Arabic and International Relations, BA

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Your first year will involve core language modules to give you a good grounding in Arabic, while you'll also be introduced to Arab and Islamic history and key issues in global politics. You'll also take one of our Cornerstone modules, which brings your two subjects together. This year is designed to prepare you for the next, which you'll spend at a university in an Arabic-speaking country to really develop your language skills.

When you return to Leeds, you'll have deeper cultural awareness and a new perspective to bring to your studies. You'll take advanced language classes and gain an understanding of theory behind international relations, as well as issues such as security and the complexities of Middle Eastern politics.

A wide range of optional modules will also be available, allowing you to choose from topics like the Arab-Israeli conflict, terrorism and insurgency, Arab cinema and European politics. You'll also apply the skills and knowledge you've acquired to an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Arabic and International Relations will give you fluency in a major world language, a deep understanding of another culture and keen political awareness. All of this will equip you for a wide range of careers at home and abroad, but you'll also have a broad base of transferable skills.

    You'll be an excellent communicator who can present and defend your ideas clearly. You'll also be capable of working in a team or independently, and possess good research and analytical skills. Spending a year abroad will prove you're adaptable and resilient, and you'll have organisational skills from managing two subjects. You'll also have an international outlook that allows you to appreciate other cultures and points of view.

    Graduates have gone onto a wide range of careers including diplomacy, the civil service, journalism, the media, business and finance, marketing and education. Many others have pursued postgraduate study or specialised training in language-based roles such as translation or interpreting.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend your second year at the Arabic Language Institute in Fes (ALIF), Morocco.

    It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, and when you're not in your intensive language classes there will be plenty of time to travel and explore the region. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their course.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies