School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

What you'll study

Students take 120 credits per year. Language teaching is intensive: first-year students normally take 60 credits of Modern Standard Arabic (Arabic 1 and Arabic 2 split across semesters). In year 2 language study continues and students are introduced to Arabic dialects, classical Arabic and Arabic culture while selecting guided and open optional modules. Year 3 is a compulsory year abroad spent at an approved Arabic-language institute or university; year 4 advances language study and includes a 30-credit Capstone Project alongside further guided and open options in literature and culture.

• Year 1: Arabic 1 and Arabic 2 (each 30 credits across semesters), Introduction to Arabic Culture, Humanities Toolkit, plus guided options from List A (examples previously taught include Languages of the World; Introduction to the History of the Middle East; The Art of Storytelling).
• Year 2: Arabic 3/4 modules (15-credit splits), Arabic Dialects A/B, Classical Arabic: Biography, History and Travel, Applied Humanities, plus guided options from List B (examples previously taught include Rethinking Middle East History; Environmental Humanities; Literatures of Love, Loss and Desire; Film Cities).
• Year 3: Year Abroad at one of the listed institutions (currently Qasid Institute, Amman, or French Institute, Cairo) with 1515
  7 hours of instruction per week, focused on MSA and local colloquial competence.
• Year 4: Advanced Arabic modules (Arabic 5a/5b or Arabic 6a/6b depending on proficiency), Capstone Project (30 credits) and guided options from List C (examples previously taught include Quran and Hadith Studies; Politics and Aesthetics in Modern Arabic Literature; Cinemas of the Middle East and North Africa; Modern Palestinian Literature).

Typical teaching formats include lectures, seminars and language classes; 15-credit language modules in years 1 and 2 may involve 445-5 hours per week in early years, typically decreasing at higher levels.

Entry requirements

Standard tariff entry requirement: ABB. Contextual offer: BBB. Applicants should consult the programme page for detailed undergraduate and English language requirements and any alternative entry routes.

Career prospects

The programme aims to produce strong linguistic ability and cultural literacy in Arabic, which supports progression into language-centred careers and roles that value regional knowledge. The School highlights positive graduate outcomes: SOAS is ranked 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects in the cited subject league table.

Scholarships & funding angle

If you need funding information, the programme page advises checking the university's general guidance on tuition fees, travel, health and insurance. Prospective students should explore SOAS undergraduate funding pages and external scholarships for language and area studies to assess support options.