Does the Certificate in Arabic Language teach Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect?

Both. Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) is the foundation — the formal register used in news, official contexts and across all Arabic-speaking countries. Spoken-Arabic introduction uses either Levantine or Egyptian dialect (the cohort chooses).

How long does it take to learn the Arabic script on the Certificate in Arabic Language?

Full reading and writing of the script by week six on the full-time route. The script is unfamiliar but the system is regular; most students find it easier than they expect.

Will the Certificate in Arabic Language help me prepare for diplomatic service?

It gives a foundation. Arabic is recognised by the UK diplomatic service and partner services as a high-priority language; the Certificate is a credible starting credential. Full diplomatic-track Arabic typically requires Diploma and Advanced Diploma study or in-service training.

Can I take the Certificate in Arabic Language fully online?

Yes. Script practice, MSA reading and spoken-Arabic conversation all adapt naturally to remote delivery with live tutored sessions.

Which Arabic exam can I take after the Certificate?

Various — ALPT, ACTFL OPI, and others. The course is mapped to CEFR levels; specific exam preparation is offered as a guided additional week if you intend to sit a formal Arabic certificate.

Certificate in Arabic Language in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Arabic Language at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a short UK introduction to Arabic for adult beginners. Across three to six months you will master the Arabic script, develop foundational Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha), and acquire enough spoken Arabic for everyday interactions — recognising along the way the relationship between MSA and the regional spoken dialects.

Arabic is a strategic language for working in diplomatic service, international development, journalism, energy and cultural-policy fields with MENA-region focus. This Certificate is built as a genuine foundation, not a phrasebook level.

Key Features

Script literacy from week one — full reading and writing of Arabic script by week six.
Modern Standard Arabic foundations — the formal register used across all Arabic-speaking countries.
Spoken Arabic introduction — basic Levantine or Egyptian dialect (chosen by cohort).
Cultural strand — short readings from Arabic press at beginner level, contemporary cultural material.
Three study modes — on-campus, fully online, or distance learning.
Articulation into the Diploma in Arabic Language at LSJHML.

What You Will Learn

The Certificate in Arabic Language is built around what an Arabic beginner needs to do — read and write the script, hold basic conversation in spoken Arabic, recognise the formal MSA used in news and official contexts.

The Arabic script — full reading and writing.
Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) at foundation level — present, past, basic verb forms.
Spoken Arabic introduction in Levantine or Egyptian dialect.
Greetings, introductions and everyday courtesy in Arabic.
Numbers, dates, time-telling and basic transactions.
Reading short authentic Arabic texts — headlines, signs, simple articles.
Listening to slow MSA news clips with structured comprehension.
An introduction to Arabic-speaking culture and contemporary Arab politics.

Who This Course Is For

Adult beginners with no prior Arabic.
Professionals working in or with MENA-region countries — diplomatic service, NGOs, energy, journalism.
Heritage Arabic speakers wanting to formalise script literacy and Fusha.
Students preparing for time in Arabic-speaking countries.

Career Pathways

The Certificate in Arabic Language is a foundation credential. Typical applications include:

Diplomatic Service (MENA region — Arabic is recognised as a high-priority language).
International Development and Humanitarian Roles (MENA-focused organisations).
Junior Communications and Public Affairs (organisations operating in the Arab world).
Energy Sector Roles (with Arabic as a working asset).
Cultural and Heritage Roles (Arabic collections).
Continued Study (Diploma in Arabic Language, BA Arabic Language Studies).

The Certificate articulates into the Diploma in Arabic Language at LSJHML for students continuing.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 16.
Secondary school qualification (GCSE/O-Level or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
No prior Arabic required.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.