Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Middle Eastern, Jewish and Islamic Civilisations program is a four-year, full-time course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical origins and contemporary culture of the Middle East and its peoples. This program is designed for students interested in ancient and modern history, literature, religion, philosophy, and the region's relationship with the Western world.

Course Details

• Awards: B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information: CAO Points 337-495 (2024)
• Number of Places: 15 Places
• Duration: 4 Years Full-Time

Course Options

Middle Eastern, Jewish and Islamic Civilisations is studied as a Joint Honours subject with one of the following options:

• TR233 Classical Languages
• TR547 Ancient History and Archaeology
• TR548 Classical Civilisation
• TR554 History
• TR563 Modern Language (Early Irish, French, Italian, Irish, Spanish)
• TR564 Music
• TR565 Religion
• TR587 Linguistics
• TR592 Sociology

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: H4 In a language other than English or Irish
• Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C In a language other than English or Irish
• International Baccalaureate: HL Grade 5 In a language other than English or Irish
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the official Trinity College Dublin website.

Study Abroad

In third year, students have the opportunity to apply to study abroad in a prestigious European university with the EU funded Erasmus programme. Alternatively, you may apply to spend your third year in leading universities in North America, Australia, and Hong Kong. The department of Near and Middle Eastern Studies also has a special exchange programme with Charles University, Prague, Boğaziçi University (Istanbul), and with a number of universities in the Middle East.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

This broad humanities degree in Middle Eastern, Jewish and Islamic Civilisations provides the ideal foundation for those aspiring to careers in public services, foreign affairs, diplomacy, journalism, and education. Many of our graduates can be found in these and in other professions. Students receive a rewarding education in Middle Eastern, North African, Jewish, and Islamic history and culture, but also instilled are more general skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving as well as training in international affairs that are highly attractive to potential employers.

Your Degree and What You’ll Study

At entry, Middle Eastern, Jewish and Islamic Civilisations must be combined with one other subject. In later years, you will be able to select additional subjects and electives.

First and Second Years

In first year, you are introduced to the history of the region as well as to the history of Jews and Muslims in the context of the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the USA. We offer introductory courses in the Modern Middle East, to Jewish and Islamic cultures, and Ancient Near Eastern history and culture. You explore the region through many sources including literature, film, ancient inscriptions, blogs, and archaeological evidence.

Third and Fourth Years

In third year, you may choose to study for a semester abroad (this is not compulsory). You can continue with your Middle Eastern Language (if you have decided to study a language), or choose from a broad range of options offered by the department of Near and Middle Eastern Studies, open modules, and Trinity Electives.

In final year, you can choose from a wide range of modules depending on your interests. Courses offered in recent years include: the Modern Middle East and European Powers; The Decline of the Ottoman Empire; the Middle East and America; The Jews of Egypt and their Encounter with Greek Culture; The Persian Empire; Islam and Gender; Holocaust Representation in Film and Literature; and Advanced Language.

At all levels, you will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and exams. We use a mix of traditional and innovative continuous assessment methods – essays, project work, presentations, book reviews, and dossiers, and podcast creation. Language modules are traditionally assessed by written and oral assessments and examinations. Final year students also write a Capstone project.