Overview

The Near Eastern Languages and Cultures programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides a comprehensive framework for the advanced study of the Middle East and North Africa. Students engage with a rigorous curriculum that spans ancient civilisations, modern languages, and complex cultural histories.

The department is home to more than thirty-five distinguished faculty members and lecturers who specialise in a vast array of disciplines. This academic breadth allows students to tailor their research towards specific interests in literature, religion, or linguistics while benefiting from the resources of a premier research institution.

Why Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to collaborate across the Humanities and Social Science divisions. This flexibility ensures that researchers can integrate diverse methodologies into their study of Near Eastern societies and traditions.

Facilities at the university support high-level scholarship through extensive library collections and dedicated research centres. The department also offers various funding opportunities, including teaching assistantships and conference travel reimbursement, to support the professional development of its graduate cohort.

The community within the department is notably global, drawing scholars from various cultural and educational backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas that prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia and international organisations worldwide.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 36297 per year
• National fee: USD 36297 per year
• Local fee: USD 21115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide mastery over specific regional specialisations and linguistic traditions. Modules may include:

• Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations
• Arabic
• Armenian Studies
• Assyriology and Cuneiform Studies
• Ancient Egyptian and Nubian Studies
• Hebrew Bible
• Iranian Studies
• Islamic Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Near Eastern Archaeology
• Semitics
• Turkic Studies
• History
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Religion

Careers with Near Eastern Languages and Cultures

Graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths following their studies. Many alumni successfully secure prestigious academic positions at universities and research institutions across the globe, contributing to the field through teaching and original scholarship.

Beyond the classroom, the skills acquired during the programme are highly valued in diverse sectors. Former students have moved into roles within international relations, cultural heritage management, and various governmental or non-governmental organisations where deep regional expertise and linguistic proficiency are essential requirements.