Studying Arabic @ Uni
Universities
The following universities offer the possibility to do a straight Arabic degree (i believe only ab initio courses) as well as a combined Arabic degree:
Cambridge
Edinburgh
Exeter
Leeds
Manchester
Oxford
SOAS
St Andrews
And these universities offer solely combined courses (either with other languages or other subjects):
Lancashire
Durham
Lampeter
Salford
Westminster
Which one to go to
As a word of advice I would generally say that universities that offer single honours Arabic would be better choices if you're stuck as to where to apply - they will have the best dedication and facilities, and more likely to have a better department/professors. You don't want to go somewhere where your subject is pushed to the side.
It is also important to note when the year abroad will be. Some universities offer it in the 2nd yr, some in the 3rd. The advantage of going abroad in your second year is you build up fluency earlier on in the course, allowing for my focused learning in the last 2yrs. However many people are unsure about going abroad to soon, and it could be too early for some people. It is also important to see what you can do in your year abroad, most universities require you to take part in their own programs, where as some (notably Oxbridge) will let you do whatever you like.
The different universities offer different types of courses. The courses at Oxbridge for example are extremely fast paced and very demanding, unlike other universities they will expect you to have learnt the script yourself before arriving. Students are put in very small classes where the teaching is intense, and are not like lectures - you will be expected to contribute actively to the class. You will also have an hour a week alone with a professor and one other student for more individual language teaching, these are called supervisions and they can be scary but are excellent for language learning. Unfortunately the courses in these universities can seem a bit prescriptive and dull, they are very academic and A LOT will be expected of you as so much is crammed into such short terms, but courses here will provide you with an excellent, traditional grounding in your degree, not just in Arabic language but with an understanding of the whole region.
Courses at other universities can often be significantly more innovative, for example Salford offer a course in 'Security studies and Arabic'. These types of courses a much more specific and won't give you such a broad knowledge base. However they often a lot better for people who know what they want to study. Another advantage is that the course will not be as dull and will be less traditional, e.g. you may not have to literature, history etc if you choose not to. However the courses are not usually very academic and you may find that you don't get the same level of individual language teaching as you would elsewhere.
SOAS is obviously a number one choice for Arabic, being a specialist university they have amazing resources. The library there is fantastic to say the least. But the problem will again be to high a student-teacher ratio, and you may find that you fall by the way-side and there is no one there to pick you up. Neverthless if you know you want to study Arabic and have the confidence, SOAS is a wonderful place, the whole culture of the university is suited to the course and you will find you course is one of the main ones offered, unlike in Cambridge where hardly anyone takes my course.
Obviously all courses at universities are different but hopefully that should give you a flavour of the differences. Make sure you research properly and are aware of what you want to study.
*Marion perhaps you could add in something about Manchester/Exeter (because I don't know very much....)?*
What do I put on my PS?
Explain what first got you interested in the region/language, but don't be cliche, try to avoid saying 'I want to become a spy'. What interests you? Do you love learning languages and their grammar, want to discover that of a Semitic tounge? then say it!
Outline anything extra you have done to do with other languages/cultures. I wrote about the Romanian orphanage I helped renovate - it's all relevant because it shows your passion for getting to know other cultures. Obviously if you've had contact with an Arab culture write about that too, although don't simply talk about the Arab tea you had in Morocco, say something insightful or original.
I will point out though that it is really necessary to make sure this is what you want to study. Non european languages are a real challenge and you look into the language a bit beforehand to make dure you're up for it. The main reason people drop out of these courses if because they didn't realise what they were in for and don't feel up for it after all. Many people change to Politics based degrees - if your main interest is this then think about whether a language based degree is for you. You could also look at combined politics and arabic degrees.
What can I do after my degree?
Obviously you can do everything that you normally do with a language degree but what is specific to Arabic is that it is a good language to learn for those who want to go into international politics, the UN and/or diplomatic/civil service work. Obviously these, along with oil, are the typical career prospects one thinks of. But you needn't do something like that, learning such a hard language shows commitment and great skill - things that are valuable for all jobs. Arabic speakers are also much more sought after than those with more common european languages.
Similarely you can go into journalism, translation and banking/law. Or even go onto post graduate study and become a linguist as a job! It really is entirely up to you.
How proficient will I be after my degree?
It depends on lots of things - how committed you are and how talented you are, and to an extent to the university you go to and whether you take a double/single honours degree. It is entirely possible to come out fluent if you make the most of your year abroad.