The University of Edinburgh
Arabic and French MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 70 graduates of Arabic and French MA (Hons) and other courses in French Studies at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in French Studies.

Overall student satisfaction
55 /100
70 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in French Studies

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of French Studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25500 £26000 £29500
25-75 percentile range £22000 - £28000 £19500 - £33000 £24000 - £40000


Salary of all UK Graduates of French Studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25231 £24395 £29388
25-75 percentile range £22092 - £28823 £19362 - £31697 £22247 - £39279

Course Description

Arabic and French make a natural combination. Interaction between the two languages and cultures has taken place over many centuries and continues in the present day. This interaction is reflected as much in the cinema and music of contemporary Europe and North Africa as in the Chansons de Gestes of medieval times.

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 and cultures of the Middle East. No prior knowledge of Arabic is required to take this programme.

French is a major world language, spoken in many parts of Europe, Africa and the Americas. French-speaking (francophone) art and thought have played a central part in creating our modern civilisation.

Alongside intensive study of the French language on this programme, you will explore francophone literature and cinema, political history and philosophical ideas. Our courses cover material from the Middle Ages to the 21st Century and include specialist options taught by leading experts in key disciplines, including post-colonial studies and gender studies.

Why Edinburgh?

The School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures at the University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the research-led study of languages.

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

We build 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 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.

What our graduates say

"Studying Arabic and French was not just about learning a language, although that was a big part of it. My studies undoubtedly shaped my worldview [and] gave me a wide range of skills that I believe have enabled me to stand out in an ecosystem where humanities students are underrepresented."

  • Zara, Arabic and French MA (Hons), 2021. Zara is Co-founder and Director of Edventure, a venture builder and accelerator working with companies and universities across Europe to translate research and ideas into real-world start-ups.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Arabic and French MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

30% Administrative occupations
20% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Finance Professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Finance Professionals
5% Secretarial and related occupations
5% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
0% Media Professionals
0% Customer service occupations

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for French Studies

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Please note that the Arabic degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component.

TOEFL (iBT) 92

Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

Cambridge English Advanced

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Cambridge English Proficiency

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Trinity ISE

ISE II with distinctions in all four components

PTE Academic 62

Total 62 with at least 54 in each component

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Arabic and French, MA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Arabic and French MA (Hons)

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £26500 year 1
International £26500 year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

See all 38 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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