Programme Code: T600

Start of programme: September

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

In the first year of the programme, students take a module in a modern Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Turkish, Persian or Hebrew), a module in  Arabic or Israeli culture, and the remaining modules in Middle Eastern literature and history.

In the second year, students are encouraged to choose a further language module and take an introductory module in Islam; two modules are chosen from the List of Optional Modules, which include further language modules and modules in art, history, religion, music, politics, economics and law.

In the final year, modules in the Cinematic culture of the Middle East and North Africa is taken, a third language module can be taken and an extended essay can be written on an agreed topic. An Independent study project is also available. The language and extended essay options can, however, be replaced with optional modules. There is a further open option to complete the third year.

Year 1

Core Module

This module must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

Compulsory Module

Choose ONE of the following module

AND

Language Open Options

Choose from the List of Language Modules below  to the value of 30 credits

AND

Guided Option

Choose a module from the List of Optional Modules below to the value of 30 credits

Year 2

Core Module

This module must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

Compulsory Module

Year 2: Compulsory Module(s)

Choose from List of Optional Modules below to the value of 30 credits

AND

Year 2: Guided Options

Choose from the List of Language Modules below to the value of 30 credits

OR

Choose from List of Optional Modules below to the value of 30 credits

AND

Year 2: Additional Options

Choose Either

Guided Option

Choose from List of Optional Modules below to the value of 30 credits

OR

Open Option

Choose related Language or Non-Language open option modules to the value of 30 credits

• Language Open Option Modules
• Non-Language Open Option Modules

Year 3

Compulsory Module

AND

Guided Options

Choose from the List of Language Modules below to the value of 30 credits

OR

Open Option

Choose related Language or Non-Language open option modules to the value of 30 credits

• Language Open Option Modules
• Non-Language Open Option Modules

AND

Compulsory Module

Choose from List of Optional Modules below to the value of 30 credits

AND

Open Option

• Language Open Option Modules
• Non-Language Open Option Modules

List of Language Modules

List of Optional Modules

Before selecting a module, you must first check that it is at the correct level. You must also ensure that any pre-requisites are met.

Additional Optional Courses Only Available in Year 3

Programme Specification

• BA Middle Eastern Studies programme specification 2019/20 (pdf; 83kb)

Important notice

Year abroad

Teaching & Learning

Contact Hours

All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of 120 credits per year, taught in modules of 30 credits (taught over 20 weeks) or 15 credits (taught over 10 weeks). The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study (see Approaches to teaching and learning at SOAS). It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others.

In the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, undergraduate modules take various forms. Modules may be taught through 1 or 2 hours of lectures a week, and some may have an additional 1-2 hours of weekly seminars. Languages classes may be 4-5 hours per week in the first and second year, typically less at higher levels.

More information is on the page for each module.

Tuition Fees

Full details of undergraduate tuition fees can be found on the Registry's Undergraduate Tuition Fees page.

Fees for 2019/20 entrants. The fees below are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. 

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

As a student specialising in the Middle East, you will gain competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, literature and culture (which can include literature, film, music, art and religion) of various parts of the Middle East.

Graduates leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers in both business and the public sector. These include written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources.

Students graduating with this degree have opportunities to work in education, the Middle Eastern media, the BBC, in the press, the Civil Service and non-governmental organisations, and wherever a knowledge of the Middle East is a key skill.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.

• How to Apply
• UCAS website
• Request a prospectus
• Got a question - use our enquiry form (opens a new window)
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts