What is A Level Arabic?

Whether you want to study a language at A Level or you’re considering a career in the Middle East, A Level Arabic could be for you.

Offered by Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab) only, A Level Arabic allows you to read, write and translate Arabic.

This guide covers what you'll learn, how it’s assessed, and where it can lead you in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Pearson Edexcel is currently the only UK exam board offering A Level Arabic

• A Level Arabic involves the study of the language, literature, film and culture of the Arabic-speaking world

• Assessment is three written exams sat at the end of Year 13

• You do not need to have taken GCSE Arabic to take it at A Level, but it is recommended

• It opens routes to degrees such as Arabic, Linguistics and joint honours, as well as careers in journalism, the civil service and business

What is A Level Arabic?

A Level Arabic develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the Arabic language, the culture of the Arabic-speaking world, and practical language and study skills.

It’s part of Modern Languages in the list of A Level subjects, and pairs well with other languages and Religious Studies (especially if you’re taking the Islam option).

Which exam board offers A Level Arabic?

Pearson Edexcel is currently the only UK exam board offering A Level Arabic.

What do you study in A Level Arabic?

The content for the Edexcel course is split into four themes, each covering both the past and present. The list below includes examples of sub-themes for each:

1. Society (1/2)

• The Arab family

• Media

• Social norms

2. Artistic culture

   • Music

   • Art

   • Celebrations

3. Society (2/2)

   • Life and work

   • Social movements

   • Unemployment

4. Political culture

   • Arab identity

   • Arabism

   • Ethnicity

How is A Level Arabic assessed?

The table below includes an overview of each of the three papers:

Do you need to be a native or heritage Arabic speaker?

The course has no prior learning requirements, but being a native or heritage Arabic speaker offers a clear advantage for listening, vocabulary and fluency. However, speaking Arabic at home doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be better at writing essays, translating accurately and critically analysing literature and films.

If you're a non-native learner, you'll typically need GCSE Arabic plus two or three more years of self-study or tutoring before you're ready for the A Level. The transition from GCSE to A Level in any language is significant, and Arabic is no exception. It's not impossible, but it's a serious commitment.

How hard is A Level Arabic?

Though it’s not usually listed among the hardest A Levels, A Level Arabic can be especially challenging for non-native speakers. Being new to Arabic means you’ll face a much steeper learning curve, and will therefore have to put in considerable extra work.

It tends to be more accessible for native speakers, at least at first, but it can still be hard – especially if you find essay writing and critical analysis difficult.

If you took GCSE Arabic and did well in it, you’ll already have a strong foundation to build on. Our guide on preparing for A Levels after GCSE will help you to navigate the step up.

What can you do with A Level Arabic?

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Arabic can open up for you:

Further Study

• Oxford and Cambridge offer strong programmes in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

• Degrees in Arabic, Linguistics and joint honours like Arabic and Film Studies

Careers

• Journalism, e.g. Middle East correspondent

• Civil service, e.g. the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

• Business, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Is A Level Arabic right for you?

If you studied (and enjoyed) GCSE Arabic, have a passion for modern languages and are looking to study an Arabic-related degree, A Level Arabic is seriously worth considering.

If you’re not a fan of languages or writing and you’re completely new to Arabic, think twice before committing. A more practical A Level might suit you better, and while you can take A Level Arabic without the foundation of GCSE, it’s much harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do an A Level in Arabic if your school doesn't offer it?

Yes. Many UK students who take A Level Arabic do so via private exam centres rather than through their school.

You’ll need to arrange to take the course externally, such as through a tutor or distance education provider.

Do you need GCSE Arabic to take A Level Arabic?

Technically no, but taking A Level Arabic without the GCSE and without being a native speaker will be considerably difficult. You’ll need to commit to a lot of additional independent study to prepare.

Is A Level Arabic easier for native speakers?

It’s easier in some ways, but not necessarily across the board.

Native speakers have a head start on listening, vocabulary and fluency, but there is a gap between dialects spoken at home and the formal language of the exam.

As a Modern Language, A Level Arabic is a highly practical qualification with real-world application. See if it’s available at your school and, if not, consider taking it with a distance education provider.