What level of Arabic do I need to enrol in the MA Arabic Language Studies?

Advanced — BA-equivalent or near-native working level in Modern Standard Arabic. Heritage speakers and applicants with significant professional Arabic experience are welcome via the alternative entry route, with a written sample.

Does the MA Arabic Language Studies include translation practice?

Yes — translation theory and practice runs as a core strand alongside Arabic linguistics. You build a translation portfolio across literary, official, news and audiovisual registers in both directions. Several graduates use this MA as their primary translation credential.

Can I do the MA Arabic Language Studies part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are available, including for the dissertation. Spoken-language sessions run synchronously with cohort partners on either schedule.

What kind of dissertation do students write on the MA Arabic Language Studies?

Original research, 12,000–15,000 words, in Arabic linguistics, translation theory and practice, or applied Arabic (media, diplomatic, literary). Recent dissertations have covered Levantine dialect in broadcast journalism, audiovisual translation of Arabic comedy, and the diplomatic register in contemporary Arabic press.

Is the MA Arabic Language Studies recognised by UK and international institutions?

Yes. It is a UK-recognised master's degree taught in London and meets entry requirements for PhD programmes in Arabic studies, translation studies and related fields at UK and international universities.

MA Arabic Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Arabic Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for advanced Arabic users who want a research-track credential combining Arabic linguistics, translation theory and applied Arabic scholarship. You will work at near-native-equivalent level across Modern Standard Arabic, build a translation portfolio across literary, official and journalistic registers, and produce a 12,000-to-15,000 word dissertation supervised by an active Arabic-language researcher.

This MA assumes serious working Arabic at entry. It exists to take advanced users from competence to specialist credentialing — the kind of credential UK universities, translation agencies, broadcasters and policy institutions look for at senior level. By the end of the MA Arabic Language Studies you can write a peer-reviewable research piece on Arabic, translate at publication standard, and contribute to scholarly conversation in the field.

Key Features

Advanced Arabic linguistics core — Arabic phonology, syntax, sociolinguistics, historical and contemporary dialectology.
Translation theory and practice — across literary, official, news and audiovisual Arabic in both directions.
Applied scholarship modules — Arabic media analysis, Arabic literary criticism, Arabic for diplomacy or international development.
Industry-led masterclasses from senior translators, MENA-region journalists and academic Arabic linguists.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation supervised by an active researcher in Arabic linguistics, translation or applied Arabic.
September and January intakes with full-time and part-time routes.

What You Will Learn

The MA Arabic Language Studies is structured around the working practice of an advanced Arabic specialist — translator, researcher, broadcaster, analyst or academic. You graduate able to read and write across registers at near-native-equivalent level, apply translation theory to your own practice, and engage credibly with scholarly conversation in Arabic linguistics or translation.

Advanced Arabic phonology, morphology and syntax.
Arabic sociolinguistics — diglossia, dialect variation, language and identity.
Translation theory — equivalence, skopos, target-culture orientation, postcolonial translation.
Literary translation practice — short fiction, poetry, drama, longform non-fiction.
Audiovisual and news translation — subtitling, broadcast translation, news copy.
Arabic for specialist domains — diplomatic, legal, financial, international development.
Research methods using Arabic-language primary sources.
Dissertation methodology — literature review, methodology selection, write-up at MA standard.

Who This MA Is For

Advanced Arabic users — BA graduates, heritage speakers, working bilinguals — moving into specialist roles.
Working translators wanting research-grade theoretical grounding.
MENA-region journalists, analysts and policy professionals wanting a postgraduate UK credential.
Future academics preparing for PhD work in Arabic linguistics, translation or applied Arabic.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the MA Arabic Language Studies move into senior translation, specialist research, academic and policy roles. Typical post-MA destinations include:

Senior Arabic Translator (publishing, broadcasting, in-house at major institutions)
Diplomatic Service Officer (MENA-focused FCDO desks)
Arabic Media Analyst (defence, intelligence, broadcaster monitoring)
Academic Researcher (university Arabic studies, PhD applicants)
Arabic Lead at INGO or UN-system agency
Senior Bilingual Communications Specialist (NGO, cultural body, financial services)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in Arabic linguistics, translation studies or applied Arabic.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

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.