Arabic with Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Two of the world's most widely spoken languages, Arabic and Spanish make an excellent joint honours programme. Interaction between the two languages and cultures has taken place over many centuries, most obviously in Islamic Spain between 711 and 1492, and continues to the present day.

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.

Apart from 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. No prior knowledge of Arabic is required to take this programme.

Studying Spanish at the University of Edinburgh, you will be immersed in an extraordinary range of literature, film, poetry and theatre from around the world, explored in historical context. You will learn how to discern different varieties and registers of Spanish, and gain crucial intercultural competencies.

Spanish at Edinburgh celebrated its centenary in 2019, and our wide-ranging courses are taught by leading experts in their field, inviting you to explore the diverse and rich cultures of Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Why Edinburgh?

On our joint honours programme in Arabic and Spanish, you will gain written and spoken skills in both languages and explore their impact on world cultures.

Over the course of your time with us, you will benefit from our resources and our excellent record in teaching and research.

We have built a full academic year abroad into our four-year programme, providing complete immersion in both languages in Year 3.

Studying over four years also enables you to choose courses that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs. It gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence valued in a range of careers around the globe.