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MA South Asian Studies and Intensive Language (Arabic)

MA South Asian Studies and Intensive Language (Arabic)

Different course options

Full time | SOAS, University of London | 2 years | 23-SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

2 years

Start date

23-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Arabic Language Asian Studies

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

The MA South Asian Studies and Intensive Language two-year programme (or part-time, 4-year) is directed at students with a professional and academic interest in South Asia. It provides students with exceptional opportunities for advanced study of one of the world’s most diverse and important regions, with an opportunity for an intensive training in a South Asian language (Hindi, Urdu and Sanskrit) as well as studying a range of modules across the disciplines.

Knowledge of a South Asian language is not a pre-requisite for admission to this programme which is designed primarily for ab initio language study. Students with intermediate or advanced language levels are advised to contact the programme convenor before applying. If necessary, proficiency levels will be assessed.

This MA South Asian Studies programme includes a summer of intensive language which is currently only offered in India (students must note that SOAS cannot take responsibility for obtaining visas for travel to India). Students bear the costs of travel to and from India, as well as all living expenses (including accommodation) during the period of their stay.

Students come from a wide range of backgrounds: some will have acquired an interest in South Asia during their undergraduate career or as a result of travelling in the region, while others will be keen to explore personal connections. The programme will also attract mature students: some may take the MA as a partial preparation for employment in the region; others, having lived in South Asia for a number of years, may seek to place their experience and impressions into a more structured, analytical framework.

Arabic

This Intensive Language (Arabic) two-year pathway full-time programme allows students to combine intensive Arabic language with several disciplines, including MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies, making these programmes unique in Europe. The two-year language pathway is directed at students who want to engage with the Arab Middle East in a professional as well as academic way, as the intensive pathways will enable them to develop a serious competency in Arabic, and achieve an advanced professional level depending on their starting knowledge of the language.

Access to the Intensive Arabic language pathway is currently available for students with beginner, intermediate or advanced levels of proficiency. Students’ proficiency levels will be assessed through a placement test during registration week (specific dates will be provided to the applicants).

Students taking MA Near and Middle East Studies as their discipline cannot choose additional Arabic language modules from the Languages list, though they are encouraged to take another Middle Eastern language like Persian, Turkish or Hebrew. Students bear the costs of travel to and from Jordan, as well as all living expenses (including accommodation) during the period of their stay.

Employment

Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving.

Modules

Communication across cultures is a key feature of a globalised world: a growing number of interactions in all spheres of life now involve participants who do not share the same language or culture. Such encounters pose challenges to all involved. In order to minimise communication breakdowns and misunderstandings, we need to develop inter-and cross-cultural competence. This entails an understanding of the similarities and differences in the communicative practices across cultures and languages, the ability to recognise key communicative challenges in intercultural settings and the development of strategies and skills to operate effectively in such contexts. This module will provide students with a critical introduction to the study of intercultural and cross-cultural communication.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£12,220

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£25,320

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

University information

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally. SOAS is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. Postgraduate courses are taught by respected academics engaged in ground-breaking fieldwork and research. The work of researchers at SOAS influences both government policy and the lives of individuals...more