Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic) and Theatre Studies

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.

Theatre Studies

In the undergraduate programme of study in Theatre Studies, we will give you an academic perspective of the theoretical, practical and historical application of the theatre, and its versatile application in a broad range of performative manners. During the course we will instil you with a deep sense of awareness and appreciation of the interdisciplinary area and its contribution to society. We will also encourage you to participate in the Erasmus+ mobility programme for a multicultural and diverse 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.

Need help?

Information for International applicants

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

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.

Theatre Studies

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.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

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)
ARB1042	Arabic Literature: The Abbasid 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)

ARB2003	Maghrebi Arabic	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)

ARB2012	Media Arabic	6 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:
30 ECTS credits in Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures (Arabic)
28 ECTS credits in the other area
2 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

Theatre Studies


Semester 1

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

THS1100	Histories of Theatre 1	6 ECTS
THS1104	Performance Skills 1: Training	5 ECTS
THS1106	Studying Performance	4 ECTS


Semester 2

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

THS1101	Histories of Theatre 2	6 ECTS
THS1105	Performance Skills 2: Festival	5 ECTS

Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 credits in Theatre Studies
26 credits in the other area
8 credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Semester 1

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

THS2200	Theatrical Texts	5 ECTS

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

PFA2004	Interdisciplinary Theories of Performance	5 ECTS
PFA2005	Performance and Philosophy	4 ECTS
PFA2006	Musical Theatre: Histories and Training	4 ECTS
THS2106	Applied Performance 1: Skills	4 ECTS
THS2110	Modern Theatre and Performance	5 ECTS
THS2111	Contemporary Theatre and Performance	5 ECTS
THS2112*	Interdisciplinary Practices	4 ECTS
THS2202	Theatre Skills: Acting	6 ECTS
* Study-unit THS2112 can only be taken after consultation with the Theatre Studies Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Semester 2

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

THS2103	Theories of Performance: Critical Perspectives	5 ECTS

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

PFA2007	Musical Theatre: Performance	4 ECTS
THS2107	Arts and Cultural Management 1: Theories and Perspectives	6 ECTS
THS2108	Popular Performance	5 ECTS
THS2109	Theatre and Performance in Malta	5 ECTS
THS2113**	Performance and Scientific Perspectives	4 ECTS
THS2201	Theatre Skills: Writing for the theatre	5 ECTS
THS2203	Theatre Skills: Directing	4 ECTS
* Study-unit THS2113 can only be taken after consultation with the Theatre Studies Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 credits in Theatre Studies
26 credits in the other area
8 credits optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.


Semester 1

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

THS2106	Applied Performance 1: Skills	4 ECTS
THS3107	Arts and Cultural Management 2: Placement	6 ECTS
THS3108	Musicality in Theatre and Performance	6 ECTS
THS3110	Shakespeare in Performance	6 ECTS
THS3112*	Advanced Topic in Theatre Studies 1	4 ECTS
THS3114	Practice Research	6 ECTS
* Study-unit THS3112 can only be taken after consultation with the Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

Semester 2

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

THS3095	Synoptic Study-Unit 1: Theatre Studies	6 ECTS	(NC)
THS3096	Synoptic Study-Unit 2: Theatre Studies	6 ECTS	(NC)

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

THS3106	Applied Performance 2: Community Project	6 ECTS
THS3109	World and Intercultural Performance	6 ECTS
THS3113**	Advanced Topic in Theatre Studies 2	4 ECTS
Study-unit THS3113 can only** be taken after consultation with the Head of Department. In order to register, a confirmation email/note should be attached with the student registration form.

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

Requirement for award of B.A. Theatre Studies and in another area of study: 180 credits, of which:
80 credits in Theatre Studies
80 credits in the other area
20 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.

Theatre Studies

Upon successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

Carry out research and write academic essays through your refined sense of critical thought about the performative arts.
Contribute to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussions through your unique knowledge of the subject matter.
Speak fluently about the history, practicality and practices of theatre in contemporary performances.
Display critical thought and knowledge through your independent work and production.
Use your refined awareness and eye for detail to discuss and interpret contemporary productions and performances.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

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.

Theatre Studies

As a graduate in this programme of study you will have career opportunities, both locally and internationally, as an acting couch, actor, activist, casting director, critic, journalist, reporter, publicist, playwright, drama teacher, costume designer, theatre manager, script writer and community worker. If you are interested in furthering your studies or are considering an academic profession, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our postgraduate courses.