Persian and Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

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, where it is known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. To study Persian is to enter a rich and diverse culture that has produced:

  • major epic and Sufi poets
  • exquisite miniature painting and fine textiles
  • world-class cinema
Our programme is also your gateway to modern Iran and to the dynamics of the wider Middle East. Language learning in its cultural context Our programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Persian, enabling you to access a wide range of original material. You can start the language as a complete beginner, and develop advanced skills over your four years, including in translation. This will enable you to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues. As well as developing your language skills, you will also study the Middle East from a range of perspectives:
  • historical
  • literary
  • cultural
  • political
You will take an introductory course in the religion of Islam and, optionally, an honours course from another discipline such as:
  • Divinity
  • Politics
  • Social Anthropology
  • History
  • History of Art
With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates both at home and abroad. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in Persian, and to understand Middle Eastern cultures, 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. This programme is very flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to Persian and Middle Eastern Studies, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You can, for example, opt to study an additional Middle Eastern language. You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years (Years 3 and 4). This involves gaining the knowledge and skills to complete a dissertation in your final year. When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.


How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.

EU

Wales

England

International

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Application codes

Course code:
T63H
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

Please note that the Persian degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers. For degrees that have a subject requirement of a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable. 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://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/2024/degrees

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

https://www.ed.ac.uk/ug/T63H


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
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.
PTE Academic62Total 62 with at least 54 in each component.

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests. English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

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

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


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
63%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
83%
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 £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
EU £26500 Year 1
International £26500 Year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. 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 and Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS