Arabic and English Literature 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

Our Arabic and English Literature BA will help you to become a competent linguist ready to enter graduate employment. The course places particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context of Arabic and offers high-quality teaching in all language skills, alongside an in-depth exploration of English literature.

On the course, you'll develop linguistic competence in speaking, writing, reading and listening in Arabic and you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of literary and cultural studies.

You'll study an integrated curriculum with a focus on applied language skills and cultural studies, supported by a rigorous development of your foreign language skills. You'll develop a high level of competence in Arabic, proficiency in language transfer skills, a thorough knowledge of Arabic culture, and the ability to thrive linguistically in diverse cultural situations.

In English Literature, you'll have the opportunity to examine literary and non-literary works of all periods from Shakespeare to the present day, taking in a wide range of authors and themes, with full and balanced coverage of dramatic, poetic and prose works.

You'll consider the wider historical and political contexts in which cultural and literary works have been produced and received, and relate the works both to intellectual history and to work in other arts and media, such as architecture and the visual arts. You'll also have the opportunity to consider the theoretical tools of textual, cultural and literary analysis in detail.

You'll have the opportunity to spend an academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or, depending on your language level, in an approved form of employment in a country where Arabic is the official language. A year abroad will not only improve your language skills but also contribute to your employability, encourage intercultural awareness, and build confidence.

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 the equivalent to one or two years' part-time study. Please note that we may need to test you to determine your entry point.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Learn real-world language skills – our authentic teaching, which focuses on language in a cultural context, equips you for real-life situations in the Arabic-speaking world
  • Study literature in the heart of London – discover a historic literary city with centuries of literature to uncover and explore
  • Practise your language skills – study or work for a year in an Arabic-speaking country or take advantage of our other international opportunities
  • Student support – individually focused academic support through our tutorial modules makes sure you get the most out of the course

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, but most of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.

Assessment methods include essays, exams, individual and group presentations, projects, and critical analysis.

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

Subjects of study include:

  • Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
  • Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
  • Poetry and Politics
  • The Arab World and the Word
  • What Is Literature?

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

  • Expressions of Arabic Culture
  • Language in the Public Space
  • Making Memory: Culture, History and Representation
  • Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
  • Romanticisms 
  • The Novel
  • The Victorian World 
  • 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 Literature 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 Literature with International Experience.

Subjects of study include:

  • Fiction after 1950
  • Final Year Project
  • Issues in Culture
  • Identities on the Move: Arabic Studies in Focus
  • Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
  • Reading the Present
  • Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
  • Sexualities in Literature and Culture
  • Special Topic
  • The Modernist World
  • Themes in Contemporary Arabic Studies
  • Tragedy: Ancient to Modern
  • 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.

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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

Boost your career potential

Arabic is in the top five languages wanted by employers, and speaking a second language can help improve your employability.

Source: CBI/Pearson report 2019.

International experience

Develop your language skills in a real-world setting with a year studying, working or volunteering abroad. Previous students have stayed in countries including Jordan, Morocco and Egypt.

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.

Work experience opportunities

As part of the degree, you'll have the opportunity to spend an academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or, depending on your language level, in an approved form of employment in an Arabic-speaking country, enabling you to develop your language skills in a real-world setting. Previous destinations have included Jordan, Morocco and Egypt. You may have the opportunity to work as a paid language assistant in a foreign school or undertake a work (or volunteering) placement while abroad, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost employability while improving language competence.

Job roles

The course prepares you for roles in a range of sectors including:

  • Advertising, marketing or PR
  • Business or finance
  • Interpreter or translator
  • Media and journalism
  • Public sector work
  • Publishing assistant or publisher
  • Teacher

Graduate employers

Previous graduates have found roles in companies including:

  • Cypher Coding Ltd
  • HSBC
  • Notting Hill Gate Library
  • Muslim Association of Britain
  • University of East London

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.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leader

Why study this course?

International study

You'll have the opportunity to study or work abroad for a semester or year in an Arabic-speaking country, allowing you to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

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.

A literary city

Study English literature in the heart of central London - a historic literary city and home to some of the world's most celebrated writers.

Studying languages with us

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
22%75%3%
Scheduled hoursIndependentPlacement

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
66%25%9%
2
61%25%14%
P
100%
3
55%24%21%
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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