Modern Languages (Arabic and French) and Classical Studies

Arabic, French and classical studies is an intellectually ambitious triple combination that brings together two of the world's most significant living languages with the study of the ancient Mediterranean world. Arabic opens access to the cultures, literatures and histories of the Middle East, North Africa and the wider Islamic world, as well as developing a linguistic competence that is highly valued in international contexts. French connects you to one of Europe's great intellectual and literary traditions and to a language spoken across five continents.

Classical studies engages you with the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations whose legacy has shaped so much of the world that both Arabic and French-speaking cultures have inherited and transformed.

At the University of St Andrews this four-year full-time programme develops your competence in both Arabic and French to an advanced level while you also study the literature, philosophy, history and art of the ancient world. You will have the opportunity for comparative analyses between different languages, literatures, cultures and histories, recognising how Arabic-speaking, French-speaking and classical traditions have influenced and interacted with each other across centuries and continents. A year abroad gives you the chance to deepen your language skills and cultural understanding in an international setting.

The combination of linguistic fluency in two major world languages and the analytical depth of classical studies is genuinely rare and highly valued.

Graduates pursue careers in international diplomacy, translation and interpreting, journalism, academia, heritage, cultural organisations, international organisations, law and the civil service. Postgraduate study in Arabic, French, classical studies, comparative literature or related fields is a natural continuation for many.