Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Our Arabic and International Business BA will help you develop the skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed in the internationalised business world.
In today's global economy, language skills are of significant value to prospective employers when combined with business expertise. This combination can greatly enhance your career opportunities.
On our course, you'll have the opportunity to study Arabic language, culture and international business in an integrated way, exploring the relationships between these elements and the broader economic, financial and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced.
Our comprehensive language training places strong emphasis on the use of language in a professional environment, while our business modules will allow you to gain a solid understanding of international business – a combination that will enable you to gain the real-world skills required to progress to a rewarding career.
The training you'll receive in cross-cultural communication will equip you with the flexibility, adaptability and creativity required in global interactions.
You'll also have the opportunity to benefit from experiencing life, culture and the world of work or study outside the UK by taking part in an optional year-long placement overseas. Study placements take place at a partner educational institution in a country where Arabic is the official language.
Top reasons to study with us
- Gain practical Arabic language skills and intercultural awareness in simulated and authentic professional contexts
- Experience a sophisticated business environment – our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Financial Markets Suite allows you to gain first-hand exposure to technology that’s widely adopted in leading global investment banks in the major financial centres of the world
- Benefit from an (optional) international experience through a placement, study abroad and/or field trips. Previous field trip destinations have included Morocco, Hong Kong, France, Cuba and Argentina
- Receive tailored academic support and career planning through our tutorials
- Enjoy opportunities to practise one-to-one conversation with a native speaker through the Languages Plus programme
Course structure
Our course focuses on active learning, through lectures, seminars, workshops, task-based and blended learning, designed to engage your interest and promote your learning.
You'll study with the latest technology and learning spaces and you'll get extensive hands-on experience with industry partners to prepare you for the real world.
You'll be taught by inspiring and experienced lecturers who will help you develop a wide range of soft skills including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and time-management in highly interactive and engaging classes.
Assessment methods include e-portfolios, real-world simulation tasks, essays, reports, individual and group presentations and case studies, as well as time-constrained in-class tests and exams.
Years 1 and 2 will provide you with the skills and knowledge to undertake an optional year-long placement in an overseas, Arabic-speaking destination, which could include studying at a recognised educational institution.
You can also choose to study an optional module from a range of topics across the University in each year.
The following subjects are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Foundations of Accounting and Finance
- Global Business Environment
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
- Marketing for International Business
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
- The Arab World and the Word
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Digital Business
- Expressions of Arabic Culture
- International Business Practice
- International Financial Analysis
- International Organisational Behaviour
- Language in the Public Space
- 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 International Business 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 International Business with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Comparative International Management
- Final Year Project
- Global Marketing Management
- Identities on the Move: Arabic Studies in Focus
- International Financial Management
- Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Strategic Perspectives
- Themes in Contemporary Arabic Studies
Credit Level 6
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
Past graduates of this degree have found successful employment in diverse sectors such as international business development, business consultancy, investment banking and marketing, where knowledge of specific languages is advantageous.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Study, work or volunteer abroad
You'll have the opportunity to spend a year abroad on a study, work or volunteering placement in an Arabic-speaking country. Previous destinations have included Morocco and Jordan.
Boost your employability
Arabic was cited as one of the top five most useful foreign languages by employers.
Source: CBI/Pearson 2019.
Employers around the world
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.
Career development
Our course aims to produce graduates with the knowledge, skills and experience that will enable them to become practising professionals and thrive in an international work environment in the UK or abroad.
You’ll also develop the linguistic resources, strategies, intercultural awareness and flexibility essential for effective communication in professional and globalised environments, enabling you to contribute proactively to private, public or third sector businesses and organisations, and to the wider communities within which businesses operate.
Increasing numbers of students also progress to further study after graduation, either taking professional qualifications or proceeding to a specialist Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Previous graduates have been able to undertake further study at overseas institutions where tuition is in the language of their degree.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Account manager
- Advertising executive
- Auditor
- Banker
- Business advisor
- Cultural liaison officer
- NGO officer
- Researcher
- Specialised consultant
- Teacher
- Trader
Graduate employment
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- FDM Group
- Saturday Islamic School
- Transport for London
- Wow Learning
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 Jonathan Kasstan
Lecturer in French and Linguistics
Jonathan Kasstan is a Senior Lecturer in French and Linguistics at the University of Westminster. He leads the Languages & International Business BA programme. He is a sociolinguistics who works with threatened and endangered language communities using quantitative, qualitative, and community-based research methods. He has published widely in these areas. He is currently involved in several ongoing, externally funded research projects, including: Towards safeguarding Chagossian Creole: Understanding how language attitudes and ideologies shape practice in exile and exodus (currently funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust), and Universals of Linguistic Change in Language Obsolescence (previously funded by the Leverhulme Trust).
Language is imbued and encoded with social meaning, and understanding the mechanisms that undergird this is one road to success. Language learning is a leveller.
Course Team
- Dr Atef Alshaer - Reader
- Dr Alessandro Columbu - Senior Lecturer
- Ahmed Saeed - Lecturer
- Dr Catarina Moura e Sa Cardoso - Lecturer
- Dawn De Kock - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Deborah Knowles - Staff
- Dr Ioannis Christodoulou - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Fernando Duran-Palma - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Federica Mazzara - Reader in Cultural Studies
- Ailu Hiew - Senior Lecturer
Business and Management Courses
Learn more about Westminster's Business and Management courses from our students. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Opportunities abroad
You'll have the option to spend a year abroad on a work, study or volunteering placement in an Arabic-speaking country. Previous destinations have included Morocco and Jordan.
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.
Fantastic central London location
Based in our Regent Campus in central London, you'll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city.
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
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 information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
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 information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
What our students say
"The decision I made to study abroad opened many doors for me."
- Joao, International Business BA, 2016
"The highlight of any time abroad is the people you meet – the people make it for sure."
- Ashwin, International Business BA, 2016
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
Teaching for this course will take place at both our Regent Street site and Marylebone Campus in central London.
Located on one of London’s most vibrant streets, our 309 Regent Street location houses subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture. Along with a city-centre location, the site boasts high-tech learning facilities, collaborative social spaces, gym facilities, and our Regent Street Cinema.
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Right in the heart of central London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
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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