Arab and Islamic Studies degrees
Study the Arab and Muslim world at the University of Exeter, one of Europe's most renowned centres for research and teaching.
Study Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter
Our Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies is one of Europe’s most renowned centres for research and teaching in the Arab and Muslim world.
Arabic is one of the world’s major languages, part of the bedrock of Islam, and key to understanding the rich culture and history of the Middle East.
We offer courses in Arabic and Middle East languages as well as comprehensive study of the literatures and cultures of the wider region. This includes the history, politics, economies, societies and anthropology of the region, and almost every aspect of Islamic studies – from medieval to modern Islam.
Our Arab and Islamic Studies degrees and courses
Our Arab and Islamic Studies degrees are taught on our Streatham Campus in Exeter.
Undergraduate degrees
Masters degrees
Related subjects
You may be interested in finding out more about studying Arabic at the University of Exeter. You can search a full list of subject areas taught at the University of Exeter.
4th for African & Middle Eastern Studies
The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 3 for student satisfaction in six out of seven themes
National Student Survey 2025
Largest Centre for Middle East Studies in a UK university, with excellent research links in the Islamic world
The University of Exeter is 155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026
Frequently asked questions about studying Arab and Islamic Studies
We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you decide if an Arab and Islamic Studies degree is right for you.
What career prospects would I have with am Arab and Islamic Studies degree from Exeter?
Studying Arabic and Islamic Studies gives you a deep understanding of the contemporary Middle East—from its politics and economy to its culture, arts, and religion—while also developing research, analytical, and critical thinking skills valued across a wide range of professions.
Students are able to access a huge range of opportunities to support their future career options and employability sessions are put on for the students over the course of their programme. Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Arab and Islamic Studies degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Many of our graduates are employed in discipline relevant roles in the UK and overseas including charities, NGOs, Politics and Government and the Public Sector. Others use the skills gained on their course to enter widely different career paths in marketing, journalism, business or management.
Find out more about a career with a degree in Arab and Islamic Studies.
Can international students apply for Arab and Islamic Studies degrees?
Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.
For more information, visit our international students webpages.
"The level of individual support and attention we get is incredible. I know that all my teachers truly know how I learn and how best to support me and if I need any more support I know that I can always go to them for help. All the lecturers are very passionate and find enriching ways to teach us. One of my favourite lessons was the last day of term where our lecturer hid clues in Arabic all around our institute and we were all running around the building trying to solve it with these massive dictionaries."
Sumiah
Undergraduate MArabic (Master of Arabic and Islamic studies)