Arabic and English

Arabic and English is a combination that connects the world's most widely spoken Semitic language with one of its most globally significant Germanic languages, and places two very different literary and cultural traditions in dialogue with each other. Arabic is the primary language of the Middle East and North Africa, an official language of the United Nations, and carries a rich literary, philosophical, and religious heritage stretching back over a millennium. English literature encompasses the full range of written expression in the language, from Anglo-Saxon beginnings through the Renaissance, the Romantic period, and the Victorian age to contemporary global literatures in English.

Studying both deepens your understanding of each by offering the perspective of a genuinely different linguistic and cultural tradition.

At the University of St Andrews, this four-year MA (Hons) programme includes a year abroad, which for an Arabic degree typically involves a period of study or residence in an Arabic-speaking country, giving you sustained immersion in the language and culture. The English literature component develops the close reading, critical analysis, and written argumentation skills that literary study at this level demands, while the Arabic component gives you advancing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills alongside engagement with Arabic cultural, historical, and intellectual traditions. The combination develops genuine cross-cultural literacy and the ability to engage with ideas and texts across very different linguistic worlds.

You will develop skills in literary analysis, language acquisition, historical and cultural contextualisation, research, and sustained academic writing across two very different but equally rich disciplines.

Graduates from Arabic and English programmes pursue careers in diplomacy, translation and interpreting, journalism, education, international organisations, publishing, the foreign service, and academic research. Postgraduate study in Arabic studies, English, comparative literature, or international relations is a natural continuation for those seeking specialist roles.