Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Number of students per year: up to two
- Typical offer: A*AA or equivalent; we accept a wide range of
- Essential subjects: none (if you would like to combine AMES with a European language, you will need an A Level, or equivalent, in this language)
- Useful subjects: Language, Literature, History, Anthropology, Politics in particular, but any other subjects at A-Level or equivalent are welcome.
In Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) at °µÍø½ûÇø, we pay close attention to the specific needs and interests of individual students.
We have one resident Fellow whose primary interests are in the languages, cultures, and literatures of the modern Middle East: Yaron Peleg, a specialist in modern Hebrew Studies.
We encourage our students to develop their own interests within a supportive and challenging intellectual environment. For instance, at our termly Language and Linguistics Forum we discuss a research topic over food and drinks. In this way, our undergraduates have the chance to broaden their horizons and develop independence of thought and pleasure in intellectual debate, while postgraduates get an opportunity to hone their presentation skills and get feedback.
Undergraduates and postgraduates also meet at various social events, and postgraduates often help out with undergraduate teaching.
Our graduates find employment in a wide range of professions because they develop a variety of skills that are very popular with prospective employers, like specific language skills (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew, and Persian) and various analytical skills.
Recent graduates have gone into management and economic consultancy, finance, diplomatic service, language teaching, and academia. We're also very pleased to be able to welcome some of our graduates back as postgraduate students.
Requirements
Our typical offer is for an A* and two A grades at A-Level or equivalent. The main requirement for studying Asian and Middle Eastern languages and cultures is that you are curious about cultures different from your own and the world at large. AMES is an interdisciplinary course, so there are no specific subjects you need to have studied. If you would like to combine AMES with a European language, you will need an A Level, or equivalent, in this language.
Some subjects that could help to prepare you for AMES are those that include some formal study of language, as well as literature, and history, since they can help you to develop the necessary logical thinking and critical analysis skills.
Preparation
No specialist knowledge is needed, but we expect you to have explored your interest in the subject to some degree. The most obvious way to do this is through reading, but you might also have begun studying your target language, or taken part in activities like the .
Written assessment
There is currently no written assessment for applicants for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES).
Applicants wishing to combine AMES with a modern European Language (from the MML course) will be required to sit the MML at interview written assessment.
You won't need any specific preparation or previous knowledge, the aim is to assess your common sense, curiosity, and willingness and ability to engage with unfamiliar topics. Find out more on the .
Interviews
In 2024-25, we’ll be interviewing all shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.
The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.
Written work
You don't need to submit any written work with your application.
International applicants
We mostly refer to A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate for our entry requirements, but we accept a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world. The University website lists the . We expect students to be on track to achieve the highest grades in whichever qualification system they are studying. See our dedicated page for international students for more information.
Deferred or post A-Level entry
We're happy to consider applications for either immediate or deferred entry. We're happy to consider post A-Level applications from anyone who has achieved an A* and two A grades, or equivalent, including mature students.
Find out how to apply to study at Jesus.
