Program Overview

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Arabic and International Relations BA Honours

Overview

Our Arabic and International Relations course focuses on questions of governance, democracy and human rights, while training competent Arabic linguists ready to enter graduate employment.

This course will enable you to achieve a good level of linguistic competence in Arabic in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and a critical understanding of culture and politics from the perspective of the changing dynamics of the global political order. You'll have the opportunity to study language, culture and international relations in an integrated way, exploring the connections between them and the broader geopolitical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced. You'll also gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.

We place particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context and offer high-quality teaching in all language skills.

Our Arabic courses are only available to beginner or 'false beginner' entrants – false beginners are students who may be able to read the Arabic script, and/or have the equivalent to one or two years' part-time study. Please note that we may need to test you to determine your entry point.

You'll study an integrated curriculum with a focus on applied language skills and cultural studies, supported by a rigorous development of your foreign languages skills in all areas.

You'll develop a high level of competence in oral and written communication in Arabic, proficiency in language transfer skills, a thorough knowledge of Arabic culture, and the ability to thrive linguistically in diverse cultural situations.

You'll have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or, depending on your language level, an approved form of employment in a country where Arabic is the official language. You can also study an elective module from across the University in each year.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• Combine language skills with a knowledge of global affairs – develop your language skills against a backdrop of political and social understanding
• Learn Arabic in context – our authentic teaching, which focuses on language in a cultural context, equips you for real-life situations in the Arabic-speaking world
• Practise your language skills abroad – spend a year abroad perfecting your communication skills in an Arabic-speaking country
• Benefit from an expert teaching team – you'll learn from internationally recognised experts and benefit from the significant amount of contact time allocated to language learning on the course

Course Structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, but most of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.

Assessment methods include essays, exams, individual and group presentations projects, and critical analysis.

The contents of this course are the same, whether you study full-time or part-time. Please note, Level 4 corresponds to Year 1 of the full-time version of the course, Level 5 corresponds to Year 2, Level 6 corresponds to Year 3.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

• Level 4
• Level 5
• Placement Year
• Level 6

Subjects of study include:

• Critical Perspectives on Global Politics
• Democracy in Crisis
• Introduction to International Relations
• Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
• Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
• The Arab World and the Word

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

• Expressions of Arabic Culture
• Geopolitics
• Global Security
• Language in the Public Space
• Middle East Politics
• Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
• The Politics of Killing
• Theorising Politics and International Relations
• Understanding Culture: Arabic Studies in Focus

Credit Level 5

Professional Experience or Study Abroad Year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Arabic and International Relations with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Arabic and International Relations with International Experience.

Subjects of study include:

• Energy and Development in the Middle East and Central Asia
• Ethics Morality and World Order(s)
• Final Year Project
• Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in a Changing World
• Identities on the Move: Arabic Studies in Focus
• Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
• Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
• Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
• Themes in Contemporary Arabic Studies
• Work Placement for Humanities

Credit Level 6

Professional Recognition

The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Entry Requirements

• UK
• International

UK

• A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
• T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
• BTEC Diploma – D*D
• Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement, but please note that these courses are designed for students only at Beginners or False Beginners level in Arabic and we may need to test you to determine your language level.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

International

• International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.

English Language Requirements

• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
• We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement, but please note that these courses are designed for students only at Beginners or False Beginners level in Arabic and we may need to test you to determine your language level.
• If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.

Fees and Funding

• UK
• International

UK

• UK tuition fee: £1,580 (Price per 20-credit module)

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional Costs

You should budget for about £50 in each year for additional materials.

See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.

International

• International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International Student Funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional Costs

You should budget for about £50 in each year for additional materials.

See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How You'll Be Taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

• Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
• Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
• Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

Year

Year

1

28% Scheduled hours 72% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

2

28% Scheduled hours 72% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

3

26% Scheduled hours 74% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

4

26% Scheduled hours 74% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

P

0% Scheduled hours 0% Independent study 100% Placement

Year

5

20% Scheduled hours 76% Independent study 4% Placement

Year

6

20% Scheduled hours 76% Independent study 4% Placement

Scheduled hours Independent study Placement

How You'll Be Assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

• Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
• Written exams: end of semester exams
• Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Year

Year

1

0% Written exams 13% Practical 87% Coursework

Year

2

0% Written exams 13% Practical 87% Coursework

Year

3

0% Written exams 6% Practical 94% Coursework

Year

4

0% Written exams 6% Practical 94% Coursework

Year

P

0% Written exams 25% Practical 75% Coursework

Year

5

0% Written exams 15% Practical 85% Coursework

Year

6

0% Written exams 15% Practical 85% Coursework

Written exams Practical Coursework

Data from the academic year 2024/25

Supporting You

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course Location

Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.

Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.

For more details, visit our locations page.

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