Arabic Studies
!مرحبا (marhabaan!)
Arabic is currently the 5th most commonly spoken native language in the world, with about 230 million people speaking it as their first language. Australia itself has a sizeable Arabic-speaking community. Arabic is also the liturgical language of Islam studied by many millions of non-Arab Muslims around the world.
Speak Arabic and engage with the Arab world
Enrich your understanding of the 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa which make up the Arab world. With its rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources and dynamic economy, the Arab world has great political, economic and cultural significance – and Arabic is one of the official languages of the United Nations.
You won’t just have the opportunity to learn how to speak, read, and write Arabic – you’ll also be able to learn about the nature of living, seeing, acting and interacting in the ‘Arab way’, and gaining insight into Arabic literature, history, political geography, religious traditions, current issues and popular culture. You’ll take a placement test to make sure you’re in the right class for your level, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. There are even opportunities to study overseas.
Where can Arabic take you?
In today’s multicultural environment, proficiency in Arabic can play an important role in a wide range of professions. Studying the Arabic language you might look forward to a rewarding career in government, commercial and NGO settings in Australia and overseas. Career areas might include communications, international relations, cultural relations, community development, international trade, translating and interpreting, travel and tourism, and education.
I knew I wanted to study more than one language in my Bachelor of Arts, but I knew this would be hard if I also wanted to fill my degree with politics. The Diploma in Languages allowed me to study two languages while still having lots of flexibility.
— Nicholas Parkinson
Bachelor of Arts, with a concurrent Diploma in Languages (Arabic Studies)
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Arabic
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Arabic as a major, minor or electives. You can master the Arabic language alongside your degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages or develop advanced knowledge in Arabic Studies in Honours.
Undergraduate students
Not a Bachelor of Arts Student? Get a taste of Arabic Studies through breadth subjects, immerse yourself in an Arabic studies breadth track, or master the Arabic language with a Diploma in Languages alongside your undergraduate degree.
Graduate coursework
Master the Arabic language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Master of International Relations
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Arabic Studies with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Online placement test
The language questionnaire and online placement test makes sure you're placed in the right class for your ability and background in Arabic. It's important to note that you should not study for this test or get a friend to take it for you as it will assess your current ability. Your test results will determine what level class you're placed in.
Once you have completed your placement test, you will be placed in one of the below entry points:
Arabic Studies 1 entry point
For students who have very little or no knowledge of Arabic.
Arabic Studies 3 entry point
For students who have lower intermediate level of Arabic.
Arabic Studies 5 entry point
For students who have completed Year 12 VCE Arabic (Second Language) or have an equivalent level of Arabic language.
Enhance your study of Arabic
Overseas Arabic Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Arabic Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Arabic studies with authentic work experience.
Arabic language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience Arabic first-hand by studying overseas in a Arabic speaking country for one or two semesters.