Arabic and Business (MA) TN61

Introducing MA Arabic and Business

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 sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Given the central importance of the Arab world in global commerce and industry, Arabic and Business make an excellent joint honours combination.

Arabic

Our programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Arabic. You will develop skills in writing, reading, listening to and speaking the language.

The Arabic language opens the door to a fascinating and varied region, providing access to the history, societies and cultures of the Middle East. You will study aspects of the Arabic-speaking world, past and present.

A year abroad provides complete immersion in Arabic language and culture.

Business

Studying Business will prepare you for the social, political and cultural challenges facing contemporary businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations.

You will develop the personal and professional competencies required to work across a range of roles in contemporary business.

Why Edinburgh

The School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures at the University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the research-led study of Arabic, together with Persian, Islam, and the Middle East.

The University's Business programmes are highly sought-after and accredited by a wide range of leading business education organisations and professional bodies. Leading graduate employers are involved across the curriculum.

Our programme is very flexible. In Year 1, for example, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You will specialise as you progress through the programme and spend a year studying Arabic abroad.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.

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 exams

You may 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

Combining a language with business 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.

Our business programmes are highly sought-after and accredited by a wide range of leading business education organisations and professional bodies.

Beyond the language and business skills you will develop on this joint honours programme, and the nuanced understanding you will gain of other cultures and societies, 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, the ability to understand and communicate in the language will make you stand out.

This joint honours programme is an ideal primer for a career in business, finance and commerce, but an understanding of Arabic language and culture also opens other doors.

In addition to the business sector, previous graduates have gone on to work in:

• 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

Careers span the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors.

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 MSc programmes in:

• Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
• The Globalised Muslim World
• Global Strategy and Sustainability
• International Human Resource management
• a range of other business areas

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