Arabic and Ancient Greek (MA) QQK7

Introducing MA Arabic and Ancient Greek

Classical Greek heritage has been enormously important for Islamic thought. Via Arabic, it has also been of considerable importance to Western thought since the 12th century CE. The long-standing links between Arabic, ancient Greek, and associated civilisations make this programme combination highly desirable.

Arabic is the main language of more than 350 million people inhabiting a huge swathe of land extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. It is the 6th most widely-spoken language in the world. Knowledge of Arabic provides access to the rich intellectual heritage of Islam and opens the door to a fascinating and varied region.

This joint honours programme aims to develop your interest in, and knowledge and understanding of, both Arabic and ancient Greek. It will also develop your knowledge and understanding of the literature, culture and history of the classical and Islamic Mediterranean and the Middle East.

How will I learn?

Experienced lecturers and language instructors will teach a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• language classes

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of exams and coursework, including:

• essays
• exercises
• presentations
• oral language examinations

You will also complete a dissertation in your final year.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

Skills and experience

Studying ancient and modern languages to degree level demonstrates that you are a good communicator, a resilient problem solver, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas – what employers value as Intercultural Competence.

Beyond the language, research and analytical skills you will develop on this joint honours programme, and the nuanced understanding you will gain of other cultures and societies throughout history, graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows high-level intellectual strength and flexibility.

The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to understand, analyse and articulate key concepts, and to work to varied briefs to deadline, both independently and in groups.

Opportunities at home and away

More than 350 million people are native speakers of Arabic, the sixth most widely-spoken language in the world. It is the lingua franca of the 22 countries in the Arab League, and one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is high demand for Arabic-speaking graduates both at home and abroad. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in this global language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.

Our programme is an excellent primer for a range of careers. Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to career pathways in:

• business, finance and commerce
• communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
• education, outreach, advocacy and training
• journalism, broadcasting and media
• leisure, tourism and travel
• politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
• publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
• research, development and venture acceleration
• translating and interpreting

Further study

The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.

At the University of Edinburgh, for example, we typically offer Masters by Research degrees in both Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and Classics. Our taught MSc programmes typically include:

• Comparative Literature
• The Globalised Muslim World
• Translation Studies
• Late Antique, Islamic and Byzantine Studies
• Ancient History
• Classical Art and Archaeology

Careers advice

We have an excellent Careers Service. Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills, including through peer initiatives such as Life After LLC (Literatures, Languages and Cultures) where you can draw inspiration from our graduates.

Be inspired by our alumni