowledge and skills in writing a substantial, independently-researched piece of their own choice with a sustained focus, based at least partly on original historical sources rather than being a mere synthesis of secondary literature. 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.
Course content for year 1
First year study will provide an introduction to the study of Modern Middle Eastern History. There are also courses introducing Islam and the Ancient & Mediaeval histories of the Middle East. It is possible to study a Middle Eastern language. The year also features a core course on the contemporary Middle East and fosters the development of study and IT skills.
Course content for year 2
Second year study contains courses that cover aspects of the Modern history of the Middle East such as the political developments of the 19 th Century, the First World War in the Middle East, the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Middle Eastern Revolutions and the Middle East and the Cold War. In addition to this, it is possible to continue learning a Middle Eastern language or to choose from a wide range of related subjects according to preference.
Course content for year 3
The third year offers the study of a major topic in the modern history of the Middle East based on authentic historical documents (in translation) and a variety of specialised historical, political or cultural course choices. Students also write a substantial dissertation on the basis of independent historical research into a topic of their choice.
Career opportunities
Our graduates have all the general academic skills associated with Arts graduates. However, more importantly, they have the additional advantage of having acquired specialised knowledge and skills, especially in languages and in regional studies. These are directly relevant to employment and make our graduates particularly attractive to a broad spectrum of employers.
The wide variety of sectors and professions in which our graduates work, both in Britain and abroad, gives an idea of the value of our Degree: the Civil Service, organisations such as the British Council, business and commerce, banking, law, print and broadcast journalism, tourism management, teaching, post-graduate studies.
