Arabic
Knowledge of written Arabic is fundamental to a full understanding of Arabic culture, Islam and Middle Eastern history. It takes sustained effort to learn Arabic well, but at St Andrews you are supported by close contact with lecturers and by working in small, highly‑motivated groups. Because of the broadly based structure of Scottish degrees, it is quite normal to try Arabic at St Andrews for one or two years without committing yourself to Honours study, although those who try the subject in this way often do go on to graduate in Arabic, acquiring a lifelong interest in the Arab world, its people and culture, and a changed appreciation of their own.
First level modules in Arabic language assume no previous knowledge of the language, and there are no specific prerequisites. It may help if you have previously studied other languages, but it is more important to be motivated and well organised. The form of the language taught is Modern Standard Arabic, the language of nearly all reading and writing throughout the Arab world. The modules provide training in oral comprehension and speaking as well as reading and writing. Second level modules in the language provide an introduction to the areas of language, literature and culture that can be studied to advanced level at Honours. Students continuing Arabic after studying it for two years extend their language skills and their historical understanding of the Middle East with modules on the Arab press and on modern and mediaeval writing. During the Honours course it is possible to spend a semester or a whole year in the Middle East at an approved academic institution, which gives students the chance to use and improve the language skills that they have acquired at St Andrews and to get to know at first hand the culture that they have been studying
Students meet an academic adviser regularly to plan their course selection.
Please note:
Applicants to St Andrews are required to specify on their UCAS application the honours degree which they intend to take. Students may find, however, that in the course of their first two years of study, their interests develop and change and it is not unusual for students to change their degree intention as they enter their final (honours) two years. The breadth of the Scottish first two years, where students usually take at least two other subjects, in addition to their ‘honours’ intention makes this switch possible.
Study Abroad
