The Department of Oriental Studies, formally known as the Department of Arabic and Near Eastern Studies, which was established in 1999, is responsible for all near, middle, and far eastern studies. It currently caters for three degree programmes: 1. Arabic, 2. Biblical Hebrew, and 3. Near Eastern Studies. Moreover, the Department of Oriental Studies is responsible for the academic programmes of the Confucius Institute, which include Chinese language courses at diploma and bachelor levels. The department maintains a highly respectable international profile and scholars of repute often participate in the Department's programmes. Its academic members regularly participate in international conferences and publish their research in academic journals and books.