Arabic and Politics

Arabic is the main language of more than 350 million people. It is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Combining a language with politics demonstrates that you are a good communicator and someone open to other cultures and new ideas. This openness to perspectives other than your own is an essential attribute in many careers and a global marketplace.

The Arab world is Europe's immediate neighbour and plays a central role in global politics. This makes Arabic and Politics a particularly useful joint honours combination.

The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the study of Arabic, politics, and the Middle East. Our expertise and collections in these areas are outstanding.

Arabic

Our programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Arabic. You will develop skills in writing, reading, listening to and speaking the language.

Through your studies, you will learn to understand, interpret and discuss original material, including Arabic novels, newspapers, and television.

Our courses open the door to a fascinating and varied region. You will study aspects of the Arabic-speaking world, past and present, including the history, societies, cultures and politics of the Middle East.

Our programme is designed for complete beginners in Arabic. It is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Arabic through exemptions from introductory language study. By Year 3, all students will have the language skills to spend the year studying in a country in which Arabic is spoken.

Politics

The study of politics focuses on the theory and practice of how societies are governed, and asks questions such as:

• How do our political institutions create collective rules, and who has the power to make them?

• What are the consequences of political decisions?

• What is the nature of a just society, and how do we get there?

Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources.

You will also study:

• the processes of governance at the local, national, and international levels

• the morality of political action

• the limits of freedom and justice

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a Year Abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Arabic literature, Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, politics and international relations. You will also further develop your Arabic language and translation skills.

Programme benefits

• Learn in an historic, capital city where Arabic has been taught since the 18th century.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in one of the UN's six official languages.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.