The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) course offers a very flexible framework for students to study Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew or Persian. Some of these languages may be combined, either with each other, or with languages from the Modern and Medieval Languages course.

More information on the options offered can be found on the course website or on the University’s prospectus pages.

Please note that the information below pertains to the 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle and may not be accurate for applications for 2025 Entry. All course pages will be updated by early May 2024.

Peterhouse does not operate a fixed quota of places in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, but tends to admit 1 or 2 students each year. Our external Director of Studies is Dr Firuza Melville.

No prior knowledge of the oriental language which candidates propose to study is normally expected, but it is advantageous for candidates to be studying a modern foreign or classical language at A level or equivalent, along with an essay-based subject.

If combining Asian and Middle Eastern Studies with a European language an A-Level (or equivalent) in the respective European language is required and applicants must sit the MML admissions assessment. 

Candidates should expect two or three interviews, which will include an Admissions Tutor and members of the Faculty. One of these may include a period for study of a piece of writing immediately prior to the interview.

Our typical conditional offer for AMES is A*AA at A level. IB offers are usually for a minimum of 41-42 points, to include 776 or 777 at Higher level in relevant subjects. Offers are designed to be realistic, taking into account individual circumstances, and to reflect potential and likely levels of achievement. Most of those who receive offers will attain the grades required.