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Arabic courses for members of the public

Find out about our courses and how to enrol on the right one for you.

Ornate, decorative Arabic calligraphy.
Develop your Arabic language and intercultural skills

We teach Modern Standard Arabic, but references are made to the differences between Arab dialects.

We offer various courses in Arabic based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages, leading to the globally acknowledged Arabic Language Proficiency Test. The ALPT is endorsed by the Islamic Chamber of Industry and Commerce. It is also the proficiency test selected by the United Nations. Students are able to sit for the ALPT at the end of the academic year.

Courses

Our language courses aim to develop your linguistic skills and intercultural competence and enhance your employment opportunities. You can find out more on the general information page.

The following Arabic courses are available for members of the public and University of Bath staff:

Semester 1

  • Complete Beginner
  • Lower Intermediate Part 1

Semester 2

  • Post Beginner
  • Lower Intermediate Part 2
  • ALPT Exam Preparatory Workshops

Course descriptions

Complete Beginner (Semester 1)

This level is suitable for you if you have never studied Arabic before or if you know some basic phrases. 

Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Complete Beginner course with us, or if you:

  • have mastered the Arabic alphabet and sound system
  • can distinguish and pronounce all Arabic sounds and write accurately from dictation
  • can use basic structures and basic vocabulary related to greetings, introductions, family, jobs and professions
  • can follow simple conversations and understand simple texts on familiar topics
  • can engage in simple conversations and write short texts on familiar topics

Lower Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Post Beginner course with us, or if you:

  • have knowledge of vocabulary covering topics including: around the house, my city, countries and nationalities and at the market
  • can use grammatical structures such as: there is/there are and prepositional phrases
  • can engage in simple conversations and express basic opinions on a range of familiar topics
  • can understand texts about the mentioned topics
  • can write short clear, well-structured texts on various subjects

Lower Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Lower Intermediate level Part 1 with us, or if you:

  • have knowledge of vocabulary covering a range of topics including: the number 0-100, days of the week, saying the time, giving directions, ordering food and drink, clothing and colours.
  • have some knowledge of the past tense and plural forms
  • can engage in longer conversations and express opinions on a range of topics
  • can understand longer texts
  • can write clear, well-structured texts on various subjects

ALPT Exam Preparatory Workshops (Semester 2)

A set of 5 preparatory workshops is offered to all students who opt to sit for the Arabic Language Proficiency Test (ALPT). These are held in Semester 2 and run alongside the respective courses.

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered on our Claverton Down campus in person (IPL = In-person learning) .

Enrolments for Semester 1 are now closed. The Semester 2 timetable will be published in late December/early January. If you wish to be notified as soon as enrolments open, please complete the Expression of interest form.

Student experience

"I started learning Arabic a few years ago because it is a language that has always interested me and it is spoken by millions of people. Arabic is also the door to a fascinating culture. I do some voluntary work with refugees from the Middle East. I can now hold an everyday conversation with them and they are very appreciative of the fact that I make an effort to speak a bit of their language." (Silvia Vercher)

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by Arabic language associations in the UK such as the British Council's Arabic Language and Culture Programme and Qatar Foundation International with our students. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of Arabic language and culture.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.


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