MA Arabic and Economics

4 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The University of Edinburgh’s MA Arabic and Economics is a powerful joint honours degree that blends deep linguistic and cultural immersion with rigorous economic analysis. Ideal for students interested in global commerce, diplomacy, or development, the program offers a thorough grounding in classical and modern Arabic alongside core training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Students begin with Arabic 1, which introduces the fundamentals of reading, writing, and speaking Arabic, and Economic Principles, covering foundational micro and macroeconomic theory. This year builds essential language skills while laying the groundwork for economic analysis.

Year 2
Arabic study continues with Arabic 2, advancing grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding. In economics, students take Introductory Econometrics and Applications of Economic Analysis, applying statistical tools to real-world data and exploring how economic theory informs policy.

Year 3
Students spend the year abroad in an Arabic-speaking country, fully immersed in the language and culture. This transformative experience deepens fluency and intercultural competence while offering exposure to regional economic contexts.

Year 4
Back in Edinburgh, students take advanced modules such as Arabic 4, Arabic Oral, and Arabic Coursework Essay, alongside economics courses like Topics in Microeconomics, Topics in Macroeconomics, and Essentials of Econometrics. The year culminates in an IMES Dissertation, allowing students to explore a topic that bridges both disciplines.

Focus areas: Arabic language and literature, Middle Eastern culture, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international development

Learning outcomes: Students will achieve fluency in Arabic, apply economic theory to global challenges, and conduct independent research across both disciplines.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is not professionally accredited but aligns with QAA benchmarks in Languages, Area Studies, and Economics.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Edinburgh ranks #22 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is internationally recognised for excellence in Arabic and Economics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the University of Edinburgh’s MA Arabic and Economics program gain practical skills through immersive language training, real-world economic analysis, and a transformative year abroad. The program is designed to build fluency in Arabic while developing strong analytical capabilities in economics — supported by Edinburgh’s world-class facilities and global partnerships.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the program:

Year Abroad in an Arabic-Speaking Country: Students spend their third year fully immersed in Arabic language and culture, gaining firsthand experience of regional economic contexts and intercultural communication.
Arabic Language Labs: Interactive sessions and digital tools support pronunciation, grammar, and conversational fluency, with access to specialist software and native-speaker input.
Economics Quantitative Training: Modules like Introductory Econometrics and Essentials of Econometrics involve hands-on data analysis using statistical software such as STATA or R.
Dissertation Supervision: Final-year students complete an IMES Dissertation, often integrating both disciplines, with close guidance from faculty in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and Economics.
Libraries & Digital Resources: Students have access to the Main Library and the Alwaleed Centre’s resources, including Arabic texts, economic journals, and databases like JSTOR and Eikon.
Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World: Offers seminars, research opportunities, and public engagement events that enrich understanding of Arabic-speaking societies.
Group Projects & Presentations: Economics modules include collaborative assignments that simulate policy analysis, market evaluation, and development strategy proposals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Edinburgh’s MA Arabic and Economics are equipped with a rare and highly marketable combination of language fluency, cultural insight, and economic expertise. This opens doors to careers in diplomacy, international development, economic consultancy, and global business — with typical roles including policy analyst, Middle East specialist, economic researcher, and NGO program officer. The program’s interdisciplinary training and year abroad make it especially attractive to employers seeking global-minded graduates:

Careers Service Support: Students benefit from tailored guidance through the University’s Careers Service, including one-to-one advice, employer events, and access to the Edinburgh Award for skills development.
Graduate Outcomes: 90% of undergraduate students from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Salary Potential: Economics graduates from Edinburgh report median earnings of £30,000–£35,000 within a year of completing their degree.
Industry Partnerships: The University collaborates with organisations such as the British Council, the Alwaleed Centre, and Development Pathways, offering students exposure to policy, research, and international engagement.
Long-Term Value: While not professionally accredited, the program’s dual focus on economics and Arabic language provides a strong foundation for careers in government, finance, and international organisations.
Global Reputation: The University of Edinburgh ranks #22 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is internationally recognised for excellence in Arabic, Economics, and interdisciplinary studies.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can pursue postgraduate study in Economics, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, or International Relations at Edinburgh or other top institutions. The program’s strong research training and language immersion make it an ideal pathway to master’s or PhD-level work.