Arabic and Portuguese BA

Course overview

On this course, you’ll study Arabic and Portuguese, spend some time learning abroad and build your understanding of diverse cultures across the world.

Whether you’re a beginner or you already have some knowledge of either language, this course will suit your needs. You’ll develop advanced skills in both languages, while gaining an insight into the history, politics and cultures of the Middle East, North Africa and Portuguese-speaking countries. You can also study topics that suit your interests, such as Islamic thought, film and literature in the Portuguese-speaking world, national identity and the African diaspora.

During your second year, you’ll study in an Arabic-speaking country, providing invaluable opportunities to develop your language skills and experience each region first-hand. You’ll be encouraged to spend some time in a Portuguese-speaking country during your studies.

You’ll also develop a range of transferable skills that are highly regarded by employers, including critical thinking, enhanced communication and cultural awareness.

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at Leeds is an exciting place for your undergraduate experience. Our diverse community of students and staff, student-led societies and outstanding pastoral support creates a friendly and dynamic atmosphere for all our students.

This course – and the unique experience of living abroad – will equip you with the knowledge, skills and intercultural awareness necessary to pursue a wide range of exciting global careers.

Specialist facilities

With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.

The world-class Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. These include rare copies of magazines and unpublished letters, with materials across the range of languages that we teach. Our main library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practice with other learners and native speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.

Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.

The official cultural institute of the government of Portugal – the Camões Institute – has a branch on campus. This means you have the unique and exciting opportunity to participate in many cultural events such as interesting talks, poetry readings and film screenings, and take part in competitions.

Take a look around our libraries:

• Brotherton Library
• Laidlaw Library
• Edward Boyle Library

Course details

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll study compulsory modules that will develop your language skills in both Arabic and Portuguese, while also gaining an introduction to contextual studies of the Middle East and Portuguese-speaking regions including historical, cultural, religious and political topics.

Year 2

You'll spend some of your second year in an Arabic-speaking country, with opportunities for spending a further period in a Portuguese-speaking country. You’ll strengthen your skills in both languages, developing your understanding of cultural and social aspects of the Arab and Portuguese-speaking world.

Year 3

You’ll return to Leeds in your third year and enhance your core skills in both languages. You’ll also have opportunities to specialise further in the topics that interest you through optional modules.

Year 4

Your final year will involve working on a research project which could be a dissertation, a translation or a podcast. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a range of language and cultural modules to deepen your knowledge. The international outlook and knowledge you develop, alongside advanced language skills, will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields when you graduate.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Beginning Arabic 1 (20 credits) - This module offers you an opportunity to progress from the level of a total beginner to A1 (according to the CEFR scale or half a GCSE) in the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in modern standard Arabic. On completion, you’ll be able to understand simple instructions, respond appropriately in everyday situations, express yourself using limited vocabulary and formulaic expressions and use the target language in a limited number of contexts so that it can be understood by a sympathetic native speaker. You’ll also develop an understanding of the structure of the language and the culture of the countries where the target language is spoken.

Beginning Arabic 2 (20 credits) - This module is a continuation of ARAB 1001. It will help you to progress from A1 to A2 according to the CEFR scale (GCSE) in the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in modern standard Arabic. On completion, you’ll be able to understand simple instructions in Arabic, respond appropriately in everyday situations, collect information from short texts in the target language, and express yourself in limited vocabulary. You’ll also develop awareness on the Arabic culture and the Arab world. It will also enable you to compare the Arabic structure and grammatical elements to other languages.

Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics and Religion (20 credits) - The Middle East as an area of interest is the focus of much media attention. This module surveys and attempts to study the Middle East not only as a geopolitical entity, but also as a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic region.

Introduction to Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese Speaking Africa (20 credits) - This module will familiarise you with the key issues relating to the history and cultural production of Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa. You’ll reflect on ideas such as identity and culture in a historical and intercultural context and develop your skills to analyse and discuss a wide range of primary and secondary sources. No knowledge of Portuguese language is required

Portuguese Language for Beginners 1A (20 credits) - This module offers you an opportunity to progress from the level of a total beginner to A1 (according to the CEFR scale or half a GCSE) in the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in Portuguese. Basic grammatical structures will be covered, and vocabulary will be built up in key areas of everyday communication.

Portuguese Language for Beginners 1B (20 credits) - This module is a basic continuation of SPPO1080. It will help you to progress from A1 to A2 according to the CEFR scale in the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in Portuguese. On completion, you’ll be able to understand simple instructions in Portuguese, respond appropriately in everyday situations, collect information from short texts in the target language, and express yourself in limited vocabulary.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year Abroad (120 credits)

Year 3 compulsory modules

Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation (20 credits) - This module will train you in how to translate contemporary texts from and into Arabic. It will also acquaint you with the grammatical skills that will enable you to write in a fluent and effective style, and to comprehend Arabic texts. On completion, you’ll be familiar with the grammar rules as well as the function of Arabic grammar in texts. You’ll also acquire the skills to translate different genres of texts from and into Arabic.

Essential Skills in Practical Arabic (20 credits) - This module will equip you with the skills to comprehend and analyse texts critically. It will also help you sharpen your writing skills through weekly writing practice. You’ll also have an opportunity to strengthen your oral and aural skills. By the end of this module your four language skills will have improved immensely.

Portuguese Language Skills (20 credits) - This module will take you from A2 to B1 level of the CEFR. Building on the skills attained at the end of Year 1, it will consolidate and improve basic and more complex grammatical structures used in a variety of contexts. You’ll reinforce and further develop your linguistic competence (written and oral) in Portuguese grammar, vocabulary, style, and specialised uses of Portuguese.

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Arab Media, Politics and Society (20 credits)
• Modern Middle Eastern History (20 credits)
• Linguists into Schools (20 credits)
• Black Europe (20 credits)
• Film and Literature in the Portuguese-speaking World (20 credits)
• Culture and Society in the Portuguese-Speaking World (20 credits)

Year 4 compulsory modules

Candidates will be required to study ONE of the following Final Year Project modules: MODL3300 Final Year Project: Dissertation, MODL3350 Final Year Project: Digital Documentary, MODL3340 Final Year Project: Extended Translation

Advanced Skills in Arabic Language (20 credits) - The module will introduce you to different genres of advanced Arabic texts. Also, it will help you to enhance your oral and aural skills. This module will train you in how to interpret and analyse critically different genre of Arabic texts. The focus is mainly on the function of language in texts.

Advanced Portuguese Language (20 credits) - This module will develop advanced skills in speaking, writing, reading and listening in Portuguese. Both the Portuguese and Brazilian variants of the language are covered. Specific skills covered include written composition, oral presentations, translation into and out of the target language, and the preparation of summaries of longer texts written in Portuguese.

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Arabic Stylistics (20 credits)
• Performing Islam: Piety and Environment in Dialogue (20 credits)
• Advanced Media Arabic: Translation Skills in Text Typology (20 credits)
• Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)
• Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)
• Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)
• Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits)
• Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)
• Linguists into Schools (20 credits)
• Urban Realities and Representations in the Portuguese Speaking World (20 credits)
• The Hadith: History, Criticism and Canonisation (20 credits)

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a mix of seminars, lectures, workshops, group sessions and one-to-one supervisions, as well as independent learning supported by a rich range of resources. Our tutors are passionate researchers and dedicated teachers who use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.

Independent study is also central to this degree, as it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year research project on a topic of your own choice. 

We are committed to an innovative and inclusive approach to teaching, which draws on a variety of activities including flipped learning, group presentations, and bespoke digital resources to prepare you for your seminar discussions.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We are creative in our approach to assessment, and we consistently support your independent learning to ensure assessment is fair and inclusive.

We use a wide range of assessments including essays, exams, presentations, podcasts, literature reviews, reflective logs, and group projects. Assessments are designed to deliver the transferable skills needed for the world of work; task-based activities are designed to evidence critical thinking, demonstrate initiative, and show knowledge of a range of relevant subjects and sources. We often try to provide you with a choice of assessment type.

Support for assessments is integrated into our teaching, and you'll usually have the opportunity for formative assessments that allow you to practice your skills and do well in your formal assessments. We also run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

When an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £24,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Careers support

Leeds is the 5th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2022).

At Leeds, we are fully committed to developing your employability and career prospects. You’ll have a wealth of opportunities to develop your skills and make the most out of your time at Leeds and during the time you’ll spend abroad.

Experience of living abroad, combined with detailed study of languages and cultures, is valuable preparation for employment in a multicultural, multinational environment.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Our experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.

The Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. For example, you could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.

At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support. 

As a student with us, you will be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.

We’ll also keep you informed of work/voluntary placements for your time abroad and any other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.

Study abroad and work placements

Residence abroad

During your time abroad, you’ll have the chance to practice and develop your language skills as well as immersing yourself in the local culture. You’ll spend some of your year abroad in an Arabic-speaking country. This is followed by opportunities to spend a period of time in a Portuguese-speaking country.

Read more about the Arabic residence abroad

Read more about the Portuguese residence abroad