BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
About this course
BA (Hons) in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, a flexible undergraduate degree spanning languages, histories, and cultures from East Asia to the Middle East. The course includes a compulsory year abroad spent in a relevant country to immerse in the culture and build fluency. Students select specific language paths from options including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian, with possibilities to combine certain languages or incorporate additional options such as Korean, Hindi, or Sanskrit depending on the chosen route. The initial two years establish a foundation in language proficiency, while the third and fourth years advance to advanced study levels for confident reading and speaking.
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Entry requirements
A level: A*AA IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level . If you’re applying for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, we recommend these subjects for a strong application: English (language or literature) History Languages (ancient or modern) To apply to any of our Colleges for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, if you would like to combine your chosen language with a European language you will need: A level/IB Higher Level in your chosen European language The only AMES languages offered at Robinson College are Chinese and Japanese. Applicants for these languages can also combine them with a modern European language from the Modern and Medieval Languages course .
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What students say
Based on about 273 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 68%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 115 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 12%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 16%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 12%
- Teaching Professionals: 11%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 79%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 77%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 63%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 415 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 56%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,500 and £54,000. The £39,500 median after five years is £8,500 more than the UK median for Asian studies.
What do graduates of BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 41 points in the IB. The average entrant had 195 UCAS points.
Does BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at University of Cambridge?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.