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: BBB preferably to include one or more of English, RE, History, Law or a Modern Foreign Language 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 to include English, RE, History, Law or a Modern Foreign Language at higher level Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Islamic Studies and Arabic
Course descriptionCourse description
BA (Hons) Islamic Studies and Arabic is a carefully structured combination of the study of modern and traditional forms of Islam and the learning of the Arabic language up to an advanced level.
This programme explores the central beliefs and religious practices of Muslims and gives you an in-depth understanding of a fascinating, globally important religion with ancient roots. You will study Islamic and Arab culture within the context of related cultures and religions of the Middle East.
Furthermore, BA (Hons) Islamic Studies and Arabic allows you to achieve proficiency in modern Arabic and thus opens the door to a vast corpus of Arabic religious and secular literature. Students start as absolute beginners and progress to an advanced level over four years. The third year of study is spent at an academic institution in Egypt, an ideal way to improve your fluency in the language while gaining a fascinating first hand experience of the Islamic and Arab world.
Special features
BA (Hons) Islamic Studies and Arabic is specifically tailored so that you can smoothly combine your acquisition of the Arabic language with the study of the central beliefs and religious practices of Muslims.
Native speakers of Arabic will be involved in your language teaching at all levels, 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 (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events, etc.).
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 arrangements and the award-winning careers service of the University of Manchester.
Course content for year 1
The first year of the course provides an introduction to Islam, and will concentrate on intensive language learning. It features an obligatory core course introducing the contemporary Middle East. It also fosters 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, take courses on Islam, Arabic literature and choose from a wide range of related subjects according to your preference.
Course content for year 3
The third year is spent living and studying in Egypt, where you will attend dedicated Arabic courses at the University of Alexandria in order to study the language intensively. This will allow you to improve your language competence significantly.
Course content for year 4
You will build on this in advanced level Arabic courses during your final year back at Manchester. The fourth year also provides an in-depth course on Quran and Hadith, a choice of specialised subjects in Islamic and Arabic studies and 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 in secondary schools, e.g. in Religious Studies. Some of our graduates are academics and researchers in various fields, having completed postgraduate studies in areas such as History, Middle Eastern Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, Linguistics or European Studies. BA (Hons) Islamic Studies and Arabic is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in the areas of Arabic or Islamic studies, as well as for living and working in Muslim countries, especially in the Arab World.