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The fourth most widely spoken language in the world with over 230 million native speakers. A further 100-200 million people across northern Africa and western Asia speak Arabic as their second language.

British Council (2014), Languages for the Future

What's it like to learn Arabic with the IWLP?

Thanks to our friendly classes and rich language and cultural resources, you'll quickly develop confidence in using spoken and written Arabic. Explore a language that is intimately connected across space and time to science, mathematics, politics, economics, literature, art and philosophy.

Read posts from former students on our blog. You can also read about how you’ll learn on an IWLP module and the reasons why you should take an IWLP module.

You can also join a society and learn more about Arabic-speaking cultures.

How do I sign up?

For detailed information, see our how to apply page. New students arriving for their first year who want to take IWLP for credit need to request to take the module via their support centre before week two of Semester 1. Existing students who want to take an IWLP module for credit in the following academic year need to sign up via RISIS module selection in April. All non-credit students must submit the non-credit application form - please note that non-credit applications open in September.

Placement test

If you have any previous knowledge of Arabic, you must complete the placement test so that we can put you in the correct stage - please note that the placement test is only open from April to October.

Modules available

LA1PA8-IWLP ARABIC 1

This beginner’s module is for students who have no prior knowledge or virtually no knowledge of Arabic. This module will provide an introduction to Arabic, concentrating on its use in familiar, everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.

Arabic 1 module description 

LA1PA2-IWLP ARABIC 2

This post-beginner module is for students who have some basic knowledge of Arabic, such as that acquired by attending LA1PA8 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Arabic by consolidating and building on their existing knowledge of language necessary for everyday situations.

Arabic 2 module description

LA1PA3-IWLP ARABIC 3

This lower-intermediate module is for students who have some previous knowledge of Arabic, such as that acquired by attending LA1PA2 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Arabic through engagement with a range of socially relevant and interesting topics and a short research project.

Arabic 3 module description


If you would like to take Arabic at a higher level than we currently offer, please contact us via iwlp@reading.ac.uk.