About Us

The Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (formerly Oriental Studies) is home to a range of languages and subjects that cover an enormous geographical area, from Morocco in the west to Japan in the east, and a long time span from the earliest civilizations, c. 3500 BCE, to the present day. Twenty-five languages are currently taught in this Faculty, both classical and modern, and at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The DPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies offers the opportunity for doctoral research under individual supervision in any of these languages and subject areas.

For many people in the ‘West’, these perhaps sound like “exotic” subjects to study. In real-world demographic terms, however, the areas taught and studied in this Faculty represent well over half of the world’s current population, as well as covering some of the world’s major civilizations. The subjects taught in this Faculty are therefore far from being marginal; they are at the heart of the modern globalised world.

The specific profile of our Faculty has taken shape over a long period of time, starting with the establishment of the first post in Hebrew in the 16th century, followed by steady growth and diversification over its long history.

A degree in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies can open many doors and our former students pursue a large variety of career paths, from business to education, from editing or translating to academic careers.

Our Faculty understands itself as highly inclusive and welcomes diversity. Together with the University, it tries to offer support at all levels, from outreach to careers advice to welfare and disability services. Some useful information and contacts can be found here. Please also see the AMES Faculty Statement of Values.

Further information about our staff, students, teaching, and research can be found on our webpages. We hope you will enjoy exploring them.