Arabic and French, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

In your first year you'll improve your written and spoken French while taking intensive language modules to build your skills in Arabic. You'll also study one of our Cornerstone modules, bringing together your two subjects. Core modules will introduce you to Arabic and Islamic history as well as French history and culture - all preparing you to spend your second year studying at a partner institution in an Arabic-speaking country.

When you come back, you'll have improved Arabic language skills and a deeper cultural awareness. You can build on this in your third year, taking advanced language classes and choosing from an array of optional modules on aspects of life in Francophone and Arabic-speaking societies before spending a term in France.

You'll be confident in both languages during your final year, with advanced language study and the choice to work on translation or interpreting. You can also choose from a wider variety of optional modules, covering topics like Arabic stylistics or African and Caribbean culture in French. You'll also demonstrate your skills with an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB

  including A in French.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Arabic and French will open many doors. It gives you advanced language skills and a deep awareness of the cultures in which each language is spoken worldwide. It also equips you with a wide range of transferable skills that are highly sought by employers.

    You'll be an independent researcher who can think critically about the information you discover, but you'll have teamwork skills as well. You'll be able to present and defend your ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing, and spending time overseas will demonstrate how adaptable you are. Managing two different and demanding subjects will also give you strong organisational skills.

    Graduates have entered a wide range of careers in the UK and worldwide. Some have gone into translating or interpreting or pursued further training in these fields. However, others have succeeded in business and finance, law, the creative industries, journalism, education, publishing and the charity sector.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend your second year studying an Arabic language course at the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF), Morocco.

    A term of your third year will be spent in France, either studying a similarly bespoke language course or undertaking a work placement. Both periods abroad are fantastic opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain valuable experience to inform your studies.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

    Read more about French Residence Abroad