Language Centre
Arabic (Modern Standard) Beginners 1 Online - semi-intensive course August 2026
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Key information
Key information
- Start of programme
- 4 August - 3 September 2026
- Attendance mode
- Part-time, online live session/blended learning
Course overview
This 5-week online evening course is aimed at complete beginners and is designed to enable learners to communicate in Modern Standard Arabic within a limited range of everyday situations.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the recognised means of formal spoken and written communication. It is used throughout the Arabic-speaking world on official occasions, in education and the media.
This course is designed for complete beginners of Modern Standard Arabic and will teach them to apply the language within a limited range of everyday situations using the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will learn to express themselves at a basic level of communicative interaction. They will also be introduced to the essentials of the Arabic writing system and learn to read and write basic words and sentences. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.
Arabic (MSA) Beginners 1 Semi-Intensive Online (44307) August 2026 timetable:
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 6 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 11 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 13 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 18 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 20 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 25 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 27 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 1 September | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 3 September | 7pm - 8:30pm |
Method
The course is taught in English and Arabic and includes an appropriate exposure to Arabic grammar and vocabulary, while developing the skills of comprehension in listening and reading, and the skills of expression in speaking and writing.
The course is delivered through a blended learning model: comprised of 15 hours of live, online, structured lessons with the teacher, plus approximately 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary materials (a total of 20 hours of blended learning). The course is designed so that, over the 10‑week period, you should have the opportunity to achieve the stated objectives, depending on your engagement and progress.
Materials
Our course materials page shows you what you need to buy for this course. Course materials are not included in the course fee.
Fees
- £299
Please see our course fees for full information and discounts available.
Structure
Arabic (Modern Standard) Beginners 1
In this course you will:
- recognise and use the Arabic alphabet
- be comfortable with the pronunciation of the letters
- understand the difference between feminine and masculine forms
- use common greetings
- introduce yourself
- share your nationality, profession, and family
- form simple sentences
- describe things like your town and objects
- make polite requests
- explain what belongs to who
- ask basic questions
- understand features of dialects
- understand the iḍafa structure
The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.
Terms and conditions
Before applying, please be sure that you have read the SOAS Language Centre terms and conditions
How to apply
This MSA Beginners 1 course is aimed at complete beginners, no previous knowledge is required.
Please note that places are first come first served. Enrolments are taken until the course is fully booked, or up to midnight 19 July, whichever is soonest.
Continuing your study
This MSA Beginners 1 intensive course is equivalent to the 10-week MSA Beginners 1 level. Students who complete this course may be able to join a Beginners 2 for our term starting October 2026, or a future term at SOAS Language Centre.
