Studying Asian and Middle Eastern Studies opens up new horizons in an increasingly global and multicultural world. By studying the language, history and culture of a range of different societies, we open up the potential for greater understanding and appreciation of people from across the globe.

Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2024

Please note, all undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies provides the opportunity to study a range of different cultures and languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew and Persian. At Sidney Sussex we aim to do everything that we can to support our students, both in terms of their linguistic and cultural studies, with a strong community and many opportunities to explore their chosen subjects in more depth.

Undergraduate Study

Sidney encourages applications from students who are interested in any languages of the AMES Tripos. Candidates will need a clear head for grammar, the recognition of linguistic patterns, and the learning of vocabulary. Although an experience of language learning is extremely useful, several students have excelled in this Tripos from school backgrounds in Mathematics, Sciences or Music, as well as History.

Note that apart from language learning, all these subjects involve essay writing on a wide range of topics. An independent approach for learning, together with evidence of wide reading, will be expected. Enthusiasm is also essential, as is the ability to work in small groups.

The AMES students at Sidney have an External Director of Studies and share many College activities with the Modern and Medieval Languages students.

Written work

No written work is required. 

Admissions assessment

If you are applying to combine your chosen language with an European language, you will need to take a written assessment if invited to interview. You will not need to register in advance and we will provide details directly to you. For more information please see the College admissions assessments page.

Interviews
  • All undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
  • Two interviews. For those combining AMES with a modern European language, one interview will focus on your chosen European language, and there will be a short passage to read for 15 minutes before the interview (you will be expected to speak in the language for part, but not all, of the interview). For those not selecting a modern European language, one interview will normally be a general one, focusing on your general interest and wider exploration of your chosen subject. This is intended to inform us of your motivation and your overall intelligence and potential. There will then be a subject interview by a specialist in your chosen language.
Subject requirements
  • Learn about our standard entry requirements for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies on the University website.
  • At Sidney, we consider modern or ancient languages, humanities and social sciences subjects to be useful.
  • While experience of language learning is extremely useful, several students have excelled in this Tripos from school backgrounds in Mathematics, Sciences or Music, as well as History.
  • Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
Beyond the syllabus

Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!

Typical intake

1 - 2

Typical A-level offer

A*AA

Typical IB offer

41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level

Postgraduate Study

At the University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.

Funding

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.

To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.

Useful links

Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge

Opportunities to work, travel, and study

The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:

  • Professional and research internships
  • Study awards
  • Vacation travel
  • Arts and music
  • Sport

While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.

Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.