Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Overview

Broaden your horizons

Are you interested in the world's fastest growing economy? Have you ever wondered why politics and religion seem to be inseparable in the Middle East? Would you like to learn more about Japanese film and literature?

All these topics and more are offered at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, where the areas of study range geographically from the Mediterranean to the Pacific, and in time from the classical era to the present day.

There are no specific subject requirements and no prior knowledge of any of the languages is expected from applicants (Part I is designed to accommodate beginners) - it's more important to do some exploratory reading (see the Faculty website for suggestions).

Flexibility: our range of options

Our course is flexible and numerous options and combinations are available.

• You can study Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese or Persian.
• You can combine Arabic, Hebrew and Persian with each other or with a modern European language (providing you have an A Level/IB Higher Level in the European language), Egyptology or Assyriology. You can take Arabic or Hebrew on their own, but Persian must be combined with another language.
• Chinese and Japanese cannot ordinarily be combined, except with each other in Part II.

You should indicate which language(s) you’re interested in studying in your Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ). The choice isn’t absolute, and some students change direction before they start or as they progress.

Chinese Studies provides you with a good fluency in modern Chinese (Mandarin), knowledge of literary and classical Chinese, and a critical understanding of the rich variety of Chinese culture.

If you choose Japanese Studies, you'll master the spoken and written forms of the modern Japanese language and gain a comprehensive understanding of Japan, its rich and varied culture, its society and its vital role in world affairs.

Arabic Studies and Persian Studies seek to give you a deeper understanding of the Middle East and Islam, their rich heritage and their contribution to world knowledge.

Hebrew Studies encompasses both classical (Biblical) and modern Hebrew and its literature, as well as modern Middle Eastern history and culture, and other languages such as Aramaic.

Individuality: our teaching approach

Our Faculty is small in size, the advantage being that teaching mainly takes place in small groups and, as such, is geared to your needs.

In Part I, you get a thorough grounding in the language(s) of your choice (modern and classical). You can also study (depending on the subject) the literature, history, religion, politics, anthropology and society of your region so as deepen your understanding and expertise.

You spend your third year abroad, studying or working in a country where the language you're learning is spoken. In the fourth year, greater specialisation is possible and you write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Living and learning abroad

The year abroad is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture you're studying and to improve your language skills.

Chinese and Japanese Studies students spend the year studying at a university in the appropriate country. Arabic, Persian and Hebrew Studies students have some choice of which country they go to and, to a certain extent, what they do. In the past, students have studied at a university, taught, and worked for companies or charities.

Changing course

It's possible to change course after Part I. In recent years, undergraduates have successfully changed to modern languages, Law, and Human, Social, and Political Sciences.

Versatility: your choice of careers

The range of career options open to graduates is vast. Besides those who go into research, many graduates use their subject directly in subsequent employment. Examples include journalism, business and commerce, teaching overseas, the Civil Service (especially the Foreign Office), NGOs, or international scientific agencies.

Even if you choose not to stay in a related field, employers are often impressed by your choice to study a difficult language. Our graduates have also gone into banking, marketing, law, and one runs a successful travel agency specialising in tours of China.