Arabic and French

Two of the world's most widely spoken languages, Arabic and French make an excellent joint honours combination.

On our programme, you will gain written and spoken skills in both languages and explore their impact on world cultures. You will also look at the interaction between Arabic and French speakers which has taken place over many centuries, from the Chansons de Gestes of medieval times to the cinema and music of contemporary Europe and North Africa.

We have built a full academic year abroad into our four-year programme, providing complete immersion in both languages in Year 3. In all other years of study, you can choose courses that match your own interests, expertise and needs.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.

Arabic

Arabic is the main language of more than 350 million people inhabiting a huge swathe of land extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. It is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Opening the door to a fascinating and varied region, knowledge of Arabic provides access to the rich intellectual heritage of Islam, and to 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 study in a country in which Arabic is spoken.

French

French is a major world language, spoken in many parts of Europe, Africa and the Americas. French-speaking (Francophone) art and thought have played a central part in shaping contemporary society and culture.

As part of our programme, you can opt to learn the fundamentals of the Basque language in addition to studying French to an advanced level.

To enhance and contextualise your language learning, you will explore Francophone:

• literature and cinema

• political history

• philosophical ideas

Our courses cover material from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. They include specialist options in key disciplines such as decolonial, gender and film studies, all taught by leading experts.

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 the Arabic and French languages and in the study of various cultures worldwide in which the languages are spoken.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of using your language skills daily. In Year 4, you will further develop your language and translation skills. You will also take courses in specific topics or approaches to Arabic literature, Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, and French and Francophone studies.

Programme benefits

• Learn in an historic city where Arabic has been taught since the 18th century, and French since 1894.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in two of the world's most widely spoken languages.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

• Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.