UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
Arabic and Persian MA (Hons)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS T621
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Mandatory Year AbroadStudy Abroad Component
- Central Area, EdinburghStudy Location
- Full-timeAttendance Mode
- 3rd in UK for Modern LanguagesRankings
- 4th in UK for Arts and HumanitiesRankings
This joint honours programme allows you to study Arabic and Persian, languages spoken by over 470 million people globally. It offers a gateway to the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, as well as the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. Arabic is a UN official language, and Persian (Farsi) is spoken in Iran and parts of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The programme is designed for beginners, though heritage learners and those with some prior experience can be accommodated. You will learn to express yourself in both modern languages and engage with classical and contemporary texts on society, religion, culture, history, politics, literature, art, and cinema. The University of Edinburgh is a leading institution for Middle Eastern studies, with extensive library resources and a vibrant academic community. This four-year degree includes a mandatory year abroad, providing an immersive cultural experience and practical language application.
Curriculum
The programme is structured over four years, with the first two years focusing on pre-honours study and the final two on honours specialisation. A mandatory year abroad is integrated into the third year. Students begin as complete beginners in Arabic and Persian and progress to advanced fluency.
- Year 1
- Elementary Arabic Language
- Elementary Persian Language
- Islamic History
- Modern Middle Eastern History
- Year 2
- Intermediate Arabic Language
- Intermediate Persian Language
- Year 3
- Study Abroad
- Year 4
- Advanced Language and Translation Skills
- Dissertation
Careers
Graduates with strong language skills and cultural understanding are well-prepared for a variety of international careers. The programme's focus on Arabic and Persian, coupled with a year abroad, equips students for roles involving diplomacy, international relations, journalism, translation, education, and work with international organisations and NGOs, particularly those focused on humanitarian aid, refugee issues, and intercultural understanding.
- Translator/Interpreter
- Diplomat
- International Aid Worker
- Journalist
- Intelligence Analyst
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Cultural Liaison Officer
Entry requirements
SQA HighersStandard requirements apply. Specific details need to be checked via the university's entry requirement tool based on student's country/region and qualification.
A-levelsStandard requirements apply. Specific details need to be checked via the university's entry requirement tool based on student's country/region and qualification.
IB DiplomaStandard requirements apply. Specific details need to be checked via the university's entry requirement tool based on student's country/region and qualification.
Entry requirements vary by country and qualification. Prospective students are advised to use the University of Edinburgh's online tool to find specific requirements. The programme is designed for beginners in Arabic and Persian, but exemptions may be possible for students with prior experience.
Fees
Tuition (international)Details available via the programme's tuition fee link. International students may have reduced fees during their study abroad year.
Tuition (home)Details available via the programme's tuition fee link. Information on fee status (Scottish, Rest of UK) is crucial.
LivingEstimated £18,552 per year for a full 12-month period, or £13,914 for a 39-week academic year. Costs vary based on accommodation choices.
Additional costs apply for the mandatory year abroad, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, visas, and insurance. A small semester fee (£7-£14) applies for Arabic language materials in Years 1 and 2. Reductions in tuition fees may apply during the study abroad year.
How to apply
1. Check Eligibility and RequirementsReview the specific entry requirements for your country and qualification on the University of Edinburgh's website. Ensure you meet the academic and English language prerequisites.
2. Complete the UCAS ApplicationSubmit your application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You can typically apply for up to five courses at different institutions.
3. Write a Personal StatementCraft a compelling personal statement that highlights your interest in Arabic, Persian, and Middle Eastern studies, your motivation for studying these languages, and relevant skills or experiences.
4. Provide ReferencesEnsure your application is supported by academic references from your school or previous institution.
5. Await DecisionThe university will review your application. Successful candidates may be invited for an interview, though this is not standard for all programmes.
6. Respond to OffersIf offered a place, you will need to respond to your offers through UCAS by the specified deadlines.