ObjectivesBA (Hons) Arabic Studies allows you to achieve near-native proficiency in modern Arabic and to study the language within its cultural and historical context. Students start as absolute beginners and go through to an advanced level over four years. The course also looks more widely at Arab culture and literature and introduces you to social and cultural trends in the Arab Middle East and beyond. BA (Hons) Arabic Studies is carefully structured so that you can measure your progress step by step. Learning modern Arabic also opens the door to the vast literature of classical Arabic, including religious and secular texts, and provides a perfect platform from which to learn one or more of the colloquial dialects. The third year of study is spent at an academic institution in an Arab country, an ideal way to improve your fluency in the language while gaining a fascinating first hand experience of the Arab world. BA (Hons) Arabic Studies includes the following: -Modern Arabic language courses: Gain competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension, while developing knowledge and understanding of the Arab World.. -Arabic-based thematic courses: Study documents which introduce you to the cultures of the mediaeval Arab World; read contemporary literature reflecting life and social trends in modern Arab countries. -A choice from a wide variety of options to focus on your special interests or to extend your studies to other disciplines open within the University such as linguistics, history, archaeology or the social sciences.
Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements English language: Candidates must be proficient in the English language, which is the language of instruction and examination at the university. Acceptable English Language qualifications include IELTS 6.5, CPE grade C, CAE Grade B or another equivalent A level: Grades BBB preferably including a modern foreign language at A2, AS or GCSE level. AS level: Two AS-Levels may be accepted in place of the third A-Level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 32 points overall preferably including a modern foreign language at standard or higher level Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Arabic Studies (4 Years)
Course descriptionSpecial features
Native speakers of Arabic will be involved in your language teaching at all levels on BA (Hons) Arabic Studies, and an understanding of the culture forms an inherent part of the language learning. Your study is supported by the multi-media facilities of the Language Centre. Staff there can also put you in touch with students who are Arabic native speakers.
Multi-cultural Manchester provides excellent general opportunities for contact with speakers of Arabic and the pursuit of Arabic and Islamic interests outside the University of Manchester (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events).
The study of Arabic and the Arab world is placed within the context of related Middle Eastern languages, countries and cultures.
The year of Study Abroad offers you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life in the Arab world. You will have the chance to gain skills in the colloquial language. Students on BA (Hons) Arabic Studies are eligible for financial support from the University of Manchester towards the cost of tuition fees in Arab countries.
The final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired in research, analysis and high-level writing, which is attractive to future employers.
Personal tutors based in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies will help you in planning your progress and reflecting on it, to ensure that you are constantly building up transferable and academic skills. Your tutor will also be able to help in case of problems.
You will have access to the excellent student support and award winning careers service of the University of Manchester.
Course content for year 1
First-year study will concentrate on intensive language learning, features a core course on the contemporary Middle East and the development of study and IT skills.
Course content for year 2
In the second year you will continue your language learning, increase your reading of authentic texts in Arabic, and choose from a wide range of related subjects according to preference.
Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions. For more information on the period of residence abroad please consult the following: Residence Abroad
Course content for year 4
The fourth year covers an advanced language course, a variety of specialised Arabic Studies course choices and finally a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice.
Career opportunities
There are numerous possibilities for graduates of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. The general and academic skills acquired in the courses are welcomed by a broad spectrum of employers including the Civil Service, the British Council, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (for example the UN and the EU), business and commerce, banking, law, print and broadcast journalism, tourism management and teaching. Some recent graduates are academics and researchers in various fields, after going on to do postgraduate studies in areas such as Development Studies, International Relations, Linguistics, European Studies and History. BA (Hons) Arabic Studies is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in the areas of Arabic or Islamic studies, as well as for living and working in Arab countries.
Course fees: Tuition fees for Home/EU students commencing their studies in 2009 will be approximately £3250 per year. These fees will be subject to change in the light of government announcements to all universities.