MA Modern Languages (Arabic and Italian) and English
About this course
Arabic, Italian, and English is a three-way combination of languages and literary traditions that spans the Mediterranean and well beyond, connecting some of the most important cultural and intellectual traditions of the past thousand years. Arabic is the language of Islam and of a literary and scientific tradition of extraordinary richness, as well as the contemporary language of politics, media, and commerce across the Middle East and North Africa. Italian gives access to one of the great literary traditions, from Dante and Boccaccio through the Renaissance and Risorgimento to the twentieth century, as well as to a living culture of central importance in contemporary Europe. English literature provides the third strand, offering a comprehensive engagement with writing in English across its full historical range. This four-year full-time degree at the University of St Andrews develops high-level linguistic competence in Arabic and Italian alongside deep engagement with English literature. You will move between three very different traditions, developing the ability to read texts in two foreign languages as well as in English and to make the kind of cross-cultural comparisons that this unusual combination makes possible. A year abroad is integrated into the programme, providing extended immersion in Arabic and Italian linguistic and cultural contexts. The typical entry tariff is 200 points. Graduates from this programme carry exceptional linguistic range and cultural depth. Careers in translation, diplomacy, international journalism, publishing, international business, and cultural organisations are all natural destinations, with the combination of Arabic and Italian opening particular doors in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern professional contexts. Postgraduate study in Arabic studies, Italian studies, comparative literature, or international relations is a natural continuation.
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