Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic) and International Relations

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic) studies provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic language, literature, cultures, and history. Through a rigorous academic curriculum and language experiences, the programme aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to engage with and contribute to the global Arabic-speaking community, foster cross-cultural understanding, and promote intercultural communication.

The overarching learning objectives of the Arabic programme is to develop your linguistic, cultural, and analytical competencies necessary to engage with the Arabic-speaking world. You will acquire advanced proficiency in Arabic, gain in-depth knowledge of different Arab cultures, literature, and contemporary issues, and develop critical thinking, research, and intercultural communication skills.

International Relations

The undergraduate programme in International Relations offers you an academic perspective on the liaison between countries, and how bureaucratic decisions by hegemonic countries and the intervening action of administrative boards, state officials and elected representatives create a complex web of intercountry relations. During the course we will provide you with a coherent and clear image of how Western, European and Non-European countries coalesce, ranging from topics such as understanding foreign policy of USA and international economics, to international relations since 1919 and conflict resolution, to name a few. We also encourage you to participate in our Erasmus+ mobility programme, as we believe a multicultural perspective will provide a holistic academic journey.

Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

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Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

International Relations

An Advanced Level pass at Grade C or better, in either Arabic, or Economics, or French, or German, or History, or Russian, or Spanish, or a pass in Chinese obtained in the Chinese University/College Entrance Examination (Gaokao).

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

International Relations

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ARB1001	Arabic 1	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB1025	Introduction to Arabic Studies	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ARB1002	Arabic 2	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB2034	Arabic Literature: The Modern Period	6 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ARB2016	Arabic 3	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB3131	Arabic Readings: Classical Arabic Poetry and Prose	6 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ARB3027	Islam and Mediaeval Christendom	4 ECTS
ARB3057	Arabic 4	8 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ARB3018	Arabic 5	8 ECTS	(NC)
ARB3032	Arabic Readings: Modern Arabic Literature	4 ECTS	(NC)


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

ARB2026	The Qur’ân: Its Recitation and Interpretation	4 ECTS
ARB3015	Synoptic Study-Unit 1: Arabic Grammar	6 ECTS	(NC)
ARB3016	Synoptic Study-Unit 2: Arabic Texts; Arabic Literature	6 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
28 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic) and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS credits optional study-units

International Relations

Should there be the need, in addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of either 4 ECTS or 8 ECTS as applicable from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

IRL1025*	Introduction to Economics	4 ECTS
IRL1082	Introduction to Political Studies	6 ECTS	(NC)
IRL1193**	Introduction to Modern Europe	4 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

HST1126***	The Mediterranean in Modern Times	2 ECTS
IRL1091	Soft Power in International Relations: An Introduction to the Role of Media and Culture	4 ECTS
LIN1063	Academic Reading and Writing in English	2 ECTS
PHI1014	Political Philosophy	4 ECTS
* Study-unit IRL1025 is to be taken only by students who do not have an Advanced Level in Economics. It is compulsory for students who do not have an Advanced Level in Economics. Students with an Advanced Level in Economics must take 4 ECTS from the Elective Units. IRL1193 is to be taken only by students who do not have an Advanced Level in History. It is compulsory for students who do not have an Advanced Level in History. Students with an Advanced Level in History must take 4 ECTS from the Elective Units. * HST1126 cannot be taken by students following either Bachelor of Arts in History or Bachelor of Arts in European and Global History.

Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

IRL1081	The Global Politics of Inequality: Realities and Perspectives	4 ECTS	(NC)
IRL1088	Introduction to Foreign Policy	4 ECTS	(NC)
IRL1089	Theories of International Relations	4 ECTS	(NC)

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in International Relations
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 18 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

IRL3096*	Contemporary European Studies	8 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

IRL2002	Security Studies	4 ECTS	(NC)
IRL2093	Comparative Politics	4 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

BKF3341	Prevention of Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing	4 ECTS
INL2004	International and Public Law for International Relations	6 ECTS
IRL2012	Foreign Policy of Russia	4 ECTS
IRL2014	An Introduction to Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa	4 ECTS
IRL2064	Asia-Pacific in the World	6 ECTS
IRL2074	The Muslim-Arab World in Contemporary Times	4 ECTS
IRL2089	Further Studies in Diplomacy	4 ECTS
IRL3196	The Politics and the Government of the European Union	4 ECTS
PBL2025	Basic Principles of the European Convention on Human Rights	4 ECTS


Semester 2

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

HST2005	Contemporary Mediterranean History	6 ECTS
IRL2010	International Economics	4 ECTS
IRL2011	Foreign Policy of USA	4 ECTS
IRL2013	Political Economy of War	4 ECTS
IRL2058	Terror: Ideas and Realities	4 ECTS
IRL2084	The International Relations of Small States and Territories	4 ECTS
IRL2092	Political Movements and Parties	4 ECTS
IRL3006	Politics and Government in the Persian Gulf	4 ECTS
IRL3010	Norms, Rights and Climate Justice	4 ECTS
IRL3065	The Media and International Relations	4 ECTS
IRL3296	External Relations of the European Union	4 ECTS
* Students who register for study-unit IRL3096 cannot regsiter for study-units IRL3196 and IRL3296.

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in International Relations
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 8 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

IRL2090*	International Relations since 1919	6 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

IRL2099	Conflict Resolution and International Relations	4 ECTS	(NC)
IRL3189	International Political Economy 1	4 ECTS

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

BKF3341	Prevention of Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing	4 ECTS
HST3109	International Relations Between the World Wars	2 ECTS
IRL2060	Contemporary China	4 ECTS
IRL2098	Malta in International Relations	4 ECTS
IRL3013	Nuclear Politics	4 ECTS
IRL3095	Diplomacy and Diplomatic Practice	4 ECTS
PBL2025	Basic Principles of the European Convention on Human Rights	4 ECTS
PPG2003	Global Environmental Governance	4 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

IRL3057	Synoptic Study-Unit 1: International Relations	6 ECTS	(NC)
IRL3058	Synoptic Study-Unit 2: International Relations	6 ECTS	(NC)

Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)

IRL2020	Nationalism in International Politics	4 ECTS
IRL2036	Intercultural Politics in the Mediterranean	4 ECTS
IRL2290	International Relations since 1945	4 ECTS
IRL3007	War and Peace in the Middle East	4 ECTS
IRL3012	Democracy, Autocracy, and World Order	4 ECTS
IRL3041	Contemporary Warfare	4 ECTS
IRL3050	International Institutions	4 ECTS
* Students who register for study-unit IRL2090 cannot register for study-units HST3109 and IRL2290.

Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in International Relations
28 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. International Relations and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in International Relations
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS credits optional study-units

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts.

Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

By the end of the undergraduate programme, you will gain the following skills:

Language Proficiency: The acquisition of an advanced level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic and at least one dialect will enable you to communicate effectively in diverse settings.
Cultural Competence: Possessing a deep understanding of Arab culture, traditions, customs, and values will enable you to navigate and interact respectfully within Arab societies and contribute to intercultural dialogue.
Analytical Skills: The development of strong analytical and critical thinking skills will allow you to critically analyse and evaluate complex social, political, and cultural issues related to the Arab world.
Research and Scholarship: You will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, utilising primary and secondary sources in Arabic, and apply scholarly methodologies to produce high-quality academic work in the field of Arabic studies.
Global Perspective: The course material will include a global perspective and will therefore provide you with interdisciplinary knowledge, thus enabling you to understand the historical, geopolitical, and socio-cultural complexities of the Arab world and its relationships with other regions.
Intercultural Communication: You will be able to proficiently exhibit practical intercultural communication skills, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to bridge gaps through open dialogue and respectful engagement with diverse communities.

International Relations

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Carry out and conduct critical academic research in a professional manner as expected at an undergraduate level.
Have a familiarised knowledge about theories and concepts of international relations and apply them to contemporary world affairs.
Develop a keen sense of awareness through your refined interpretation of reading news and international events.
Contribute your invaluable knowledge on the subject matter to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discursive atmospheres.
Understand the interweaving relationship and personal ethics present between the contingent relationship of individual decisions and national results.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

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Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

As a graduate in this course you will be employable, both locally and internationally, as a translator, writer, researcher, human resources officer, editor, journalist, teacher, publisher, librarian, social worker, public cultural educator and as a tourism officer. If you are interested in furthering your education, or are considering an academic profession, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our local postgraduate courses for a honed academic background.

International Relations

As a graduate of this programme of study you will be employable, both locally and internationally, as an intelligence analyst, policy office political risk analyst, international aid worker, public affairs consultant, diplomatic service officer and as a civil service fast streamer. If you would like to further your studies, or are considering an academic profession, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our local post-graduate courses.

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