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Asian & Middle Eastern Studies

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is an immersive and varied course that allows you to develop a deep understanding of a range of languages and cultures
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Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) allows you to study contemporary global cultures through an in-depth exploration of language, culture and history. The areas you can study stretch from Japan in the East to Morocco in the West, and from classical times to the present day. On this 4-year course, you spend your time immersed in the language and culture of your chosen subjects and you will spend the third year in the country or countries relevant to your studies. More information about the course, including details of the year abroad, can be found on the .

AMES at 51¸£ÀûÉç

At 51¸£ÀûÉç, we typically admit 1-2 students a year for AMES, so there are typically 3-6 undergraduate students in the College at any one time (with another one or two on their year abroad). You will be part of a small but tightly-knit cohort within the College, and there are ample opportunities to engage with the wider Cambridge AMES cohort. 

Typical offer

A Level: A*AA

IB: 42 (776)

Required subjects

A Level (or IB Higher Level) in the European language (if combining with a European language).

Admissions assessment

Applicants wishing to study a European language are required to take the relevant Modern & Medieval Languages (MML) admissions assessment if invited for interview. You do not need to register in advance for this assessment. The College will provide details directly to you. Check the page for more details. 

Written work

Applicants are not required to submit written work.

What the students say

Haiqing Lan

Student smiling

Medwards has truly become my home away from home over the past academic year. As an international student from China, I have found comfort in our incredibly supportive staff—from the porters who kindly help me check the staircase in the middle of the night to the gardeners who took care of my mint during the Christmas holidays. Whether it’s enjoying a peaceful moment by the fountain under the sunshine or sharing a formal dinner in the Dome with close friends, Medwards has given me a sense of belonging.

As an AMES student specializing in Japanese Studies, I have loved our intensive yet fascinating language courses, which have helped me improve my second foreign language at a pace I never imagined. Taking East Asian Studies as my main course in first year has exposed me to a wide range of ideas—from politics and philosophy to religion and literature—allowing me to see beyond my own Chinese perspective. These courses have guided me on a journey of understanding where I come from and how we should engage with the vibrant panorama of East Asia.

Beyond academics, Cambridge and Medwards offer a wealth of opportunities to explore. Personally, I enjoy the Friday yoga sessions at Medwards, where I can take a moment to meditate and unwind. Being part of the Japanese Society and Cambridge Women in Business has also allowed me to meet incredible people and participate in unforgettable experiences—ones I highly recommend giving a try.

Meet our academics