Middle East Studies

Middle East Studies is a field that brings historical depth, linguistic understanding, and contemporary political analysis to bear on one of the most complex and contested regions in the world. The Middle East encompasses extraordinary diversity of language, religion, culture, and political organisation, and it sits at the intersection of some of the defining questions of modern international affairs, from the politics of oil and water to the dynamics of revolution, sectarian conflict, migration, and the relationship between Islam and the state. To understand the region seriously requires moving beyond headlines to engage with the societies, histories, and ideas that shape it.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time programme draws on Exeter's significant strengths in Arabic, Islamic studies, and Middle Eastern history and politics. You will engage with the major languages, histories, and cultural traditions of the region, studying Arabic or another relevant language alongside thematic and historical courses that address the modern Middle East from a range of disciplinary perspectives. The programme develops your ability to analyse political, social, and cultural phenomena rigorously, to engage with primary sources where relevant, and to situate contemporary events in their deeper historical and cultural context.

Exeter's Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies gives the programme access to internationally recognised expertise.

Graduates from Middle East Studies programmes go on to careers in diplomacy, the civil service, international organisations, journalism, think tanks, humanitarian organisations, and the energy and defence sectors. Language competence and regional knowledge are highly valued in roles that require engagement with Middle Eastern governments, societies, and businesses. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in area studies, international relations, Arabic, Islamic studies, or law, and some pursue academic careers in universities or policy research institutions.