Arabic and English Language BA Honours

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Course Overview

UK Fees £9,250 *
International Fees £15,400 *
Duration 3 or 4 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

At Westminster, we'll train you to become a competent linguist in modern languages, ready to enter graduate employment.

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

Our course offers you an opportunity to study the Arabic and English languages and cultures in an integrated interdisciplinary way, exploring the connections between them and the broader historical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced.

This course will enable you to achieve a good or high level of linguistic competence in Arabic in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking), it will enhance your skills in using English, and develop your linguistic and cultural knowledge and understanding.

You'll be able to work in different cultural situations and you'll gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.

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

You’ll develop your understanding of the English language in terms of the way it is structured, its linguistic diversity in Britain and around the world as a global language, the ways in which it varies between different texts, and, at a wider level, the ways in which it reflects and contributes to wider meanings in society. You’ll also have the opportunity to consider the theoretical tools of both literary analysis and language research in detail.

You may have the option to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or approved form of employment in a country where Arabic is the official language. You can also study an optional module from a range of topics across the University in each year.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Authentic language teaching for real-world communication
  • Opportunities to undertake a year abroad in Arabic-speaking countries
  • Individually focused academic support through our tutorial modules
  • Opportunities to practise one-to-one conversation with a native speaker through the Languages Plus programme
  • Study English language with world experts in language, gender and the history of English

Course structure

Learning takes place in a variety of classroom settings including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops through task-based and problem-solving exercises, traditional lecturer-led dissemination of information, and via peer presentations and discussions.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Subjects of study include:

  • Introducing English Language
  • Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
  • Language and Text
  • 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
  • Discourse Across Time
  • Expressions of Arabic Culture
  • Language and Literary Style
  • 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 English Language 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 English Language with International Experience.

Subjects of study include:

  • Applied Language Studies
  • Final Year Project
  • Identities on the Move: Arabic Studies in Focus
  • Language and Power
  • Language Contact and Change
  • Language Form
  • Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
  • Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
  • Studies in Literary Language
  • 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.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

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.

Careers

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 may have the opportunity to spend a year abroad on a study, work or volunteering placement to boost your employability while improving your language skills.

Boost your employability

Arabic was cited as one of the top five most useful foreign languages by employers.

Source: CBI/Pearson 2019.

3,000

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 who have strong communication and organisational skills, are flexible, adaptable and capable of working collectively and autonomously.

The language skills gained in our course will allow you to develop the interlingual and intercultural competencies associated with an international outlook and global citizenship.

Career development skills are embedded in the course, and opportunities for part-time work, internships, placements, careers workshops, work-related learning, and more, are available to you – opening up a range of future job roles or further training options.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

  • Business analyst
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist and media content creator
  • Translator and interpreter
  • Teacher of languages or English

Graduate employment

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • British Council
  • Date Palm School 
  • Hackney Mental Health Support
  • Transport for London (TFL)
  • University of East London

International opportunities

You may have the opportunity to spend one year abroad in your third year, where you could work as a paid language assistant in a foreign school or undertake a work (or volunteering) placement, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost your employability while improving language competence.

Shorter periods of stay or study in other countries, from a few days up to one semester, are also offered on the courses.

You may also undertake a study placement at one of our university partners or one of our accredited Arabic language centres in Morocco or Jordan. You can also undertake a combination of both study and work. These arrangements are subject to change.

We also provide a range of other international opportunities that all students can apply for. More details can be found on our Working and studying abroad page.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Opportunities abroad

You may have the option to spend a year abroad on a work, study or volunteering placement in an Arabic-speaking country.

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.

Studying languages at 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

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.

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 Creative Enterprise Centre 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 for about £50 in each year for additional materials.

See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (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 for about £50 in each year for additional materials.

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
Year
1
25%75%
2
25%75%
P
100%
3
23%74%3%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

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
     
Year
1
67%24%9%
2
61%25%14%
P
100%
3
57%24%19%
Written examsPracticalCoursework

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

Visit our student hub

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–3pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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