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Arabic and French

Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

BA Arabic and French is a four-year degree with a year of study abroad divided between a Middle Eastern country and French-speaking country.

The course combines compulsory language elements on both sides, delivered by native-speaker staff and with the possibility of pathways in business language, translation and interpreting.

Alongside this, you will study the culture, politics, history, literature, popular culture, linguistics and religion of the areas in question.

Arabic

  • You have the opportunity to achieve near-native proficiency in modern Arabic while studying the language within its cultural and historical context.

  • You will also look more widely at Arab culture and literature from the medieval period to the present day, and be introduced to social and cultural trends in the Arab Middle East and beyond.

  • The range of culture units offered across all years of the programme combine the study of the history, politics, literary, and visual culture of the Arab world and are taught by a range of specialists within these fields.

  • The course is carefully structured so you can measure your progress step by step. Learning modern Arabic also opens the door to the vast literature of classical Arabic, including religious and secular texts, and provides a perfect platform from which to learn one or more of the colloquial dialects.

You will become proficient enough to live and work effectively in both environments.

French

  • Over 70% of our staff are native speakers, teaching you in French in 'language' classes as well as most 'culture' classes.

  • You will experience 3 hours of French grammar and conversation every week in order to reach near-native precision and fluency. This will run in parallel with optional course units on French and Francophone history, politics, literature, popular culture and/or linguistics, from the Early Modern period to the present.

  • You will benefit from our long-established partnership with the Alliance Française de Manchester with cultural events throughout the year, such as film screenings, talks, plays, concerts, exhibitions and intensive language classes.

  • You will also benefit from our collaboration with the Institut de Touraine in the Loire Valley, which hosts Easter and Summer French language classes that are appropriate for anyone from beginners to finalists.

  • Our range and quality of courses are regularly cited for praise by external examiners and three colleagues have won University Teaching Excellence Awards.

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How to apply

This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.

Apply by
29 January

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.

Application codes

Course code:
T6R1
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

ABB with an A-level in the relevant Modern European Language (French). Typical Contextual Offer: BBB including an A-level in the target Modern European Language (French). Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit, plus one A-level at Grade A in the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels. Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.

Scottish Higher

We normally require grades AABBC/AAAAB in Scottish Highers plus one advanced higher in the target Modern language at Grade B. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers are Highers in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers at grades BBB (to include the target modern language) or Two Advanced Highers at grades BB (to include the target modern language), plus two additional Highers at grades BB. We also need a minimum Language achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DM

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus one A-level at Grade A in the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - M

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Merit grade, plus two A-levels at Grade A (including the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels must be in the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

Scottish Advanced Higher

We normally require grades AABBC/AAAAB in Scottish Highers plus one advanced higher in the target Modern language at Grade B. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers are Highers in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers at grades BBB (to include the target modern language) or Two Advanced Highers at grades BB (to include the target modern language), plus two additional Highers at grades BB. We also need a minimum Language achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects including the target Modern European language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian)

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - Not accepted

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - DM

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an A Level at grade A in the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - MM

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Merit, Merit, plus two A Levels at Grade BB, including one in the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two A Levels at grades BB, one of which must be in the target Modern European Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian).

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component.
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: - GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or; - IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or; - An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Acceptable English Language Qualifications https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 12 other French studies courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

ABB Most common
  1. A*A*A
  2. Highest grades
  3. BBC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

90% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For entry in 2024 the tuition fees were £9,250 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2025 entry.

Sponsorship information

We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on household income.

You will be automatically assessed for this, based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment in the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.

Awards will be made according to a sliding scale, benefitting those who have achieved the highest marks relative to backgrounds.

You will be automatically assessed for this after you have registered on your degree programme.

You simply need to make sure you allow The University access to your records when applying for your Student Loan (we cannot otherwise assess your eligibility).

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