Integrated year abroad Arabic MA (joint degree) 2025 entry

It is possible for students applying for the MA (joint degree) in Arabic to work abroad in an Arabic-speaking country between their second and third year of study. This adds an extra year to the MA (joint degree) course, making it five years in total.

Students who spend a year abroad not only gain valuable work experience as teachers and tutors, but also develop their linguistic skills, intercultural competence, and self-confidence.

The year abroad experience is competitive and is not guaranteed. Places are judged on merit during the second year of study, and do not take into account the initial UCAS application. If students are unsuccessful with their year abroad application, they will be moved to the four-year Arabic MA joint degree programme.

To find out more, or to discuss the possibility of an integrated year abroad, please contact the Department of Arabic.

UCAS code
R111
Start date
September 2025
End date
June 2030
Duration
Five years full time
How to apply Register your interest

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for Arabic with a year abroad are the same as for the MA (joint degree) in Arabic. However, to be eligible for Arabic with a year abroad, students must gain Honours entry in all subjects that they intend on taking at Honours level. Students who do not achieve entry to Honours-level in their chosen subjects must withdraw from their selected year abroad destination at that point.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes, please see our entry requirements for more information.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

You do not need previous knowledge of Arabic to apply. Modules are not designed for native speakers.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Course details

The MA (joint degree) in Arabic with an integrated year abroad follows the same course structure as the Arabic MA (joint degree) degree, with the addition of a year abroad between second and third years of study.

During their integrated year abroad, students are required to take the following compulsory module:

  • Arabic Integrated Year Abroad: language learning and cultural familiarisation through a work placement in an Arabic-speaking country. Placements will be as language assistants in schools or on other assignments approved by the department.

More information about the Arabic modules currently on offer can be found in the module catalogue.

Course fees are the same as those for the MA joint degree.

What to do next

Online information events

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Undergraduate visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.

Contact us

Address

School of Modern Languages
University of St Andrews
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH

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