Arabic and Ancient Greek, MA (Hons)

The classical Greek heritage has profoundly shaped Islamic thought and, through Arabic, has significantly influenced Western philosophy since the 12th century CE. The enduring connections between Arabic, ancient Greek, and related civilizations make this joint honours program an ideal combination.Arabic is the primary language of over 350 million people across a vast region from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf, ranking as the sixth most spoken language worldwide and one of the six official United Nations languages, with notable communities in Western Europe and Latin America. No prior knowledge of Arabic or ancient Greek is required; by the third year, students will develop skills for studying and living abroad. Mastery of Arabic provides access to Islam's rich intellectual heritage and a diverse region, while the program enhances understanding of the literature, culture, and history of the Middle East and the classical and Islamic Mediterranean.