Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
The teaching provided by the Faculty of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies covers a range of languages from across Asia and the Middle East which can be studied on their own or in combination with each other, or with a European language. All students also study the literature, history, politics, philosophy, religion and art of these widely differing cultures. For more information on permitted combinations, please see the Undergraduate Study website.
The intensive language learning throughout all four years helps develop a high degree of fluency. The required time abroad during the third year allows students to develop their language skills and to immerse themselves in a different culture and environment. The final-year dissertation (a requirement for most, but not all courses) allows students to develop their interests, engage with primary sources and produce original work.
Overview
Students admitted per year: 1-2
Typical offer:
A Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: no subjects required. Applicants wishing to combine with a European language must have studied the European language to A Level or equivalent.
Useful subjects: classical and modern languages, English literature, History
Admissions Assessment: n/a. Applicants wishing to study a modern European language will need to sit the Modern Languages assessment.
Written work: n/a. Applicants wishing to study a modern European language will need to submit two pieces, of a maximum of 3,000 words total
Why choose Newnham for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies?
The greatest advantage Newnham has over other colleges for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is proximity; you will have no excuse for missing a 9am lecture or forgetting your dictionary, since the College and Faculty are a mere two minutes’ walk apart! Newnham has an excellent library of its own, which not only has a very good, and ever expanding, collection of books, but also provides a great study space.
Newnham has a long tradition of valuing teaching as an integral part of College life. Its current Fellows continue to uphold the ideals of their forebears in taking teaching seriously and seeking the most effective teaching methods for an individual’s style of learning. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any arts humanities degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for students.
Academic financial support
Newnham is one of the most generous Colleges when it comes to student support. As well as being able to access support for maintenance, opportunity and sports funding, all Newnham undergraduate students can apply for our book grants and research expenses funds each term for essential purchases and expenditure relating to their studies. A proportion of expenditure on books can be reimbursed against receipts (up to a limit of £200 each year), with research expenses assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds for essential equipment purchases are also available, for example for stethoscopes for medics. We are also fortunate to have very generous funding available for summer research and/or travel. None of these grants are means-tested, so all students can benefit. Students achieving first-class results for their end of year exams will in addition receive at least £400 as a prize or scholarship.
The Lucy Mitchell Fund for AMES Travel provides students with funding of up to £800 per year, and can be applied for at any time. Further funding is also available for summer travel.
