The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many notable alumni in a variety of fields, including science, literature, and politics. Today, the University of Edinburgh is a leading research-intensive university, with a global reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world.

Year 1
You will study elementary Arabic to learn basic grammar and develop your vocabulary.

If you have a limited knowledge of French you will take French 1A an intensive language course that also introduces you to French culture.

If you have studied French beyond National 5 (SQA) or GCSE level you will typically take French 1B which as well as developing your written and spoken linguistic skills engages intensively with modern French literature culture and civilisation.

You will also take courses in Islamic history and modern Middle Eastern history.

Year 2
You will continue with your language studies in Arabic and take a course in the religion of Islam or Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures.

Your French courses will build on your knowledge of the language and French literature and culture. The focus now shifts to exploring the 16th to the 19th centuries including authors such as Molière Montaigne and Baudelaire alongside writers whose work has been considered marginal to French culture for reasons of gender or colonial politics.

Finally you will choose a further course from a range of options. This gives you the chance to explore European literature film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts for example or to study French politics.

Year 3
International travel restrictions permitting you will spend Year 3 abroad dividing your 30 weeks between Arabic and French and spending at least eight weeks in a country relevant to each language.

For your study abroad in Arabic you can choose between at least two different countries in the Arabic-speaking world.

For French you can choose to study at a university - we currently have exchange places in France Belgium and Switzerland. Alternatively you may be eligible to do a teaching assistant placement - or other work placement - instead.

During your year abroad we will aim to ensure your experience is as beneficial as possible to your final year as well as to your wider language learning cultural awareness and skills development. For example you will take an e-learning course in French which will count as part of your third year mark and prepare you for your fourth year French language courses.

If international travel is not possible you will be offered alternative ways of engaging with your subjects. This will allow you to meet your learning outcomes and prepare for your final year.

Year 4
You will continue to develop your language and translation skills.

You will also choose from a range of specialist option courses dealing with different aspects of Islam and the Middle East and French literature and culture.

You will write your honours dissertation.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class research-intensive university that has been shaping the minds of students for over four centuries. Founded in 1583, it is one of Scotland's ancient universities and the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are known for their high level of education and employability. The university is home to some of the world's most respected research centers and institutes, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the Royal Observatory, and the Human Communication Research Centre.

Throughout its history, the University of Edinburgh has produced many notable alumni, including economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most famous writers. The university has also produced seven Nobel Prize winners, including Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and Peter Higgs, who proposed the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Edinburgh is also known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to several leading research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. The university also has a strong emphasis on student engagement, and it encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and societies, and volunteer work.

The University of Edinburgh is a diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from all over the world. The university provides students with a supportive and challenging environment, where they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, making it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a great student experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it