Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

The undergraduate degree programme in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of the diverse regions, cultures, languages, and histories of Asia and the Middle East. This programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of these dynamic areas through rigorous academic inquiry and comparative analysis, fostering critical thinking and a global perspective. Students have the opportunity to select from a wide range of modules that may include languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Persian, Japanese, and Turkish, alongside courses in history, politics, literature, religion, and contemporary societal issues. The course structure typically combines lectures, seminars, language training, and independent research, encouraging active engagement and scholarly development. Throughout the programme, students are expected to develop language proficiency, regional expertise, and analytical skills that prepare them for careers across academia, government, international organizations, journalism, and the private sector. The programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to compare and contrast different societies and historical periods, thereby gaining a nuanced understanding of complex regional dynamics. With access to extensive resources, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community, students are supported in pursuing original research projects or dissertations. The programme aims not only to educate students about Asian and Middle Eastern topics but also to cultivate cultural awareness, sensitivity, and a commitment to addressing global challenges. Graduates of the programme often go on to further study or careers where they leverage their regional knowledge and language skills, making a meaningful contribution to international relations, cultural exchange, and global development.

Teaching is through lectures, seminars/classes, and supervisions, and you can typically expect 12-14 hours of teaching each week. Assessment includes written and oral examinations, and coursework.

Depending on your language(s), you take four to six papers in Years 1, 2 and 4, and write a dissertation of 12,000 words in your final year. You spend Year 3 abroad. 

If you combine a European language with a Middle Eastern language, you study both roughly equally in Year 1 but after that you can balance them as you wish. If you combine both to Part II, you spend Year 3 in the Middle East.

Chinese

Years 1 and 2 (Part I)

You receive intensive training in spoken and written Mandarin, as well as a grounding in reading literary and classical Chinese, and Chinese and East Asian history from ancient times to the present day.

Year 4 (Part II)

In Year 4, you write a dissertation and choose from specialist papers on topics as varied as religion, state and institutions in dynastic China, Chinese linguistics, contemporary society or literature, and war in the making of modern China.

Japanese

Years 1 and 2 (Part I)

In Year 1, you study written and spoken Japanese and take a paper on East Asia. In Year 2, you continue your language and choose from papers on Japanese history, literature, society, politics, classical Japanese, East Asian cinema, and some Chinese Studies options.

Year 4 (Part II)

Alongside your dissertation in Year 4, you choose from special papers which vary each year. Past topics include Japanese culture, history, advanced classical Japanese, and politics. There’s also a Korean language option.

Arabic and Persian

Years 1 and 2 (Part I)

You study written and spoken Arabic, and/or modern Persian, and an introduction to the contemporary Middle East and/or its history. In Year 2, you can study classical and modern literature, history, anthropology and/or Islam.

Year 4 (Part II)

In Year 4, you write a dissertation and the second-year subjects are offered again, but in more depth and specialisation (eg modern Islamist thought, Islamic Spain, travel writing).

Hebrew

Years 1 and 2 (Part I)

You’re introduced to the Hebrew language and its literature, as well as the contemporary culture of Israel and the history and culture of the Middle East. You can also take other subjects such as linguistics and Judaism.

Year 4 (Part II)

In Year 4, in addition to your dissertation, you have a range of options to choose from, such as Hebrew literature, Israeli cultural studies, Israeli cinema, comparative Semitics, Aramaic and the pre-modern and modern Middle East.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

The University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies program. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of funding sources to support their studies, including scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loan schemes. The university provides numerous scholarships specifically for students studying Asian and Middle Eastern languages and regional studies, aimed at both UK and international students. These scholarships often consider academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of both, and applicants are advised to check the specific eligibility criteria and application processes well in advance.

In addition to university-specific funding, students can access external funding opportunities from government bodies, charitable organizations, and international foundations dedicated to supporting students in area studies. For UK students, government-sponsored loan schemes such as the Student Loan Company may be applicable, providing financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses. International students are encouraged to seek funding through their home country’s government or through international scholarship programs that support study in the UK.

The university also offers guidance and advice through its financial aid office, which assists students in identifying suitable funding opportunities and navigating the application processes. Many students also supplement their income through part-time work, either on or off campus, subject to visa regulations for international students. Cambridge encourages early financial planning and recommends applying for funding well before the start of the academic year to maximize the chances of securing financial support.

It is important to note that tuition fees vary depending on the student’s nationality and residency status, and prospective students should consult the university’s official website for the most current fee structure. Funding availability might be limited and highly competitive, particularly for specialized regional studies programs. Therefore, prospective students should prepare thoroughly, ensuring that they meet application deadlines and provide all required documentation to improve their chances of securing financial aid.

Overall, financing a degree in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge involves a multi-source approach, combining university scholarships, external grants, government loans, and personal or family funds. Students are advised to conduct early research, carefully review eligibility criteria, and seek guidance from university resources to optimize their financial support options.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).