European and Middle Eastern Languages
The European and Middle Eastern Languages (EMEL) programme at Oxford University is a distinctive undergraduate degree that allows students to study one modern European language alongside a Middle Eastern language, offered jointly by the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. This interdisciplinary course develops advanced linguistic skills while exploring the rich cultural, historical, and literary connections between Europe and the Middle East. Students can choose combinations such as French and Arabic, German and Turkish, or Hebrew and Russian, enabling them to examine historical encounters in diplomacy, trade, migration, and religion. Unique pairings like Spanish with Turkish highlight the history of Sephardi Judaism, while Persian with Portuguese illuminates early colonial trade and cultural exchange. By integrating language mastery with comparative cultural and historical analysis, the EMEL programme equips students with a deep understanding of global intellectual traditions and cross-cultural networks.
Course Overview
UCAS code: See combinations
Entrance requirements: AAA
Course duration: 4 years with year abroad (BA)
Subject Requirements
- Required subjects: A modern language (depending on course choice)
- Recommended subjects: Not applicable
- Helpful subjects: Not applicable
Other Course Requirements
- Admissions tests: MLAT
- Written Work: None
Admissions Statistics
| Interviewed | 91% |
|---|---|
| Successful | 37% |
| Intake | 13 |
| Successful for a different course | 4% |
| Applicant intake for a different course | 2% |
*3-year average 2022-24
Middle East: Year Abroad Arrangements
As part of the European and Middle Eastern Languages (EMEL) programme at Oxford University, students typically spend their second year abroad in the Middle East, gaining direct cultural and linguistic immersion. Oxford’s partnerships with reputable Middle Eastern universities and academic institutions ensure structured and supported study experiences, including classroom courses, specialised language schools, internships, research projects, or voluntary work tailored to individual interests. This immersive year allows students to strengthen language proficiency while deepening understanding of Middle Eastern societies, histories, and cultures. Former students, like Elisa who studied French and Arabic in Amman, Jordan, report transformative experiences, noting significant improvement in language skills and a richer appreciation for local culture. Returning from the year abroad, EMEL students bring enhanced linguistic competence and cross-cultural insights that greatly enrich their studies back at Oxford.
Other Year Abroad Activity and Funding
In addition to the formal Middle Eastern year abroad, EMEL students at Oxford are encouraged to spend summer vacations in countries where their chosen European language is spoken, providing extended immersion and real-world language practice. Previous students have undertaken internships, specialised summer schools, or language courses, which enhance fluency, cultural understanding, and employability. Funding options vary by destination and activity, with some placements offering stipends, while additional support is available through Oxford bursaries, travel grants, hardship funds, and the Student Support Fund. Students are responsible for living costs, including accommodation, travel, and visas, and should consult Oxford’s Study Abroad guidance for up-to-date post-Brexit arrangements. Together, these opportunities ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, can fully benefit from transformative academic, linguistic, and cultural experiences abroad.
A Typical Week
EMEL students at Oxford follow a carefully structured academic timetable, balancing language classes, lectures, and tutorials each week.
Typically, students attend one or two tutorials per week alongside scheduled lectures and classes.
First-year emphasis is on intensive study of the chosen Middle Eastern language, building strong foundations in grammar, vocabulary, and oral skills.
Students simultaneously explore literature, history, and culture of both European and Middle Eastern languages.
Weekly preparation includes essays and assignments to develop analytical skills, critical thinking, and engagement with primary and secondary texts.
Teaching is delivered across multiple settings: faculty-organised classes, college-based sessions, and small-group tutorials.
Tutorials, a hallmark of Oxford education, typically involve 2–3 students with a tutor, enabling personalised feedback and in-depth discussion.
Seminars and language classes are generally small and interactive, often fewer than 20 students, fostering close attention to individual progress.
Most teaching is led by world-leading faculty tutors with extensive research experience, complemented by doctoral students who provide specialist knowledge and fresh perspectives.
Detailed information on the academic calendar, term dates, vacations, and examinations is available on Oxford’s dedicated Academic Year webpage.
Course Structure
The (EMEL) degree is carefully designed to provide a balance between rigorous language training and the study of literature, culture, and history. The programme spans four years, including a compulsory year abroad, and culminates in the prestigious Oxford Final Examinations.
Year 1
In the first year, the primary focus is on establishing a strong foundation in both the chosen (EMEL). Students divide their time between intensive language work and introductory studies in literature.
Courses:
- European Language:
- Two language papers designed to develop grammar, comprehension, translation, and written expression.
- One literature paper providing an introduction to the study of literary texts, themes, and genres in the European language.
- Middle Eastern Language:
- Intensive language learning to build rapid competence in reading, writing, and speaking.
Assessment:
- At the end of the first year, students sit the First University Examinations, which include:
- Five written papers across language and literature components.
An oral/aural examination for students of Arabic (testing spoken ability and listening comprehension).
Year 2: The Year Abroad
The second year is spent abroad, providing a full immersion experience in both languages.
Middle Eastern Language:
- Students attend an approved course of instruction in the Middle East, at one of Oxford’s partner universities or institutions. This enables them to study the language intensively in its native environment, while also experiencing the culture and everyday life of the region.
European Language:
- Although the formal placement focuses on the Middle East, students are also encouraged to spend vacation periods in a country where their European language is spoken. This ensures ongoing development in both halves of the degree.
For further details, students are referred to the dedicated course information pages for the Faculties of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Modern Languages.
Years 3 and 4
Upon returning to Oxford, students build on their foundations by moving into more advanced and specialised study. The third and fourth years combine further practical language work with in-depth exploration of literature, history, and culture, while also offering opportunities for independent research.
Courses:
- European Language:
- Practical language work (translation, essay writing, oral expression).
- A period of literature paper and one further option chosen from a wide variety of topics. Options may include areas such as film studies, comparative literature, linguistics, or cultural history.
- Middle Eastern Language:
- Practical language work at an advanced level, consolidating the skills developed abroad.
- Three papers, which usually include literature and additional subjects selected from a wide range of options in the chosen language.
- Bridging Extended Essay:
- Students undertake an extended essay that brings together both sides of the degree, exploring a theme that links their European and Middle Eastern languages in a comparative or cross-cultural framework.
Assessment:
- Students take the Final University Examinations, which normally consist of:
- Nine written papers across the different elements of the course.
- An oral examination in both languages (with the exception that students studying Hebrew are not required to take an oral exam for the Middle Eastern language component).
- The bridging extended essay, submitted as part of the assessment.
Notes on Options and Changes
- The options listed above are illustrative and subject to variation. The precise range of available papers changes from year to year, reflecting new research, staff expertise, and evolving student interests.
- Students are encouraged to consult the websites of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages for the most up-to-date information about course options.
- Like all Oxford courses, the content and format of the EMEL degree may be subject to revision in certain circumstances. Students are advised to read the University’s guidance on potential course changes for further details.
Academic Requirements
Admission to the (EMEL) course is highly competitive, and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance in their school-leaving qualifications. The University welcomes students from a variety of educational backgrounds and considers applications individually, always taking into account the context in which each applicant’s grades have been achieved.
Accepted Qualifications and Typical Offers:
- A-levels (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland):
- A standard offer of AAA at A-level is required. These grades reflect the demanding nature of the course and the high academic standards of Oxford.
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- Students are usually expected to achieve AA in two Advanced Highers, or AAB across a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers.
- International Baccalaureate (IB):
- A total score of 38 points (including core points) is normally required.
- Within this, candidates must achieve 666 at Higher Level, which demonstrates excellence across three advanced subjects.
- Other UK Qualifications:
- Applicants offering qualifications other than A-levels or Advanced Highers (such as the Welsh Baccalaureate, Cambridge Pre-U, or other recognised awards) will be considered. Detailed guidance on how these are assessed can be found on the University’s website.
- International Qualifications:
- Oxford welcomes applications from students around the world who hold a wide range of national school-leaving qualifications. Equivalencies are published online to help international applicants understand how their results compare to the standard entry requirements.
Contextual Consideration of Grades:
Wherever possible, Oxford places an applicant’s grades into the context of their educational and personal circumstances. This means that the admissions tutors do not just look at the raw results, but also at the conditions under which those results were achieved—for example, the school’s performance history, available opportunities, or individual challenges faced by the applicant. This ensures that every candidate is assessed fairly and holistically.
For more detailed information, applicants are encouraged to consult the University’s official pages on:
- Other UK qualifications
- International qualifications
- Use of contextual data in admissions
Subject Requirements
Essential Requirements:
- Applicants are usually expected to have studied their chosen European language at A-level (or an equivalent qualification such as the International Baccalaureate Higher Level or other recognised certificates). This ensures that students already have a solid grounding in the language before beginning the degree.
- Candidates who have not formally studied the language at one of these qualification levels may still be considered. In such cases, applicants must demonstrate that they have already achieved at least B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- The CEFR is an internationally recognised standard that measures language ability on a six-point scale:
- A1: Beginner
- A2: Elementary
- B1: Intermediate
- B2: Upper Intermediate
- C1: Advanced
- C2: Near-native proficiency
- Many school qualifications and independent language certificates refer to one of these CEFR levels. If you are unsure of your level, you should check with your school, exam board, or testing centre.
- The CEFR is an internationally recognised standard that measures language ability on a six-point scale:
- No prior knowledge of the Middle Eastern language is required. Students can begin Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish as complete beginners, and the course provides intensive teaching to bring them to a high level of proficiency by graduation.
- If any of your science A-levels (used to meet the entry offer) include a practical component, Oxford expects you to pass this element as well as the written exam.
- Applicants whose first language is not English may also need to meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements.
Applying
All candidates must follow the official Oxford application procedure as explained on the University’s Applying to Oxford webpage. For this course, there are some specific requirements:
Admissions Tests:
- Applicants are required to take the Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT).
- Test Date: 24 October 2024.
- Registration Window: To be confirmed (details will be updated on the official test page).
- The MLAT is designed to test linguistic aptitude and analytical skills, even for applicants who may not yet have studied the relevant language formally.
- Full guidance on how to register, arrange to sit the test, and prepare effectively is available on the MLAT information page.
Written Work:
- For 2026 entry onwards, applicants are no longer required to submit written work as part of their application for this course.
In the past, written work was requested for the European language component, but this requirement has now been removed.
Careers
Graduates of Oxford’s (EMEL) programme leave with advanced language skills and a broad range of transferable abilities highly valued across professional fields. Key skills developed include communication in multiple languages, critical thinking, empathy for diverse cultures, text and context interpretation, rigorous analysis, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments. These competencies make EMEL alumni competitive in careers such as law, finance, international commerce, management consultancy, accountancy, media and journalism, advertising and marketing, the Diplomatic Service, and arts and culture sectors. Notable alumni include Foreign Office diplomats, United Nations translators, and international journalists, demonstrating the programme’s capacity to prepare students for diverse and high-profile roles worldwide. The EMEL degree uniquely combines linguistic mastery with analytical and cultural expertise, enabling graduates to thrive in both traditional and emerging career paths.
Fees and Living Costs
Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry:
Home students (UK-domiciled): Indicative fee £9,535 per year (subject to government confirmation).
Overseas students (non-UK domiciled): Annual fee £43,600.
Tuition fees may increase annually based on government policy or inflation-linked adjustments.
Students unsure of their fee status should consult Oxford’s official fee status guidance.
Detailed fee structures are available on the University’s Course Fees webpage.
Living Costs:
Estimated monthly living expenses: £1,405–£2,105, covering essential costs.
Accommodation: College or private housing rent.
Food: College dining halls or self-catered options.
Personal items & leisure: Clothing, social activities, and entertainment.
Study resources: Books, printing, and materials not provided by the library.
Local travel: Bus fares, bicycles, or occasional taxis.
Other essentials: Laundry, toiletries, mobile phone costs, etc.
Oxford’s academic year has three eight-week terms, but students should budget for nine months to cover term-time and holiday expenses.
Further guidance on budgeting and financial support is available on the University’s Living Costs webpage.
Financial Support
Oxford recognises that studying at university involves significant financial commitment, and therefore provides a wide range of support options for students depending on their residency and fee status. Financial support comes in the form of government loans, Oxford bursaries, and in some cases, scholarships or fee reductions, particularly during the year abroad.
Support for Home Students
- Tuition Fee Loan:
Home students undertaking their first undergraduate degree do not need to pay their course fees up front. Instead, they are eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan from the UK government. This loan covers the full cost of tuition fees (currently capped at £9,535 per year for 2026 entry), meaning that students do not need to make any payments while they are studying. Repayments of this loan only begin after graduation and once the graduate’s income is above a certain threshold. - Oxford Bursaries and Support:
For 2026 entry, Oxford will continue to offer one of the most generous bursary packages among UK universities.- Home students from households with an income of around £50,000 or less may be entitled to financial assistance from Oxford in the form of a bursary.
- Students from households with a lower income (around £32,500 or less) may be eligible for additional support, including higher bursary payments or tailored support schemes.
These bursaries do not need to be repaid and are designed to help cover essential living expenses.
- Living Costs Support (Government):
The UK government also provides maintenance loans or grants to eligible Home students. These are intended to contribute to day-to-day living costs such as rent, food, and study expenses. The exact amount a student can receive depends on their household income and where they will be living during their studies. - Eligibility of EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals:
Since 1 August 2021, changes following Brexit mean that EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can only access UK student finance if they hold UK citizens’ rights. This includes students with:- Pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or
Irish citizenship covered under the Common Travel Area arrangement.
The exact level of financial support available depends on the student’s residency status and whether they meet the UK government’s residency requirements.
Students from the Islands
Students from the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey) and the Isle of Man do not fall under the same funding system as UK students. Instead, they have access to separate support schemes provided by their own island governments or funding agencies.
- Jersey: Students should consult the States of Jersey website for detailed guidance on available tuition support, maintenance grants, and loans.
- Guernsey: Students should contact the States of Guernsey for financial support options specific to Guernsey residents.
- Isle of Man: Students should refer to the Isle of Man Government funding agency for details on their entitlements.
Overseas Students
Students classified as Overseas (international fee status) are not eligible for UK government loans or Oxford’s standard Home bursary packages. However, they may be able to apply for a range of scholarships offered by the University.
Information on available scholarships, eligibility, and application procedures can be found under the “Other Scholarships” section of Oxford’s Bursaries and Scholarships page. These opportunities vary depending on subject, nationality, or financial need, and competition is often highly selective.
Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) Students
Students who have already studied at undergraduate level and have completed a degree before applying to Oxford will generally be classified as ELQ students (Equivalent or Lower Qualification).
- ELQ students are not eligible for UK government loans or most Oxford bursary schemes.
- They must therefore make alternative arrangements to fund both tuition and living costs.
Additional Costs for the Year Abroad
As part of the European and Middle Eastern Languages course, students are required to spend a year abroad to immerse themselves in the language and culture. During this year, tuition fees payable to Oxford are significantly reduced:
- For Home/EU/Islands students: approximately £1,385 for the year (as an example, based on 2025 entry).
- For Overseas students: approximately £8,750 for the year (as an example, based on 2025 entry).
Please note:
- The exact fees for the year abroad in 2026 have not yet been confirmed. However, the above figures provide a good guide for planning purposes.
- Living costs during the year abroad will vary depending on the destination country and the type of activity undertaken (study placement, teaching assistantship, internship, etc.).
Course Data
When applying to study (EMEL) at Oxford, applicants have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of course combinations. Each course option pairs one European language with one Middle Eastern language, allowing students to develop advanced skills in two languages while also exploring the literature, history, and culture associated with them.
For clarity, Oxford provides UCAS course codes for each specific language pairing. These codes are essential when submitting a UCAS application, as they identify the exact combination you wish to study.
In addition to the course information provided below, applicants are encouraged to consult the Unistats course data on the Discover Uni website. This independent platform offers useful statistics about each course, such as student satisfaction, graduate outcomes, and teaching hours. However, Oxford emphasizes that statistics alone cannot capture the full richness of the academic and cultural experience of studying here. For a deeper understanding, applicants should explore Oxford’s website and departmental pages.
Courses with Arabic
Arabic can be studied in combination with the following European languages:
- Czech and Arabic – UCAS code: RT7Q
- French and Arabic – UCAS code: RT16
- German and Arabic – UCAS code: RT26
- Italian and Arabic – UCAS code: RT36
- Modern Greek and Arabic – UCAS code: QT76
- Portuguese and Arabic – UCAS code: RT56
- Russian and Arabic – UCAS code: RT76
Spanish and Arabic – UCAS code: RT46
Courses with Hebrew
Hebrew can be studied in combination with:
- Czech and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQ7K
- French and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQ14
- German and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQ24
- Italian and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQ34
- Modern Greek and Hebrew – UCAS code: QQ74
- Portuguese and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQ54
- Russian and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQ74
Spanish and Hebrew – UCAS code: RQK4
Courses with Persian
Persian is also offered alongside multiple European languages:
- Czech and Persian – UCAS code: RTT6
- French and Persian – UCAS code: RTC6
- German and Persian – UCAS code: RT2P
- Italian and Persian – UCAS code: RTH6
- Modern Greek and Persian – UCAS code: QT7P
- Portuguese and Persian – UCAS code: RTM6
- Russian and Persian – UCAS code: RT7P
Spanish and Persian – UCAS code: RT4P
Courses with Turkish
Turkish can also be chosen in combination with the following:
- Czech and Turkish – UCAS code: RTRP
- French and Turkish – UCAS code: RT1P
- German and Turkish – UCAS code: RT2Q
- Italian and Turkish – UCAS code: RT3P
- Modern Greek and Turkish – UCAS code: QT7Q
- Portuguese and Turkish – UCAS code: RT5P
- Russian and Turkish – UCAS code: RTR6
- Spanish and Turkish – UCAS code: RTK6
Contextual Information
- The Unistats course data (available on the Discover Uni website) provides reliable, government-approved statistics about Oxford’s undergraduate courses. These include information about:
- Average teaching hours
- Student satisfaction surveys
- Graduate employment rates and further study outcomes
- However, Oxford stresses that while this information is useful, it cannot provide a complete picture of the learning experience. To truly understand what it means to study European and Middle Eastern Languages at Oxford, applicants should also:
- Read through the subject-specific pages on the University website
- Explore course structure, teaching methods, and assessment styles
- Consider the cultural, linguistic, and intellectual opportunities that come with this unique dual-language programme
College Life
Oxford Colleges Overview:
Every student is a member of both the University/department and a college or hall, combining world-class resources with a close-knit academic community.
Colleges provide a safe, supportive environment for academic, social, and extracurricular life.
Key College Facilities:
Porters’ Lodge: Staffed entrance providing security and assistance.
Dining Hall: Communal meals in a traditional setting.
Lending Library: Usually open 24 hours during term time.
Student Accommodation: On-site or nearby, with first-year housing guaranteed.
Tutors’ Teaching Rooms: Spaces for tutorials and small-group learning.
Chapel and Music Rooms: Available for reflection, worship, or musical practice.
Laundry Facilities: For daily student needs.
Green Spaces: Gardens and quads for relaxation and study.
Common Room (JCR): Social space for undergraduate interaction and activities.
Accommodation and Community:
First-year students are guaranteed on-site or nearby college housing.
Many colleges offer additional years of accommodation; some guarantee housing for the full degree.
Colleges create a supportive peer network, including mentorship through “college families” and peer support trained by the University’s Counselling Service.
Academic and Welfare Support:
College tutors guide academic development and offer advice on study habits, careers, and personal issues.
Welfare officers and staff provide health, financial, and practical support.
Strong peer support culture ensures first-year students receive guidance from senior students.