Arabic
Get closer to the Arabic-speaking world
Arabic gives you access to the diverse cultures and societies of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.
Studying the language can deepen your understanding of the region and help you make stronger connections with Arabic-speaking people and communities.
Our courses give you the foundations to understand and use Arabic, with opportunities to practise your skills and become more confident communicating as you progress.
Available study options:
- Full-year study – two semesters (September to May), with 3-contact hours per week.
- Semester 2 study – 12-week introductory courses.
All classes are taught on campus.
Levels available range from absolute beginner to B1 standard as per the Common European Framework.
Full-year study courses
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Arabic before.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Arabic language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The course teaches MSA (Modern Standard Arabic). It aims to introduce students to the Arabic alphabet, the basics of language structure and the basics of Arabic grammar.
Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct basic everyday conversation in key areas of everyday communication. The course provides students with the solid basis for further language learning.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Arabic;
- understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
- communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
- have some understanding and knowledge of ways of life in the Arab world and its culture.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focused listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Abdelghani Mimouni
Taught by
Ikram Alchane
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
Mastering Arabic 1, Jane Wightwick & Mahmoud Gaafar, Bloomsbury Publishing; 4th edition (22 Jan. 2024). ISBN: 9781350367265
Next pathway
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) or equivalent e.g. GCSE grade 4 or 5 taken in the last 3 years.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A1/A2) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1/A2 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is designed for students who already have some knowledge of the Arabic language, who are already familiar with the script, and who have a basic understanding of the grammar system.
The course aims to develop skills acquired in ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) in speaking, listening, reading and writing. It lays emphasis on communication and comprehension skills but also builds on the fundamentals of grammar already acquired.
The course introduces students to a wider range of vocabulary to enable them read longer texts and conduct a more general everyday conversation addressing familiar topics of everyday communication in the Arab World.
Topics covered in ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) will be revised and extended and new themes will be introduced which will develop understanding of the society and culture of Arabic-speaking countries.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- demonstrate better understanding and knowledge of key grammar points and language structure with appropriate usage;
- demonstrate reasonable competency in comprehension and listening through accurately extracting key information from written and audio sources on specific familiar topics.;
- able to communicate orally in simple, routine situations and handle short social exchanges about familiar topics;
- able to independently write short texts on a limited range of familiar topics.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1/A2 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and teamwork, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Abdelghani Mimouni
Taught by
Baha Bader
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
Semester 1: Mastering Arabic 1, Jane Wightwick & Mahmoud Gaafar, Palgrave Macmillan; 3rd edition (20 Nov. 2014). ISBN: 978-1137380449.
Semester 2: Mastering Arabic 2 - Macmillan Master Series (Languages). Jane Wightwick, Mahmoud Gaafar. Second edition, Paperback (18 Feb 2020).
Next pathway
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: ULAR51020 LEAP Arabic 2 (A1/A2) or equivalent e.g. GCSE grade 6 or above taken in the last three years.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A2/B1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2/B1 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
The course aims to further develop skills acquired in LEAP Arabic 1 & 2.
It extends the emphasis on communication and comprehension skills through the use of high frequency language expressions to describe topics of personal interest, current affairs and specific themes of everyday life.
It will enable students to conduct brief oral exchanges related to limited specific topics or themes or to give a short presentation or information about an event.
It also further consolidates the grammar already acquired, and enhances students’ skills in reading and writing by equipping them with a broader range of vocabulary to enable them to read and write longer and more complex texts.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a deeper understanding and knowledge of Arabic grammatical rules and language structure;
- demonstrate competency in comprehension and listening through accurately extracting key information from written and audio sources on specific familiar topics related to personal interest and current affairs;
- recognize and use known expressions and fundamental phrases used in everyday situations and to communicate orally in simple, routine situations, as well as handle short social exchanges about familiar topics with reasonable fluency;
- independently write short texts on limited familiar topics using a variety of vocabulary and formulaic expressions.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2/B1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam;40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Abdelghani Mimouni
Taught by
Baha Bader
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
Mastering Arabic 2 - Macmillan Master Series (Languages). Jane Wightwick, Mahmoud Gaafar. Second edition, Paperback (18 Feb 2020) & At-Takallum: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course (B1).
Next pathway
None
Semester 2 courses
Classes start week commencing 1st February 2027.
Course overview
- Credits: 10
- Pre-requisite: None.
- Co-requisite: Open to all students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to the course unit selection guidance, which includes information about eligibility for LEAP units, on your programme structure.
- Anti-requisite: Students taking the unit for university credit as part of their degree must not have already taken the unit ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1).
- Taught during: Semester 2 (January to May)
- Level of attainment: (A1.1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Arabic language with focus on speaking. The course teaches MSA (Modern Standard Arabic).
Students will be introduced to the Arabic alphabets and some of the basics of pronunciation, reading and writing of letters and short words, and understanding of some very simple spoken texts in Arabic, as well as the opportunity to acquire some high-frequency words and phrases.
Topics will include: alphabet, numbers, days of the week, months and dates, seasons, family, countries and nationalities. The course serves as a starting point to enable for further language learning.
The introductory course differs from ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) in length, topics covered, and learning outcomes. ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) is a full-year course taught over two semesters, and goes further and deeper into the language structure and grammar. It is approximately double the number of teaching hours and double the number of self-study hours, whereas the introductory level – Introduction to LEAP Arabic– is only one semester long.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- communicate simply at a very basic level in spoken Arabic in a limited range of everyday situations;
- demonstrate understanding of key information in basic spoken texts and texts written in Arabic;
- read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
- have some understanding and knowledge of ways of life in the Arab world and it’s culture.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
2 x 2 hours seminar per week (total 4 contact hours), delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching Hours
48 hours (4 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent Study Hours
52 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 60% weighting; held in the university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of: informal ongoing oral and written feedback resulting from homework and class based learning activities; formal written feedback will be given following every assessment.
Convenor
Dr Abdelghani Mimouni
Taught by
Dr Abdelghani Mimouni
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
TBC
Pathway
Fee-paying students can move on to the ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1), but should note that much of the material will be a repeat of the introductory unit. For the same reason, degree students cannot take ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) for degree credits if they have already completed Introduction to LEAP Arabic.
Students may be able to proceed to ULAR51020 LEAP Arabic 2 (A1/A2) subject to:
- achieving a mark over 80%
- agreeing to study independently the material recommended by the language tutor to reach the Common European Framework level required at the end of ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1)
- an entry-level assessment carried out by the tutor
By taking this option students agree to cover the material recommended by the language tutor independently. They will be taking this at their own risk.
Once they have enrolled on the course, they are not allowed to move back to ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 or ask for a refund.
Employability
Successful completion of this course unit will enhance your curriculum vitae and employability. It will help prepare you for travelling to and working in the Arab world if followed by further learning of Arabic.
Timetables – 2026/27
Please note the timetable is subject to change up to and including the start of courses. Please check these pages regularly and check your personal timetable ahead of classes.
Find your classrooms and make your way around campus quickly with our interactive map.
Courses are taught in 2 or 3 hour sessions – view the timetables below:
Course code: ULAR51002/ULAR50002/ULAR90002
- Monday, 12–2pm – Williamson_2.79
- Wednesday, 1–3pm – Sam Alex_A202
Course code: ULAR51010/ULAR71010/ULAR50010/ULAR90010
- Group 1: Thursday, 1–4pm – Uni Place_5.211
- Group 2: Thursday, 5.30–8.30pm – Sam Alex_A201
Course code: ULAR51020/ULAR50020/ULAR90020/ULAR71020
- Wednesday, 5.30–8.30pm – Sam Alex_A214
Course code: ULAR51030/ULAR71030/ULAR50030/ULAR90030
- Tuesday, 5.30–8.30pm – Sam Alex_A202
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us by phone or email leap@manchester.ac.uk.