1. Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
  2. Outreach
  3. YMLP
  4. Short Courses
  5. Modern Standard Arabic

Modern Standard Arabic

Modern Standard Arabic courses for adults

Applications are now open for the Centre’s Arabic course offered at two levels:

Level 1A, and Level 1B

Each course runs over three terms, 8 weeks per term, beginning in October and ending in June. 

Apply for Arabic Class

Why learn Arabic at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies?

  • Receive small-group tuition with a native speaker
  • Discover the cultures of the Arabic-speaking world, including food, festivals, traditions, politics, etiquette and more
  • Complete grammar training to develop a thorough understanding of Arabic
  • Study in the beautiful surroundings of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies building, which is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture

Cost: £420 per course (36-hour course). A 10% discount is applied for current University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University students and staff, OCIS Scholars and YMLP Alumni, as well as current and former OCIS Visiting Fellows.

Tutor: Mrs Sara Youssef

Levels: Please see below for details of each level. The course for each level comprises of 24 weekly classes spread over three terms: Michaelmas (October – December), Hilary (January – March), and Trinity (April – June).

If you are applying for level 1b or higher, you will be asked to take a Placement Test to assist the Course Tutor in gauging present competence. Please note that acceptance on any course is always subject to the approval of the Course Tutor and to various external factors such as class sizes.

Please note all timings given below are subject to change, applicants will be informed of any proposed changes before the start of the term.

Payment: 

You will be invited to pay by bank transfer once the Course Tutor has confirmed your acceptance of your chosen course level. A non-refundable payment of £140 (or £126 if eligible for the discount) should be made by  2 October 2026. The balance of £280 (or £252 if eligible for the discount) will be required by 11 December 2026 in order to continue and complete the course. If preferred, you may pay the Centre the full course payment in one go by 10 October. Please confirm which payment option you would prefer once you have received confirmation of acceptance on the course.

Payments should generally be made by bank transfer. Alternatively, by prior arrangement, you may make payment by credit/debit card (Visa and MasterCard) or, if this is not possible, by cash or cheque at the Academic Office. Credit/Debit card payments cannot be made remotely at the present time. 

You will be required to have a copy of the course text book (details can be found in the course description). Please note the Centre cannot obtain this book for you.

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Please contact the Academic Office with any queries:
Tel: +44 (0)1865 618543, Fax: +44 (0)1865 248942
Email: msa@oxcis.ac.uk 


Level 1a – Complete beginners

Course description

This course is designed for students who have no, or very little, previous knowledge or exposure to the Arabic language. In the first term, students will be taught how to read, write and accurately pronounce the Arabic script. The second and third terms will cover the foundations of forming basic sentences in Arabic. The course will cover topics including: greetings and introductions, describing people and objects, ordering at a restaurant, friends and family, work and the workplace, and travelling. By the end of the course, students should have reached Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Course books:
Arabic for Life [Yale University Press, ISBN: 9780300233834]

Structure: 24 weekly classes spread over three terms: Michaelmas (Oct.–Dec.), Hilary (Jan.–Mar.), and Trinity (April–June).

Timings: Fridays 9.30am–11.00am at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Marston Road (Please note this course is in-person only - NOT online).


Level 1b – Elementary

Course description

This course is designed for beginner students who have little or no knowledge of Arabic grammar or conversation but who can write and read the script (albeit without comprehension). The first term will cover the foundations of forming basic sentences in Arabic. Terms 2 and 3 will build on these skills and introduce students to more complex ways of talking about themselves and other subjects. It will also introduce students to using an Arabic root dictionary. The course will cover topics including: greetings and introductions, describing people and objects, ordering at a restaurant, friends and family, work and the workplace, and travelling, talking about the past and present. By the end of the course, students should have reached Level A1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Course books:
Arabic for Life [Yale University Press, ISBN: 9780300233834]

Structure: 24 weekly classes spread over three terms: Michaelmas (Oct.–Dec.), Hilary (Jan.–Mar.), and Trinity (April–June).

Timings: Fridays 11.00am–12.30pm at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Marston Road (Please note this course is in-person only - NOT online).