- UCAS course code
- LT26
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Politics and Arabic
- Typical A-level offer: ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 34 points overall with 6,5,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- Build strong analytical skills and understanding of key areas of global politics.
- Develop the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to access and engage fully with political, historical and cultural issues in Arabic.
- Spend a year in an Arabic-speaking country to consolidate your language learning.
- Study at a university ranked the UK's top ten for Politics and International Studies and Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Open days
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 3211
- ug.languages@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/modern-languages/
- 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
ABB
Contextual offer
BBB for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
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 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
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see accepted entry qualifications from your country
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 Language achievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5.
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 8.0 in at least one essay-based subject.
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 A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
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
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.
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 ahumanities-related subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalDiploma: we consider the NationalDiploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalDiploma 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 NationalFoundation Diploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalFoundation Diploma witha Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUSan EPQ or AS at GradeB.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National ExtendedCertificate for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalExtended Certificatewitha Distinction grade, PLUStwo 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.
CambridgeLevel 3Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
CambridgeLevel 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 .
CambridgeLevel 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)
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.
A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
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
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.
If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.
Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here .
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
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £26,500 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
Residence abroad support
We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on household income.
You will be automatically assessed for this, based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment in the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.
You may be eligible for this scholarship if you fulfill the following conditions:
- your qualifications were achieved at a state-funded school in the UK;
- your total household income does not exceed £60,000 (as verified by the Student Loan Company);
- you achieve high marks in your A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), usually AAB or above;
- you apply to (and remain on) either a single honours Language course, or a dual-language course.
Awards will be made according to a sliding scale, benefitting those who have achieved the highest marks relative to backgrounds.
You will be automatically assessed for this after you have registered on your degree.
You simply need to make sure you allow the University access to your records when applying for your student lLoan (we cannot otherwise assess your eligibility).
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.
Interview requirements
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course.
Your interview will form part of a visit day, during which you can sample aspects of your chosen course, meet with academics staff, hear from current students and find out about the latest Residence Abroad options.
Your interview will offer you the opportunity to explain your interests and qualifications, and how your chosen course fits with your motivations and study experience.
Returning to education
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
The BA Politics and Arabic course will enable you to explore world politics and gain an intercultural perspective that is at a premium in today's context of globalised studies and career paths.
Delivered jointly by the School of Social Sciences and the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, this course offers flexibility through a combination of core and optional politics course units and units in your chosen language and culture.
Language study offers more than just language fluency. You'll explore the culture, society, history, politics and literature of the countries in which Arabic is spoken, helping you develop intercultural awareness and communication skills, both highly valued by employers.
You'll benefit from excellent teaching, student support and cutting-edge study facilities, as well as the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.
Studying abroad at partner universities in several Arabic-speaking countries 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.
Aims
- Develop strong analytical skills and understanding of key areas of global politics, including European/international politics, international relations, global security and international development.
- Develop the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to access and engage fully with political, historical and cultural issues in your chosen language.
- Offer an intercultural perspective on your studies and future career, facilitated by the possibility of studying a second language - either as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Special features
Residence abroad
You can study and/or work for up to a year in a country or countries relevant to your chosen language(s) to improve your communicative language skills in a native-speaker environment.
Collaborations and partnerships
The University has links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:
- Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture;
- HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film;
- Manchester China Institute - promoting mutual understanding in UK-China relations through research, teaching, and activities;
- Alliance Française - home of French language and culture.
Societies
The University is home to over 30 international and language-related student societies offering a breadth of cultural activities and experiences.
Engage in cultural activities
Manchester is a multicultural city that provides excellent opportunities for contact with speakers of Arabic and the pursuit of Arabic and Islamic interests outside of the University (including public lectures, societies, cultural events and more).
Teaching and learning
You'll learn through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions.
For every hour of university study, you will be expected to complete a further 2-3 hours of independent study.
You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
The individual study component 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 in various ways, including:
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (which may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research);
- in your final year, a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.
Assessment methods vary from course unit to course unit - see individual course unit listings for more information.
Course content for year 1
In Year 1 you will choose both core and optional units in Politics.
You will also study an additional 60 credits of language and culture course units in your modern language subject.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
The History and Sociopolitics of Palestine/Israel (1882-1967) | MEST10042 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Islam | MEST10061 | 20 | Optional |
Cultural Anthropology of the Middle East and North Africa | MEST10092 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Comparative Politics | POLI10201 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Comparative Politics | POLI10202 | 20 | Optional |
Making Sense of Politics | POLI10302 | 20 | Optional |
British Politics: Power and the State | POLI10401 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
In Year 2 you will choose from a selection of optional Politics units (40-60 credits).
You will also study an additional 60-80 credits of language and culture course units in your modern language subject.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Arabic Language 3 | MEST51031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Arabic Language 4 | MEST51042 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Post Colonial Arabic Literature | MEST20001 | 20 | Optional |
Themes in the Histories of Arab and Jewish Nationalisms | MEST20272 | 20 | Optional |
The Politics of Women and Gender in the Middle East and North Africa | MEST20352 | 20 | Optional |
History of Modern Islamic Thought | MEST20501 | 20 | Optional |
Politics by Numbers | POLI20311 | 20 | Optional |
Security Studies | POLI20332 | 20 | Optional |
Questions About International Politics | POLI20521 | 20 | Optional |
Politics & Society in Britain Since 1940: From Blitz to Brexit | POLI20531 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Year 3 is spent abroad under approved conditions.
Course content for year 4
In Year 4 you will choose from a selection of optional Politics units (40-60 credits).
You will also study an additional 60-80 credits of language and culture course units in your modern language subject.
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 |
Dissertation in Modern Languages and Cultures | LALC30000 | 40 | Optional |
Contemporary Debates in Islam | MEST30032 | 20 | Optional |
Nature, the Environment and Politics in Modern Arabic Literature | MEST30121 | 20 | Optional |
Community, Memory, Identity: Reading Contemporary Arabic Literature in English Translation | MEST31111 | 20 | Optional |
The Politics of the European Union | POLI30032 | 20 | Optional |
Morality and Markets | POLI30112 | 20 | Optional |
The Politics and Philosophy of Nationalism | POLI30191 | 20 | Optional |
Gender, Sex and Politics | POLI30231 | 20 | Optional |
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Facilities
The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite, purpose-built recording rooms, and resources for more than 70 languages.
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 at facilities
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
A degree in Politics and 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 second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Our graduates have gone on to work for:
- the BBC;
- the United Nations;
- the Foreign and Commonwealth Office;
- the British Army;
- Amnesty International.
Find out more on the Modern Languages and Cultures and Politics careers and employability pages.
The University also 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 .