| UCAS code | T606 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Arab and Islamic Studies |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Overview
- You will gain a high level of proficiency in Arabic and a nuanced understanding of Middle East politics, democracy and international relations
- No language study or previous knowledge of Arabic is required. The programme includes a period of study in an Arabic-speaking country
- Our flexible programme, with a wide range of optional modules, means you can tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions
- Get involved with the Politics and Arabic & Middle East Student societies and participate in a range of co-curricula activities and socials
- Learning Arabic and studying politics at Exeter opens up career paths across the public and private sector in the UK and in the Middle East and North Africa
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
4th in the UK for African & Middle Eastern Studies
The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 3 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in all seven themes
National Student Survey 2024
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
4th in the UK for African & Middle Eastern Studies
The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 3 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in all seven themes
National Student Survey 2024
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | n/a |
| IB | 32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The BA Arabic and Politics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
You may also be able to take up to 30 credits each year from outside the department (under modularity) as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA1033A | Elementary Arabic Language I | 30 |
| ARA1033B | Elementary Arabic Language II | 30 |
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 |
Optional modules
Politics modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic and Middle East Studies Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| ARA1013 | Elementary Persian | 15 |
| ARA1020 | Elementary Persian 2 | 15 |
| ARA1030 | Introduction to Islamic Archaeology | 15 |
| ARA1031 | Elementary Turkish I | 15 |
| ARA1032 | Elementary Turkish II | 15 |
| ARA1041 | Religious Communities of the Middle East: Culture, Endangerment and Survival | 15 |
| ARA1018 | Introduction to Islam | 15 |
| ARA1021 | Introduction to Persian History and Culture | 15 |
| ARA1036 | Histories of the Middle East, 600-1800 C.E. | 15 |
| Arabic and Politics Stage 1 Politics option modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 |
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 |
| POL1018 | The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 |
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 |
| POL1020 | Politics in Europe | 15 |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1026 | Early Modern Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1045 | International Politics of the Global South | 15 |
| POL1046 | The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing Inequalities | 15 |
| POL1047 | Global Sustainability Governance and Policy | 15 |
| POL1048 | The Politics of Development | 15 |
| SSI1002 | Programming for the Social Sciences | 30 |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 |
| SPA1002 | Population and Society | 15 |
| SPA1001 | Animal Politics | 15 |
| SPA1004 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 |
60 credits of core modules, 60 credits of option modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA2139 | Intermediate Arabic Language II | 30 |
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 |
Optional modules
Politics modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic Stage 3 & Middle East Studies Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| ARA2014 | Regions and Empires in Islamic Archaeology | 15 |
| ARA2016 | Magic and the Abrahamic Religions | 15 |
| ARA2118 | Gender-Identity and Modernity in the Middle East | 15 |
| ARA2132 | Islamic Law and Society | 15 |
| ARA2134 | Ethnography of the Middle East | 15 |
| ARA2135 | Conflict and Peacemaking Palestine/Israel | 15 |
| ARA2141 | Intermediate Persian | 15 |
| ARA2147 | Classical Islamic History | 15 |
| ARA2150 | Muslims in Britain | 15 |
| ARA2151 | Intermediate Persian II | 15 |
| ARA2162 | Political Economy of Development in the Middle East | 15 |
| ARA2164 | Intermediate Turkish I | 15 |
| ARA2165 | Intermediate Turkish II | 15 |
| ARA2170 | A History of the Modern Middle East, 1900-2014 | 15 |
| ARA2171 | A History of the Modern Middle East, 1900-2014 | 30 |
| Politics and Modern Languages - Politics options stage 2 2025-6 | ||
| POL2020 | Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 |
| POL2026 | Political Analysis: Behaviour, Institutions, Ideas | 15 |
| POL2027 | The Politics of the World Economy | 15 |
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 |
| POL2047 | American Politics | 15 |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 |
| POL2076 | Rising Powers, Peace and Conflict | 15 |
| POL2079 | Contemporary Public Debate in an Age of 'Anti-Politics' | 15 |
| POL2081 | Thinking about Race: Perspectives from the Biological and Social Sciences | 15 |
| POL2082 | Changing Character of Warfare | 15 |
| POL2098 | What is Law? Jurisprudence from Stone Tablet to Brain Imaging | 15 |
| POL2102 | Explaining Public Policies | 15 |
| POL2107 | Gender and Comparative Public Policy | 15 |
| POL2115 | British Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL2122 | The Politics and Policies of Youth Engagement | 15 |
| POL2128 | Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 |
| POL2130 | Comparative Electoral Systems | 15 |
| POL2131 | Environmental Governance | 15 |
| POL2132 | Decolonising Global Justice | 15 |
| POL2164 | The Politics of Humanitarian Emergencies | 15 |
| POL2165 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 |
| POL2166 | Gendering World Politics | 15 |
30 credit core module, 90 credits of option modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARA3103 | Advanced Arabic Language | 30 |
| ARA3106 | Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
Arabic modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
Politics modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic and Middle East Studies Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| ARA3045 | War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 30 |
| ARA3108 | The Politics of Authoritarian Rule | 30 |
| ARA3129 | Nationalisms in the Middle East | 15 |
| ARA3136 | The History and Political Development of Iraq | 15 |
| ARA3140 | The Kurds: History and Politics | 15 |
| ARA3158 | Armed Islamist Movements: Jihadism and Beyond | 15 |
| ARA3162 | Britain in the Middle East, 1798-1977 | 15 |
| ARA3163 | Politics and Reform in the Gulf | 15 |
| ARA3196 | Independent Research | 30 |
| ARA3197 | The Arabian Nights: Perception and Reception | 15 |
| ARA3200 | Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/Israel | 15 |
| International Relations and Politics Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| POL3054 | Nuclear Weapons in International Relations | 15 |
| POL3069 | Globalisation and the Politics of Resistance | 30 |
| POL3090 | Politics and Conflict in Deeply Divided Societies | 15 |
| POL3136 | Political Psychology | 30 |
| POL3168 | War and its Aftermath: Interventions and Contemporary Conflict | 30 |
| POL3180 | Latin American Parties, Politics and Elections | 30 |
| POL3196 | Democracy in the European Union | 30 |
| POL3234 | Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe | 30 |
| POL3240 | Women in the Criminal Justice System: Law, Policy and Institutions | 15 |
| POL3247 | Politics of Biology | 15 |
| POL3248 | Marxism(s) and International Relations | 15 |
| POL3250 | Environmental Policy in Times of Crisis | 15 |
| POL3256 | Trumping the Mainstream: The Populist Radical Right and Democratic politics | 30 |
| POL3259 | Climate Justice | 30 |
| POL3260 | Russian Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL3263 | Political Economy of Development | 15 |
| POL3274 | Money, Lobbying, and Policymaking | 15 |
| POL3284 | Realism and Its Critics: Debating and Applying International Relations Theory | 15 |
| POL3291 | Disrupting Western and Neo-Liberal Policing of the Global and the Local | 30 |
| POL3292 | LGBTQ+ Policies and Politics in the UK | 15 |
| POL3293 | The Political Economy of Chinese Development | 15 |
| POL3294 | Land, Power and Politics: a critical problem-based approach | 15 |
| POL3296 | Political Economy of Populism | 15 |
| POL3297 | Comparative Political Economy: Varieties of Capitalism | 15 |
| POL3302 | Elections, Public Opinion and Parties in Britain | 15 |
| POL3303 | Protest, Activism and the Environment | 30 |
| POL3304 | Political Philosophies of Power | 15 |
| POL3306 | Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy and Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL3307 | International Politics of the Body | 15 |
| POL3310 | War in the 21st Century | 30 |
| POL3311 | Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications | 15 |
| POL3312 | The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 15 |
| POL3316 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 15 |
| POL3317 | Authoritarian Resilience in the Global South | 15 |
| POL3318 | Transformation of Social and Political Realities through Smartphones | 15 |
| POL3319 | The Politics of Place | 15 |
| POL3320 | Politics Online | 15 |
| POL3321 | The Politics of Economic Policymaking | 30 |
| POL3322 | Artificial Intelligence and Democracy | 30 |
| POL3323 | International Relations in Global History | 30 |
| POL3324 | War, Culture and Society | 30 |
| POL3325 | Understanding Public and Nonprofit Management | 15 |
| POL3326 | International Politics of the Body | 30 |
| POL3327 | Strategy and Psychology in Foreign Policy | 15 |
| POL3328 | Surveys and Experiments: Design Implementation and Analysis | 15 |
| HAS3010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 |
| POL3213 | Feminist Political Theory | 15 |
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Study groups
- Textual study
- Web-based learning
- Tutorial and discussion
- Interactive classes for language modules
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Dissertation in final year of study
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Where will I study?
The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies has its own dedicated building that includes a state-of-the-art language laboratory and computing facilities for undergraduate students.
ExeTalks
ExeTalks are a chance to discover some of the fascinating research undertaken at the University of Exeter delivered by the academics who teach on our programmes.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Your future
Develop skills valued by employers
A degree in Arabic and Politics will give you an appreciation and understanding of the culture, history and language of the Middle East which will be valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Written and verbal communication
- Organising, planning and time management
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Career paths
Below are a few examples* of initial jobs undertaken by graduates of University of Exeter Arab and Islamic Studies undergraduate programmes. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
(* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey)
Job title
- Acting Head of Middle East and Africa Team
- Associate Professor
- English Teacher
- Graduate Management Trainee
- Intern: Parliamentary Assistant for an MP
- Officer Cadet
- Research Associate
- Royal Marine Officer
- Teacher
- Writer
Organisation
- Anglo-Continental School of English
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Cognolink Limited
- Exeter College
- International School of Choueifat
- MP Labour ‘Labour Friends of Palestin’
- HM Government
- Royal United Services Institute
- The University of King Abdulaziz
Further Study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation. Below are a few examples* of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes. Please note that, due to data protection, the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Subject area
- MA Kurdish Studies
- MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies
- MA Modern Middle Eastern Politics,
- MA International Studies with Diplomacy
- MPhil Middle Eastern Studies
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- MA Translation
- PhD Arabic Literature
- PhD Semitic Studies
- PhD Islamic Studies
Institution
- University of Oxford
- University of Exeter
- SOAS University of London
- University of Durham
- University of Leeds
- University of Edinburgh
- Harvard University
- University of Chicago
- Cairo University
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
