Middle Eastern Studies and Politics BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how history, culture, religion, and politics intertwine in one of the world’s most dynamic regions, this degree is the perfect fit. The BA Middle Eastern Studies and Politics at Leeds combines deep cultural and historical understanding with the study of global political systems, helping you make sense of today’s conflicts, diplomacy, and policy challenges — and preparing you for an international career where regional expertise matters.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building your foundations

Your first year sets the stage for everything to come. You’ll explore how political systems operate around the world through modules like Politics, Culture and Society and Comparative Politics, and learn how ideas of Freedom, Power, and Resistance shape political thought. Alongside this, you’ll immerse yourself in the Middle East’s rich past and cultural heritage through Early and Medieval Islamic History and Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics and Religion, gaining essential historical and conceptual context.

Year 2 – Deepening your knowledge

In the second year, you’ll start connecting past and present as you study Modern Middle Eastern History and Cultures of the Arab Middle East and North Africa, examining colonialism, state formation, identity, and power. Politics modules such as The Politics of Race, Gender and Sexuality, Approaches to Analysis, or Arab Media, Politics and Society expand your understanding of contemporary debates and sharpen your research and analytical skills.

Final Year – Specialising and shaping your expertise

Your final year is where you bring everything together. You’ll undertake a dissertation or public engagement project, giving you the chance to research a topic you care about in depth. You’ll also choose advanced modules like Islam and Modernity, Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict, British Foreign Policy, or Gender and Security in Global Politics, tailoring your degree to your interests and career goals.

Focus areas: Middle Eastern history and culture, political theory, global governance, religion and society, comparative politics

Learning outcomes: graduate with strong analytical and research skills, deep regional knowledge, the ability to connect historical context with modern politics, and the confidence to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This degree is delivered jointly by the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies and the School of Politics and International Studies, connecting you to cutting-edge research, policy networks, and employer engagement.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Leeds ranks 6th in the UK for African & Middle Eastern Studies (Complete University Guide 2026), and is globally recognised for excellence in social sciences and humanities.,

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Leeds, studying Middle Eastern Studies and Politics goes far beyond lectures and essays — it’s about experiencing the subject in action. You’ll work with original manuscripts, explore real political debates, and build practical skills through placements, research projects, and language training. The university’s world-class libraries, archives, and specialist centres give you the tools to dive deeper into the region’s history, culture, and politics, while hands-on opportunities help you apply what you learn in real-world settings.

Here’s how the programme helps you turn classroom learning into practical experience:

Work placements and internships: Take part in short-term placements or a year in industry with support from the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in professional settings in the UK or overseas.
Research with sources: Use Leeds’ exceptional library collections, including Middle Eastern and Islamic manuscripts and special collections, to work directly with primary historical sources in your research and dissertation.
Language and digital learning labs: Develop your language and analytical skills using dedicated labs equipped with audio, video, and interactive digital tools — vital for engaging with media and texts from the region.
Study abroad opportunities: Broaden your global perspective by spending time studying or working overseas, deepening your understanding of the Middle East in an authentic cultural context.
Volunteering and campus experience: Get involved with community projects, student societies, and cultural initiatives that allow you to apply your skills and gain valuable experience beyond the classroom.
Expert academic support: Throughout your degree, you’ll be guided by specialist staff and researchers who help you connect with placements, projects, and opportunities aligned with your interests.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Politics from Leeds prepares you for a truly global career. You’ll graduate with deep regional knowledge, strong analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of political systems — all highly valued by employers. Our graduates go on to work as diplomats and foreign service officers, policy or political analysts, journalists and media specialists, and NGO or international development professionals, contributing to meaningful change in governments, organisations, and communities around the world.

Here’s how Leeds helps you take that next step:

Dedicated careers support: The university’s award-winning Careers Service offers one-to-one coaching, interview preparation, CV reviews, and exclusive job listings, helping you plan your career path from day one.
Placement year opportunities: You can choose to extend your degree with a work placement year, gaining hands-on experience with employers in the UK or abroad and strengthening your graduate profile.
Events and networking: The School hosts career workshops, employer panels, and networking sessions, connecting you directly with organisations working in diplomacy, media, education, and international development.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 80% of Leeds graduates in languages and area studies are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with average starting salaries of around £25,500, rising to about £31,500 after five years.
Valued expertise: Your unique blend of cultural, linguistic, and political knowledge makes you highly employable across sectors such as government, NGOs, media, education, international business, and research.

Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, you can continue your studies with a master’s in International Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Development Studies, or Public Policy. Many graduates also go on to pursue a PhD or research careers focused on global politics, migration, religion, or governance.