For students who entered the programme in September 2026, you can find the details of your programme:
BA Arabic, Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies
This programme equips students with a broad knowledge and in-depth understanding of the cultural, historical,
political and religious contexts that have shaped the Middle East, North Africa and the wider Muslim world
alongside the linguistic skills needed to understand a range of written, spoken and broadcast material in Arabic
(one of the world’s major languages and one of the official languages of the UN) and the ability to communicate
effectively with Arabic speakers. The programme aims to produce graduates with an all-round proficiency in
Arabic along with a range of transferable skills and competencies.
Students begin the language from scratch (although there is provision for those with prior learning) and follow an
intensive language programme in their first year. Students will also take modules which provide them with an
opportunity to develop their study of Islam, one of the most influential and widely practised religions in the world,
and a subject of strategic importance both in the global context and in modern Britain. They will also learn about
contemporary relevant issues of the Middle East and North Africa, and explore themes such as cultural identity,
gender and race. In addition to compulsory modules on key issues and themes, they also choose from a range of
optional modules such as Arab culture, politics, Qur’anic Studies and Islamic law.
The third year is spent abroad in an Arabic speaking country such as Morocco or Jordan. During the year abroad,
students study a tailor-made curriculum designed exclusively for our students. In addition to Arabic, students also
have the option to expand their wider language skills by learning Persian, where students follow a prescribed
course of study in language, and in some cases non-language courses. Students return to Leeds in their third year
to follow upper-level language and non-language modules. Modules at level 2 and 3 enable students to deepen
their knowledge of particular aspects of the region.
By the final year of the programme students should be able to interpret relevant material in a wider sense, fitting it into the broader social, political, and cultural context of the Arab World. Students are expected to graduate with a sound knowledge of the Arabic language, invaluable experience of life in an Arabic-speaking society. Alongside gaining linguistic, cultural and historical knowledge, Students also develop transferable skills to become a resilient and adaptable graduate. They will have the chance to enhance their ability to be self-reflective and critical, and to become a considered, informed thinker. Explore important themes such as cultural prejudice, politics, sexuality,
gender and race. Learn from leading experts in critical areas such as international relations; Arabic linguistics; Islamic law and legal theory; Muslim reformist thought; Islamophobia; and Muslim intellectual history.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB1171 | Studying the Middle East and North Africa | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB1230 | Beginners Arabic | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| ARAB1235 | Post-Beginners Arabic | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| ARAB1240 | Islamic Theology | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Subject to a diagnostic test to decide the student level according to the CEFR, and where students have prior knowledge of Arabic, they may be exempted from taking ARAB1230 in semester 1 and replace it with an optional module from the baskets of optional modules below.
Basket 1
Candidates may take up to 40 credits from the following optional modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB1030 | Introduction to Arab and Islamic Civilisation | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB1150 | Early and Medieval Islamic History | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| LANG1190 | Persian beginners (A1) | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| LANG1192 | Persian post-beginners: language and society (A2) | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.
Basket 2:
Candidates may take up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MODL1050 | Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MODL1060 | Language: Structure and Sound | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MODL1100 | Politics, Culture and Society | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MODL1150 | Worlds of Literature | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MODL1401 | Discourse, Culture and Identity | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it
Candidates may choose to study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Students will spend this year of their programme in a country or region where the language of interest is used both in official contexts and as a daily means of communication. Where this period of residence abroad involves studying at a University, a list of approved locations and institutions will be provided for you during Level 1. Where you are able to choose a location, you must have this approved by the Year Abroad Tutor in your language area.
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MODL9500 | LCS Year Abroad | 120 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB2010 | Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB2020 | Essential Skills in Practical Arabic | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| ARAB2181 | Cultures of the Arab Middle East and North Africa | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| ARAB2312 | Islamic Law: Authority, Continuity and Change | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may study 20-40 credits from the following optional modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB2066 | Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB2095 | Global Media: Discourse, Representation and Society | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB2190 | Global Jihad: From the Taliban to ISIS | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB2310 | Modern Middle Eastern History | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB3020 | Advanced Skills in Arabic Language | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| ARAB3072 | Islam and Modernity | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| ARAB3110 | Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MODL3050 | Final Year Project | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates may study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB3090 | The Qur’an and the Hadith: Muslim Scriptural Sources | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| ARAB3211 | Arabic for Media, Business and Enterprise | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules
Last updated: 30/04/2026 15:52:59
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team