Studying this course, you’ll gain a deep and wide-ranging understanding of the cultures, history, politics and societies of these regions. You’ll develop your study of Islam, one of the most influential and widely practised religions in the world, and a subject of strategic importance both in the global context and in modern Britain. You’ll also learn about contemporary relevant issues of the Middle East and North Africa and explore themes such as cultural identity, sexuality, gender and race. The course gives you the opportunity to study several diverse fields, such as area studies, humanities (religious studies, history, literature, performance) and social science. It also includes the opportunity to study languages such as Arabic and Persian.You’ll build your knowledge through a wide range of topics and pioneering approaches such as Islamic history and religion through the female lens, postcolonialism, decoloniality and Critical Muslim Studies (which has been pioneered at the University of Leeds). In addition to compulsory modules on key issues and themes, you’ll also choose from a range of optional modules such as Arab culture, politics, performance, Qur’anic Studies and Islamic law.Alongside gaining linguistic, cultural and historical knowledge, you’ll also develop transferable skills to become a resilient and adaptable graduate. You'll enhance your ability to be self-reflective and critical and to become a considered, informed thinker.Additional highlightsTo broaden and deepen your knowledge, you’ll be able to access a wide range of co-curricular activities, such as Qur’anic Arabic and the ‘Amimiyyah’ seminars (readings of classical Islamic madrasah texts), offered by the School's Iqbal Centre for Critical Muslim Studies.You’ll learn from leading experts in critical areas such as Islamic history, international relations, Islamic law and legal theory, Muslim reformist thought, Islamophobia and Muslim intellectual history, Women’s contributions to Islamic history, sectarian difference, historical topics including the Crusades, Islam in China, Cultural anthropology, Arab and Muslim Cinema.Specialist facilitiesThe School archive at Leeds holds Arabic manuscripts and as many as 10,000 archaeological artefacts ranging from Pharaonic to early Palestinian eras. It’s a fantastic research resource – as is the University Library, which has extensive collections relating to Middle Eastern, North African and Islamic studies, along with free classes and workshops to learn how to use them.With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.The Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research.The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practise with other learners and native speakers you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.Take a look around our libraries:Brotherton LibraryLaidlaw LibraryEdward Boyle Library