Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
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
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Exploring Language
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
- The Arab World and the Word
- World Varieties of English
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Child Language Acquisition
- Expressions of Arabic Culture
- Language in the Public Space
- Language Structure and Meaning
- Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
- Understanding Culture: Arabic Studies in Focus
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Arabic and Linguistics with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Arabic and Linguistics with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Applied Language Studies
- Final Year Project
- Identities on the Move: Arabic Studies in Focus
- Language Contact and Change
- Language Form
- Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Themes in Contemporary Arabic Studies
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
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.
Boost your employability
Arabic was the fourth most desired language by employers in 2019, according to a report by CBI/Pearson.
Source: CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey report 2019.
Futureproof your career
The British Council named Arabic as the fourth most important language for the future in 2017.
Source: British Council.
International experience
Gain work experience while developing your language skills by taking part in a semester or an academic year working or volunteering in an Arabic-speaking country, such as Jordan, Morocco or Egypt.
Work experience
You have the opportunity to spend an optional year abroad working or volunteering in an Arabic-speaking country. Previous destinations have included Jordan, Morocco and Egypt.
You can also choose to undertake a supported work placement module in your final year.
Job roles
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
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Siavash Bakhtiar
Lecturer
Siavash is Lecturer in French Studies at the University of Westminster. He holds an MA and a PhD in Critical Theory from the University of Nottingham. He also completed an MA and a BA in Modern Languages and Literatures from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Siavash teaches French language and culture modules across all undergraduate levels. His research is interdisciplinary and technology oriented. He is particularly interested in the non-human agents that constitute our everyday life. His PDH thesis aimed to establish a conversation between French philosopher Bruno Latour and the work of contemporary thinkers to articulate a critical theory about everyday life technologies. Sociologies of Education are also important parts of his research interests and public engagement activities.
Studying languages affords a better understanding the phenomenon of cultural globalisation, and its challenges.
Course Team
- Dr Atef Alshaer - Reader
- Dr Alessandro Columbu - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Anand Syea - Reader in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Charles Denroche - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Federica Mazzara - Reader in Cultural Studies
Why study this course?
Study linguistics at the heart of a polyglot city
Our Regent Campus is based around one of London’s most vibrant streets and puts you in the heart of multicultural London.
Language in practice
You'll have access to our Languages Plus programme which puts you in touch with native speakers through the Language Exchange, gives you one-to-one grammar help at the Language Clinics, and allows you to gain valuable work experience in a languages-related field.
Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) partner
We're committed to supporting the development of our linguists and we work closely with the CIOL.
Studying Languages at the University of Westminster
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement, but please note that these courses are designed for students only at Beginners or False Beginners level in Arabic and we may need to test you to determine your language level.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement, but please note that these courses are designed for students only at Beginners or False Beginners level in Arabic and we may need to test you to determine your language level.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Mennan Salih
Arabic and Linguistics BA - 2019
My lecturers were always there for support and encouragement, even after graduation, and motivated me to pursue my studies further.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget up to £50 for additional materials at Level 4, £50 at Level 5 and £50 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget up to £50 for additional materials at Level 4, £50 at Level 5 and £50 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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