Advanced Arabic for Heritage Language Learners

Overview

Course summary

Designed for heritage language learners, this course develops the advanced skills needed for academic, professional and formal settings. You will improve the accuracy, range and appropriateness of your speaking and writing, and communicate more confidently in real-world situations.

Using authentic materials, you will explore contemporary issues affecting the countries and communities where the language is spoken while developing your intercultural awareness.

The typical exit level is CEFR C1.1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Who is this class for?

This course is for heritage speakers of Arabic with an overall level equivalent to approximately CEFR B2 across listening, speaking, reading and writing. Your level of accuracy may vary between skills.

You will complete a language assessment and interview before being accepted onto the course.
 

Course structure

Teaching

This course uses a communicative, learner-centred approach, with the language of study used as much as possible. Interactive classes include discussions, presentations and practical tasks to develop accuracy, appropriate register and confident communication.

Authentic materials and practical activities will strengthen your grammar and language conventions, as well as transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, presentation and research.

You will also undertake regular independent study using videos, audio, online activities and self-assessment tasks provided through Blackboard, the University's Virtual Learning Environment.

Learning resources

All learning resources are provided through Blackboard.

Semester/part breakdown

The course is taught over two semesters. You must complete semester 1 before progressing to semester 2.

Semester 1: 21 September to 11 December 2026
Semester 2: 18 January to 9 April 2027

You will attend one two-hour workshop each week. There is a one-week teaching break in week 6 of each semester.

Indicative topics include:

  • work and employability in a global context
  • working in Arabic-speaking countries
  • business correspondence, proposals and reports
  • preparing and delivering presentations
  • standard and formal Arabic
  • register and style in professional contexts
  • diversity and identity
  • current political, economic and social issues relevant to work

There is no summative assessment for short course participants.

Workshop: Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm. 
 

Booking

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Thank you for your interest in this course. Please fill in our enquiry form to be the first to know when bookings reopen. If you have questions about the course in the meantime, please contact us. 

Discounts and booking deadlines

We offer a 10% discount to our undergraduate and postgraduate students and alumni. To receive your discount code, please contact us before booking your course.

Take advantage of the Early Bird discount and save 10%! The offer is automatically applied at checkout but expires on Sunday 2 August 2026.

Online courses – September 2026 start

  • Standard Fee per Part: £315

The booking deadline is 10 days prior to the start date of each Part.

On-campus courses – October 2026 start

  • Standard Fee per Part: £380

The booking deadline is 10 days prior to the start date of each Part.

Language courses term dates

Online courses – September start

  • Part 1: 21 September – 11 December 2026 - 12 weeks
  • Part 2: Coming soon
  • Part 2: Coming soon

On-campus courses – October start

  • Part 1: 5 October – 11 December 2026 - 10 weeks
  • Part 2: Coming soon
  • Part 3: Coming soon

Looking for another language or level?

If we don't currently offer the language or level you're looking for, please register your interest with us, and we will get in touch if the course becomes available.

How we're delivering courses

Online courses

Why study with us?

  • small class sizes
  • highly qualified native speakers (or equivalent)

Our interactive online courses provide real-time lessons with an expert tutor to practise speaking and listening. You will benefit from live, face-to-face engagement with experienced language teachers in an online, virtual classroom.

Wherever you are in the world, you'll become part of the University of Westminster's global community. You can be assured of a warm welcome here, where your wellbeing, the quality of our teaching and your learning experience are our priorities.

What do you need for an online class?

To get the most from the course, you will need:

  • a reliable internet connection
  • a PC or laptop with webcam and microphone and a modern web browser installed

We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

Take a look around our virtual classrooms

On-campus courses

Why study with us?

  • small class sizes
  • highly qualified native speakers (or equivalent)

Location and facilities

Most classes are held at our historic headquarters building at 309 Regent Street. This is a dedicated teaching building with purpose-designed facilities.

Our location near Oxford Circus means we're right in the heart of central London, with excellent transport links.

Meet the teacher

We're arranging online meet the teacher sessions where you can discuss your language level, meet our teachers and find out more about our courses. If you're interested, please register via this form and we'll contact you with further information.

Book nowGo to registration page for Meet the teacher sessions

Interested in one-to-one tuition?

Our flexible one-to-one language courses focus on your needs to help you progress with the language of your choice. Lessons can be tailored to your needs, level and capability.

This course is ideal for highly motivated students who want to make quick progress in improving their language skills. Lesson times are flexible.

If you're interested, please apply via this form, and we'll be in touch with further information.

Contact us

+44 (0)20 3506 9900

[email protected]

Phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm