Arabic and Linguistics BA Honours

Course summary

Our Arabic and Linguistics BA trains you to be a competent linguist ready to enter graduate employment.

Our degree offers the exciting combination of the study of Arabic language and culture alongside the wider study of the forms, structures and varieties of language itself.

You'll develop a high level of competence in oral and written communication in Arabic, proficiency in language transfer skills, and a thorough knowledge of Arabic culture. On graduation, you'll be able to thrive linguistically in diverse cultural situations.

You'll study an integrated curriculum with a focus on applied language skills and cultural studies, supported by a rigorous development of your foreign languages skills in all areas. We teach in an integrated interdisciplinary way, exploring the connections between language and culture and the broader historical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced.

We place particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context, and offer high-quality teaching in all language skills.

The linguistics component of your combined degree will develop your understanding and knowledge of language to an advanced and sophisticated level, while fostering and enhancing your skills in using English.

Between Years 2 and 3, you'll have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at one of our partner institutions, or undertake an approved form of employment in a country where Arabic is the official language. You may work as a paid language assistant in a foreign school or undertake a work (or volunteering) placement, both of which give you a valuable opportunity to boost your employability while improving your language competence.

Our Arabic courses are only available to beginners or 'false beginners' – you may be a false beginner if you're able to read the Arabic script, and/or have the equivalent to one or two years' part-time study. Please note that we may need to test you to decide your entry point.

Top reasons to study with us

• Enhance your language skills abroad – You'll have the option to spend a full academic year abroad in your third year, or shorter periods ranging from a few days to a full semester
• Mix language with culture – Develop your Arabic language skills alongside your cultural knowledge of the Arabic-speaking world with our integrated curriculum
• Expert teaching – You'll study with world experts in creoles, pidgins and sociolinguistics
• Be supported – You'll receive individually focused academic support through our tutorial modules

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers and support you to achieve your full potential.

This course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields, including:

• Civil Service
• Digital copywriting
• Language teaching
• Speech therapy
• Teaching and education
• Translation and interpreting

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

• Alif Academy
• Henry Cavendish Primary School
• Interior College
• King Saud University
• Nasser Vocational Training Centre