Arabic and Spanish MA (Hons)

Two of the worlds most widely spoken languages, Arabic and Spanish make an excellent joint honours combination.<br/><br/>On our programme, you will gain written and spoken skills in both languages and explore their impact on world cultures. You will also look at the interaction between Arabic and Spanish speakers which has taken place over many centuries - most obviously in Islamic Spain between 711 and 1492 CE - and continues to the present day.<br/><br/>We have built a full academic year abroad into our four-year programme, providing complete immersion in both languages in Year 3. In all other years of study, you can choose courses that match your own interests, expertise and needs.<br/><br/>When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.<br/><br/><strong>Arabic</strong><br/><br/>Arabic is the main language of more than 350 million people inhabiting a huge swathe of land extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. It is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.<br/><br/>Opening the door to a fascinating and varied region, knowledge of Arabic provides access to the rich intellectual heritage of Islam, and to the history, societies, cultures and politics of the Middle East.<br/><br/>Our programme is designed for complete beginners in Arabic. It is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Arabic through exemptions from introductory language study. By Year 3, all students will have the language skills to study in a country in which Arabic is spoken.<br/><br/><strong>Spanish</strong><br/><br/>Spanish is the official language in 20 countries and is widely spoken elsewhere, including in the United States.<br/><br/>On our joint honours programme, you will learn how Spanish has evolved in different historic and linguistic contexts and how to discern its different varieties and registers. You also have the option to learn Basque or Catalan.<br/><br/>With courses for beginners and students with substantial prior experience of Spanish, our programme is suitable for different levels of language learner.<br/><br/>Spanish at the University of Edinburgh celebrated its centenary in 2019, and our wide-ranging courses are taught by leading experts in the diverse and rich cultures of Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean. You will explore these cultures through literature, film, poetry and theatre.<br/><br/><strong>How long it takes to complete this degree programme</strong><br/><br/>This programme is studied over 4 years, including a Year Abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.<br/><br/>Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in the Arabic and Spanish languages and in the study of various cultures worldwide in which the languages are spoken.<br/><br/>Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of using your language skills daily. In Year 4, you will further develop your language and translation skills. You will also take courses in specific topics or approaches to Arabic literature, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and Spanish and Latin American Studies.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* Learn in an historic city where Arabic has been taught since the 18th century and Spanish since 1919.<br/><br/><br/>* Study over four years, including one abroad.<br/><br/><br/>* Become fluent in two of the worlds most widely spoken languages.<br/><br/><br/>* Join societies related to what you are studying.<br/><br/><br/>* Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.<br/><br/><br/>* Try your hand at creative writing and publishing. <br/>