Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Arabic

The Master of Arts in Arabic is a postgraduate programme offered by the University of Nairobi through the Department of Linguistics and Languages in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The programme provides advanced study of Arabic language, literature, and linguistics, preparing graduates for careers in translation, education, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication.

The programme covers Arabic language structure, classical and modern Arabic literature, Arabic linguistics, translation studies, and intercultural communication. Students engage with both classical Arabic texts and contemporary Arabic discourse, developing deep linguistic and cultural competence.

Core areas of study include Arabic syntax and morphology, Arabic rhetoric and stylistics, classical Arabic literature, modern Arabic literature, Arabic translation studies, Arabic sociolinguistics, research methods in language studies, and Arabic discourse analysis. The programme combines theoretical study with practical language application.

The Department of Linguistics and Languages at the University of Nairobi is one of the oldest and largest language departments in Kenya, established in 1971. It offers programmes in linguistics, English, Kiswahili, Arabic, German, Chinese, and Korean, providing a rich multilingual and multicultural academic environment.

The programme is designed for both recent graduates and professionals working in fields requiring Arabic language expertise, including diplomacy, international organisations, translation services, education, and Islamic studies. Arabic is one of the official languages of the African Union and is widely spoken across North and East Africa.

Graduates are prepared for careers as Arabic language specialists, translators, interpreters, educators, diplomatic service officers, and researchers. The programme's location in Nairobi, a hub for international organisations, provides opportunities for Arabic-language professionals in regional diplomatic and development contexts.

Skills Required

Arabic Language Proficiency
Arabic Translation and Interpretation
Arabic Linguistic Analysis
Classical and Modern Arabic Literature
Arabic Syntax and Morphology
Cross-Cultural Communication
Arabic Discourse Analysis
Research Methods in Language Studies
Arabic Sociolinguistics
Arabic Rhetoric and Stylistics

Key Subjects

Arabic Syntax and Morphology
Classical Arabic Literature
Modern Arabic Literature
Arabic Translation Studies
Arabic Sociolinguistics
Arabic Rhetoric and Stylistics
Research Methods in Language Studies
Arabic Discourse Analysis
Intercultural Communication
Arabic Phonology

Certifications

Chartered Institute of Linguists Membership
Arabic Language Proficiency Certification (ALPT)

Specializations

Arabic Linguistics

Focuses on the scientific study of Arabic language structure including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

Arabic Literature

Examines classical and modern Arabic literary traditions, including poetry, prose, and literary criticism.

Arabic Translation Studies

Covers translation theory and practice between Arabic and English, including technical, literary, and diplomatic translation.

Arabic Sociolinguistics

Examines the social dimensions of Arabic language use, including dialectal variation, diglossia, and language policy.

Classical Arabic Studies

Focuses on classical Arabic texts, including Quranic studies, classical poetry, and medieval Arabic scholarship.

Arabic Discourse Analysis

Covers analysis of Arabic discourse in media, politics, and academic contexts, examining rhetorical strategies and argumentation.

Intercultural Communication

Examines communication between Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking communities, including cultural mediation and intercultural competence.

Applied Arabic Studies

Focuses on practical applications of Arabic language skills in professional contexts including diplomacy, business, and education.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Arabic Syntax and Morphology
Classical Arabic Literature
Modern Arabic Literature
Arabic Translation Studies
Arabic Sociolinguistics
Arabic Rhetoric and Stylistics
Research Methods in Language Studies
Arabic Discourse Analysis
Intercultural Communication
Arabic Phonology

Modules

10 in the programme

Arabic Syntax and Morphology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines Arabic sentence structure, grammatical rules, and morphological patterns including derivational morphology and inflectional systems.
Classical Arabic Literature
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Surveys classical Arabic literary traditions including pre-Islamic poetry, Quranic prose, Abbasid literature, and medieval Arabic scholarship.
Arabic Translation Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers translation theory and practice between Arabic and English, including literary, technical, and diplomatic translation techniques.
Modern Arabic Literature
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines modern and contemporary Arabic literature including novels, short stories, poetry, and literary criticism from the Nahda period to the present.
Arabic Sociolinguistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines social dimensions of Arabic language use including dialectal variation, diglossia between Modern Standard Arabic and dialects, and language policy.
Arabic Rhetoric and Stylistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Arabic rhetorical traditions including balagha (eloquence), figurative language, and stylistic analysis of Arabic texts.
Research Methods in Language Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in Arabic language and linguistics.
Arabic Discourse Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines Arabic discourse in media, politics, and academic contexts, analysing rhetorical strategies, argumentation, and discourse structure.
Intercultural Communication
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines communication between Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking communities, including cultural mediation and intercultural competence.
Thesis
Year 2Semester 28 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an Arabic language, literature, or linguistics topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Arabic Linguistics
Focuses on the scientific study of Arabic language structure including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
Arabic Literature
Examines classical and modern Arabic literary traditions, including poetry, prose, and literary criticism.
Arabic Translation Studies
Covers translation theory and practice between Arabic and English, including technical, literary, and diplomatic translation.
Arabic Sociolinguistics
Examines the social dimensions of Arabic language use, including dialectal variation, diglossia, and language policy.
Classical Arabic Studies
Focuses on classical Arabic texts, including Quranic studies, classical poetry, and medieval Arabic scholarship.
Arabic Discourse Analysis
Covers analysis of Arabic discourse in media, politics, and academic contexts, examining rhetorical strategies and argumentation.
Intercultural Communication
Examines communication between Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking communities, including cultural mediation and intercultural competence.
Applied Arabic Studies
Focuses on practical applications of Arabic language skills in professional contexts including diplomacy, business, and education.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on Arabic syntax, classical literature, or translation theory at the Department of Linguistics and Languages. Students engage in Arabic text analysis, translation exercises between Arabic and English, and seminar discussions on Arabic literary works. The programme includes practical language sessions where students develop oral and written proficiency. Those in the research phase conduct linguistic fieldwork, analyse Arabic texts, and work on their thesis under faculty supervision in the Education Building at the Main Campus.

The trade offs

In its favour

Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenya's premier university with one of the oldest and largest linguistics departments in the country.
Arabic is an official language of the African Union, creating career opportunities in diplomacy and international organisations across Africa.
Programme covers both classical and modern Arabic, providing comprehensive language and literary competence.
Nairobi hosts numerous international organisations and diplomatic missions, providing practical opportunities for Arabic-language professionals.

Against it

Only one institution offers this programme in Kenya, limiting choice and geographic accessibility.
Arabic is not widely spoken in Kenya, limiting opportunities for immersive language practice outside the classroom.
Career opportunities, while growing, remain fewer compared to more commonly studied languages like French or Chinese.
Programme requires prior Arabic language foundation, which may not be available to all prospective students.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private138k to 191k

138k at KCA University191k at Africa International University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 220.5K, AIU 191K/yr verified. Maseno, KCA unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, University of Nairobi postgraduate bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme for academically talented Africans.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Bursary
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at the University of Nairobi.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Academically talented young Africans facing economic, social, or institutional barriers.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Persons with lower qualifications but with publications and postgraduate diplomas after a Bachelor's degree may be considered for admission. Applicants should have a foundation in Arabic language studies from their undergraduate degree.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, translation exercises, text analyses, seminar presentations, and research papers conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering all course unit content, including essay questions, translation tasks, and linguistic analysis.
Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an Arabic language, literature, or linguistics topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Translation Portfolio
Coursework20% of the mark
Portfolio of translated texts demonstrating practical translation competence across literary, technical, and diplomatic domains.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by the Department of Linguistics and Languages at the University of Nairobi.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
Chartered Institute of Linguists
Professional membership
Global professional body for linguists. Membership recommended for professional recognition and networking.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Arabic Translator
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000
Translates documents between Arabic and English for diplomatic missions, international organisations, and private companies.
Arabic Language Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Teaches Arabic language at secondary schools, language institutes, and university level.
Diplomatic Service Officer
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Serves in Kenya's foreign service or international organisations, utilising Arabic language skills for diplomatic engagement with Arabic-speaking nations.
Interpreter
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 220,000
Provides simultaneous or consecutive interpretation between Arabic and English at conferences, meetings, and diplomatic events.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches Arabic language, literature, or linguistics at universities, contributing to research and scholarship.
Cross-Cultural Consultant
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Advises organisations on cultural and linguistic aspects of engagement with Arabic-speaking communities and markets.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as Arabic translators, interpreters, language teachers, diplomatic service officers, and researchers, with moderate demand driven by Kenya's diplomatic and trade relations with Arabic-speaking nations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Arabic Word Processing Software
SoftwarePrimary
Word processing software with Arabic language support for right-to-left text editing and Arabic typography.
CAT Tools (SDL Trados)
SoftwarePrimary
Computer-assisted translation software for professional Arabic-English translation projects with terminology management.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for quantitative research in Arabic sociolinguistics and language studies.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing Arabic texts, discourse, and interview data in research projects.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Arabic studies is only for Muslims or those interested in Islamic religion.
Arabic is a major world language with applications in diplomacy, international business, translation, and academia. While it has religious significance, the programme covers linguistics, literature, and applied language skills.
Arabic language skills have limited career prospects in Kenya.
Arabic is one of the official languages of the African Union and is spoken across North and East Africa. Kenya hosts numerous international organisations and diplomatic missions requiring Arabic-language professionals.
You need to be fluent in Arabic before enrolling in the MA programme.
While a foundation in Arabic is expected from undergraduate studies, the programme develops advanced proficiency through structured coursework and practical language sessions.
An MA in Arabic only leads to teaching careers.
Graduates pursue diverse careers including translation, interpretation, diplomatic service, international organisation work, publishing, and cross-cultural consultancy.
Arabic translation is straightforward once you know the language.
Professional Arabic translation requires advanced training in translation theory, cultural mediation, and specialised terminology across legal, diplomatic, technical, and literary domains.
The programme focuses only on classical Arabic.
The programme covers both classical and modern Arabic, including contemporary literature, media discourse, and modern standard Arabic used in professional contexts.