![The Manchester skyline](http://contentlibrary.manchester.ac.uk/_coursemarketing/UMANC/2024/154/07730/U_modern-language-and-business-ba1400x450.jpg)
- UCAS course code
- TN61
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BA
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBB plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- TN61
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Gain advanced linguistic skills, cultural understanding and business knowledge in Arabic.
- Take dedicated business language classes to gain international management skills.
- Spend Year 3 studying in an Arabic-speaking country.
- Study management units covering economics, finance, accounting, technology, business and entrepreneurship, taught by specialists from Alliance Manchester Business School and our Economics department.
- Study at a university ranked in the UK top 10 for Modern Languages and Business and Management (QS World University Rankings 2023).
Open days
We are carefully reviewing all our recruitment events in light of the developing coronavirus outbreak.
View the latest updates on measures we are taking .
As we're unable to host on-campus visits, or attend events like UCAS and overseas recruitment fairs at the moment, look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
You will be able to watch videos about the university, including accommodation, student finance and course-specific sessions.
We'll update our website once plans for 2021 events are able to be confirmed.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on their household income.
You will be automatically assessed for the award based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.
The RWS Brode Languages Scholarship
The RWS Brode Scholarship supports students from lower income households studying a degree in modern languages at the University of Manchester.
Scholarship holders receive £5000 each year during their 4-year modern languages degree and are given the opportunity to connect with RWS through a detailed and bespoke annual programme of employability events and activity.
These opportunities encompass a combination of online and in person events, including a bespoke mentoring programme for scholarship recipients as well as our career fair, speed-networking events, employer presentations and welcome week panels, and work placements and internship opportunities promoted via the University’s Careers Connect job portal.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 3218
- ug-languages@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades ABB plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6.
Contextual offer
Grades BBB plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6 for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics.GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, one Scottish Advanced Higher is normally required at Grade B. Where a pre-requisite subject is required at A-level, then this Advanced Higher should be in that subject.
We also need a minimum achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5, in both Maths and a Language.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 7.5 in Maths.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes please see this list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
MLBM programmes also require GCSE Maths Grade B/6.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit, in a humanities-related subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma : we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate : we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language.
MLBM programmes also require GCSE Maths Grade B/6.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB in an essay-based subject such as English or History.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college. We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance should be included in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting School. If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the School to which you applied as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
Returning to education
Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
The BA Modern Language and Business and Management (Arabic) course gives you a thorough grounding in the language and culture of the Arab world, as well as the principles of business and management and their application in global workplaces.
Language study offers more than just language fluency. You'll explore diverse aspects of the culture, society, history, politics and literature of Arabic-speaking countries, helping you to develop intercultural awareness and communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
You'll benefit from excellent teaching, student support, cutting-edge facilities, and the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.
Studying abroad at partner universities and in professional environments in the Arab-speaking world gives you an unforgettable and invaluable experience.
The course unit details listed below are those you may choose to study as part of this programme and are referred to as optional units. These are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this programme. Although language units may show here as optional, they are a mandatory part of your modern languages degree and you will take the units relevant to your level of language in each year of study. It is compulsory to study language at all levels of your modern languages degree.
Special features
![University Language Centre](http://contentlibrary.manchester.ac.uk/_coursemarketing/UMANC/2024/154/07730/C_languages_ulc_564x317.jpg)
Develop your leadership skills
Get the edge in today's globalised business environment on the Manchester Leadership Programme , which includes local volunteering and guest visits from international business managers.
Residence abroad
You can study and/or work for up to a year in a country relevant to your chosen language(s) to improve your language skills in a native-speaker environment.
Collaborations and partnerships
We have links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:
- Confucius Institute - a hub for Chinese culture.
- Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture.
- HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film.
- Alliance Française - home of French language and culture.
Societies
There are over 30 international and language-related student societies offering cultural activities and experiences.
Teaching and learning
You'll learn through formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending 12 hours a week in formal study sessions.
For every hour of university study, you will need to complete a further 2 to 3 hours of independent study.
This could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre .
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed through:
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (including web-based and library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection);
- a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.
Course content for year 1
Your time will be divided equally between your language and culture and business and management studies.
Compulsory units introduce finance, management, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and develop transferable skills. You choose two further options across management, finance and economics units.
Year 1 study concentrates on intensive language learning, contemporary Middle East and the development of study and IT skills.
You will take only the language units relevant to your level of language in each year of study.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Mandatory |
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10252 | 10 | Mandatory |
History and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | MEST10711 | 20 | Mandatory |
Arabic Language 1 | MEST51011 | 20 | Mandatory |
Arabic Language 2 | MEST51022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Technological Change | BMAN10252 | 10 | Optional |
Business Economics | BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B | BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 23 course units for year 1 | |||
Display all course units for year 1 |
Course content for year 2
You continue with an even distribution between business and management and Arabic studies.
Alongside one compulsory unit, you tailor your business studies by choosing from a range of options. As well as increasing your reading of authentic texts in Arabic.
You have the chance to study Leadership in Action with national leaders as part of the Manchester Leadership Programme. You can also put your learning into practice with local charities and social enterprises by participating in the Manchester Enterprise Challenge.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Firms and Management in Comparative Perspective | BMAN22000 | 20 | Mandatory |
Arabic Language 3 | MEST51031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Arabic Language 4 | MEST51042 | 20 | Mandatory |
Work Psychology for Career Success | BMAN20022 | 10 | Optional |
Investment Analysis | BMAN20072 | 10 | Optional |
Introduction to Corporate Finance and Financial Instruments | BMAN20242 | 10 | Optional |
Technology, Strategy and Innovation | BMAN20792 | 10 | Optional |
New Product Development and Innovation | BMAN20821 | 10 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN20832 | 10 | Optional |
Global Contexts of Business and Management | BMAN21012 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 38 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
Year 3 is spent abroad in an approved study placement in an Arabic-speaking country.
Course content for year 4
There is a broad range of specialised units available in business, management, accounting and finance, economics and entrepreneurship.
You can take up to two-thirds of your units in either business and management or language and cultural studies.
Year 4 includes an advanced Arabic language course unit and a variety of specialised units on the cultures of the Arabic and Middle Eastern world.
You can also do a dissertation on the language side of your degree.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Media and Business Arabic | MEST30182 | 20 | Mandatory |
Arabic Language 5 | MEST51050 | 20 | Mandatory |
Management of Knowledge and Innovation | BMAN30010 | 20 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN30021 | 10 | Optional |
Strategy | BMAN30022 | 10 | Optional |
Human Resource Management | BMAN30042 | 10 | Optional |
Share Prices and Accounting Information | BMAN30071 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Derivatives | BMAN30091 | 10 | Optional |
Advanced Corporate Finance | BMAN30111A | 20 | Optional |
Corporate Governance in Context | BMAN30211 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 38 course units for year 4 | |||
Display all course units for year 4 |
Facilities
The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite and purpose-built recording rooms.
The Centre also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV, and extensive support and advice for learners.
Learn more on the Facilities page.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.
At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
Examples of jobs recent management graduates have gone onto include audit graduate, HR graduate analyst, internet consultant and management trainee.
A wide range of companies employ our management graduates, including Balfour Beatty, Deutsche Bank, KPMG, Microsoft and Tesco.
Management graduates have also gone onto further study in business, economics, enterprise and branding at institutions across the UK and internationally, including London Business School, the University of Jiao Tong and the University of Lausanne.
A degree in Modern Languages and Cultures paves the way for a broad range of careers.
You'll develop intercultural awareness and enhanced communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
You'll also acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.
You'll develop independence and self-confidence during your residence abroad, and your intercultural communication skills will make you a strong contender for media, journalism and PR roles.
Many of our graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications.
Others pursue postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (both in the UK and overseas) or to enter the Civil Service.
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2019).
Employers who have taken on our Arabic Studies graduates in the past include Santander, RBS, the British Army, Virgin Atlantic, UK Islamic Mission, Amnesty International, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.