Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African Studies

Islamic, Middle Eastern and North African studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws on history, religious studies, politics, literature, anthropology and social science to explore some of the world's most culturally rich and geopolitically significant regions. Islam is one of the most widely practised religions on earth, shaping the lives of more than a billion people across diverse societies, and understanding its history, theology, practice and cultural expressions is essential for making sense of much of the contemporary world. The Middle East and North Africa, meanwhile, sit at the intersection of major historical civilisations and are central to many of the most pressing questions in global politics and international relations.

At the University of Leeds, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year in professional placement, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you substantial practical and international experience as part of your degree. You will develop a deep and wide-ranging understanding of the cultures, histories, politics and societies of the Muslim world and the MENA region, engaging with themes including cultural identity, gender, race, sexuality and the political dynamics shaping these regions today. The programme spans area studies, humanities and social science, allowing you to approach your subject from multiple disciplinary angles and to develop a genuinely integrated understanding of the region and its peoples.

Graduates from this field work in the civil service, diplomatic service, international development, journalism, international organisations, education, research and the cultural sector. Many go on to careers where their knowledge of Islam, Arabic or the MENA region provides direct professional value. Postgraduate study in Islamic studies, Middle Eastern studies, international relations, human rights or languages of the region is a natural next step for those who want to deepen their expertise.