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Persian Studies at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

Open days

2Jun
The University of Edinburgh - Edinburgh College of Art - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate
20Jun
The University of Edinburgh - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Persian is one of the major languages of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its modern form has three variants which, collectively, are the first language of over 120 million people. It is the national language of Iran, indigenously known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. To study Persian is to enter into a rich and diverse culture that has produced:

  • major epic and Sufi poets
  • world-class cinema
  • exquisite fine art and textiles
Our programme is also your gateway to understanding modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. You will study Iran's historical, literary, cultural and political life and the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for graduates of Persian in Scotland, the UK and abroad. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in the modern language and to understand Middle Eastern cultures, will make you stand out. Language learning in its cultural context Through the study of the written and spoken language, you will learn to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues. You will also gain the skills to engage with original material and contemporary Persian texts on:
  • society and culture
  • history and politics
  • literature, art, and cinema
Our programme is designed for complete beginners in Persian. It is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Persian through exemptions from introductory language study. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in Persian, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out. Why Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, Islam, and the Middle East. As part of your programme, you can opt to learn Arabic, Turkish or one of many other world languages. You will have access to over 23,000 resources in the University's collections in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and a regular programme of workshops, film screenings, book launches and guest seminars. When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years, including up to one year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills. Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in the Persian language and in the study of Islam and the Middle East. In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change or widen your focus by, for example, moving onto a joint honours programme. Your final two years will be your honours years. You may be able to spend time studying abroad in Year 3, gaining lived experience of Middle Eastern cultures. Your learning will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to the study of Persian literature, Iran, Islam and the Middle East. You will also further develop your Persian language and translation skills and write a dissertation. Programme benefits
  • Learn in an historic city where Persian has been taught since the 19th century.
  • Become fluent in a language spoken by over 120 million people worldwide.
  • Try out different subjects in your first two years.
  • Join societies related to what you are studying.
  • Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

How to apply

This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
T633
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

This degree programme has a subject requirement of a language other than English. You may not use your own native language to meet this requirement. English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.  Persian degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/579-persian-studies

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/579-persian-studies?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=programme&utm_campaign=ug_institution_profiles&utm_term=&utm_content=listing

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
TOEFL (iBT)92total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English Advancedtotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Cambridge English Proficiencytotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Trinity ISEISE II with distinctions in all four components.

You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: SQA National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. We also accept other qualifications from around the world. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.

Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:

https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
80%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9535* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
England £9535* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535* Year 1
Wales £9535* Year 1
EU £29600 Year 1
International £29600 Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. Please note the 2026-27 fee rate is yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government. England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed. The fee for 2025 entry was £9,535. For 2026 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits. EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Persian Studies at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS