Arabic at St Andrews - language, literature, and culture

Top in Scotland for languages and linguistics 2026

St Andrews is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2026

Why study Arabic at St Andrews?

Reputation

The School of Modern Languages is consistently rated among the best in the UK by major national rankings.

St Andrews is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Welcoming community

The School of Modern Languages prides itself on being a vibrant and engaging academic community. The School is committed to creating an environment that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The Department of Arabic and Persian each year welcomes students from around the world.
Undergraduate study in Arabic is open to beginners and you are not expected to have any background in Arabic; core language modules build on each other to expand and develop your language proficiency.
The Department uses Modern Standard Arabic - a standardised form of written Arabic used across the Arabic-world.
Optional cultural studies modules reflect the Department's contemporary and research-based approach to Arabic studies.

Global and multi-medial approach

As well as gaining knowledge and use of Arabic, students explore the rich literary and cultural history of the Arab world, from antiquity to the present day.

Acquisition of high-level Arabic language skills goes hand-in-hand with studying Arabic-language literature and culture.
Optional modules in Arabic give you a research-based knowledge of contemporary issues and key themes in Arabic culture - recent optional modules include:
- Classical Arab Culture
- Arabic Short Stories
- Arab Women's Creativity in Modern Arab Culture
- Classical Arabic Poetry
- Palestinian Fiction
- Exile and Identity
- Contemporary Theatre in the Arab World

Study Arabic with other languages or subjects

Arabic is not available as a single-subject degree. However, you can combine Arabic with another subject that best reflects your academic interests and professional goals:

Study Arabic with one or two other languages or Comparative Literature as part of a double- or triple-languages honours degree.
Alternatively, combine Arabic with another subject such as Art History, Economics, International Relations, Management, or Middle East Studies as part of a joint honours degree.

Integrated year abroad degree and study abroad placements

Combining your Arabic studies with time abroad allows you to develop your linguistic skills, intercultural competence, and self-confidence.

Study Arabic with an integrated year abroad - spending a year working in a Arabic-speaking country and making your degree a five-year programme.
Alternatively, the study abroad and St Andrews abroad schemes provide study abroad placements in Eqypt, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Italy, Canada, and the USA.

Linguistic, transferable, and social skills for employability

Languages can be used in almost any career and so are a uniquely valuable subject whatever your professional goals. Languages are particularly sought after in sectors where communication, intercultural competence, and self-confidence are essential attributes.

Arabic studies graduates leave St Andrews with an impressive mix of linguistic, transferable, and social skills equipping them for careers in:

journalism and communications
government and civil service
non-governmental organisations
intelligence and security services
marketing and business development
international aid and development
teaching and education

Postgraduate study in languages, literatures, and cultures

Take your Arabic studies further with a postgraduate degree.

Masters degrees

Masters degrees with the School of Modern Languages provide advanced study in global cultures - giving you the intercultural and professional competencies needed to understand, and thrive in, a globalised world.

Research degrees

As a PhD, MPhil, or MSt (Res) student in the School of Modern Languages you will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community.

You will work with academic supervisors who will provide you with subject expertise and guidance to help you plan and manage your research while the University's researcher development programmes give you the skills you need as an independent researcher.

Research degrees in languages and comparative literature

Start your journey

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