Why Learn Arabic?
Arabic is spoken by more than 400 million people and is the official language of over 20 countries. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations, highlighting its global standing and cultural reach. Studying Arabic offers access to a rich cultural, historical, intellectual, and spiritual heritage, and provides valuable insights into the societies of the Middle East and North Africa. Arabic holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide as the language of the Holy Qur’an, serving as a unifying medium of worship and religious scholarship across diverse Muslim communities.
Whatever your primary field of study, learning Arabic adds an enriching international dimension to your education and equips you to engage with a dynamic region of growing economic and strategic importance. At Languages for All, you will develop practical communication skills alongside deep cultural understanding that broadens your global perspective.
Additional information
The Languages for All programme offers three levels of Modern Standard Arabic designed to support students at different stages of their language learning journey.
Arabic Level 1
This introductory module is intended for students with little or no prior knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic. It focuses on developing foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while providing essential strategies for managing the language in everyday contexts. The course also lays the groundwork for further study, encouraging linguistic confidence from the outset.
Arabic Level 2
Aimed at students who have completed two to three semesters of Arabic in an academic setting, this module builds upon the content of Level 1. It reinforces and expands core language skills, while enhancing students' grammatical and syntactic structures. Cultural understanding is also deepened, supporting a more nuanced engagement with Arabic-speaking contexts.
Arabic Level 3
Designed for students who have successfully completed Level 2, this module aims to further enhance linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. Through a variety of real-life scenarios, cultural themes, and selections from classical and contemporary Arabic literature, students develop the confidence and competence required to communicate effectively across diverse Arabic-speaking environments.
This Arabic placement test is designed to help you decide which level is best for you.
Am I eligible to study Arabic?
Arabic is available as a credit-bearing module (optional or compulsory) and as part of our Free Language Course scheme.