Introductory Certificate in Arabic Language | Al-Maktoum College
Back to all programmes

Introductory Certificate in Arabic Language

Beginners levels

This 1-year beginners programme in Arabic Language is designed to introduce the language to complete beginners or those with a basic knowledge. Develop your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in this fascinating language.

Enquire Apply
  • Tuition fees: £900
  • Programme level: Beginners, SCQF Level 6
  • Start date: January, September
  • Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
  • Duration: 1 year

What will I study?

The Introductory Certificate in Arabic Language is for students interested in learning Arabic language for personal enrichment; to become familiar with certain aspects of Arab culture, society and history; or to pursue further education in the academic fields of Middle Eastern History, Arabic Studies, Religious Studies, International Studies, and Islamic Studies.

The philosophy of this programme is to teach Arabic as a living language to a diverse body of students with a wide variety of academic and professional needs or personal interests. It aims to develop all four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Arabic is a fascinating language with a long history and diverse numbers of speakers.

This programme is designed to develop your knowledge, confidence, and communication skills at level A2 on the Common European Framework Reference (CEFR).

Successful completion on the Introductory Certificate will allow you to progress to the Certificate in Arabic Language.

Download the Programme Handbook

What will I learn?

  • Develop your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at a beginner level using variety of contexts and range of topics
  • Enable you to express yourself in Arabic and engage in basic conversation
  • Develop your ability to look for key words, understand general context and respond properly in everyday situations
  • Develop your insight into the nature of Arabic language and culture through learning the language
  • The programme will introduce basic grammatical structures and vocabulary related to daily communications
  • Enable you to demonstrate practical skills using Arabic Language such as ordering food, booking tickets etc

Programme information

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements, but students should be motivated to learn and willing to undertake independent study outside of the classroom.

English Language requirements 

Teaching takes place in English and Arabic and you must demonstrate that your English language proficiency is at a level that will allow you to follow your intended programme successfully.

If English is not your first language you must hold a qualification as evidence of your English language skills. Full details of the qualifications we accept, can be found here.

Student Visa requirements for study in the UK

International students looking to study in the UK should note that Arabic Language programmes are not eligible for Student Visa sponsorship.

Full entry requirement information can be found here

Successful completion of the Introductory Certificate in Arabic Language allows you to progress to the Certificate in Arabic Language.

Those who study Arabic can find careers in fields such as journalism, business and industry, education, finance and banking, translation and interpretation, consulting, working for local councils or for international organisations.

Graduates might also pursue further studies in translation and Middle Eastern studies.

 

Teaching & assessment

Each 20-credit unit compromises 200 hours of learning. Each semester consists of 6 hours of teaching and 40 minutes of activities a week. The delivery of this unit will be based on a series of seminars, group discussions/ presentations, virtual learning and tutoring supported by the College materials, information from a reading list and online materials.

In addition to the contact hours, 6 hours of self-study and 40 minutes of preparation for the activities a week should be devoted by students to complete work assigned by the tutor.

Each unit contains different themes based on the level. Within each theme, you will learn a set of vocabulary and grammar topic and will develop your language skills through reading, listening, writing and speaking tasks related to the theme introduced.

The programme is taught through a naturalistic and communicative approach, learning not only the language but also Arabic culture.

Assessment will include two tests, a writing assignment and a final exam (per unit). The tests will concentrate on vocabulary and grammar with the final exam including all four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The writing assignment is composed of 150 words in level 5 and 175 words in level 6.

You should apply directly using the College online application system and your application will usually be assessed within 3 working days. We my contact you to provide further information or to invite you to a short informal interview.

Please make sure you have the following information before starting your application:

  • Academic transcripts and qualification certificates
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
  • Passport details
  • Referee details

We consider all aspects of the application: academic qualifications, personal statement and references.

All correspondence will be sent from admissions@almcollege.ac.uk after an application of study has been submitted and you should direct any questions there.

Unit information

Introductory unit

This 5-week unit will give an introduction to Arabic language.  You are required to take a progress test by the end of the sixth week. The aim of this test is to monitor your progress and the pass mark is 65. If you complete the test successfully, you will be registered on to Arabic as a Foreign Language level 5. After completion of the unit, you will understand all letters and sounds, join letters together, write basic words/sentences, read short texts, and introduce yourself in Arabic.

Arabic as a foreign language 5

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills in different settings related to a variety of themes. It will also teach you to listen to and understand Arabic spoken in the contexts of family relations, education, nationality, and work; along with learning the customs and traditions of the Arab world. Practical knowledge will be developed in four key areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. In addition, the unit seeks to consolidate the fundamentals of Arabic grammar at the beginner level. The unit is organised around interactive as well as communicative activities that will allow students to build on all skills in the most effective way.

Arabic as a foreign language 6

This unit will consolidate the teaching of level 5, but also introduces you to new themes such as weather, friendship, shopping, travel and describing places and people; as well as some grammatical concepts such as imperative verbs, dualism, masculine, feminine and broken plurals. The unit will also introduce some of the cultural/social aspects of Arabic. Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to partake in simple discussions based on questions and answers, watch and listen to audio/visual materials, read texts on familiar topics and write short paragraphs about the aforementioned topics. The unit will be delivered mainly in Arabic, but English will be used if necessary or requested by students in particular situations or to explain grammar. Students will aim use Arabic language as a means of communication in the classroom.

What our students say

I was very impressed at the resources provided throughout the course: the many booklets; the audio resources; the ‘film nights’; the Natakallum sessions which were great fun. I was impressed at the balance between the various disciplines of language learning: reading, writing (by hand and on keyboard); listening; speaking. And I thoroughly enjoyed the classes.

Alan Arabic Language

There was an amazing atmosphere in class, especially during my first year of study. Lecturers are extremely professional and push you to get the most out of the courses. I also formed a very close friendship with my peers.

Lena Arabic Language
Student Stories

More information