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

  • major epic and Sufi poets
  • world-class cinema
  • exquisite fine art and textiles
The language is also a 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. Combine language learning with literary training Our joint honours 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. You will develop advanced language skills over your four years, including in translation. You will learn to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues, and will gain the skills to engage with original material and contemporary Persian texts. Studying English Literature will further develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills. You will engage with a broad range of texts from around the world and a variety of approaches to reading. You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, specialising at honours level in specific topics, periods or genres. Why Edinburgh Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. For centuries, it has been the home and muse of many great writers. From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional. The University of Edinburgh is internationally recognised as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, Islam, and the Middle East. We are also the oldest centre for the study of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest-established in the world. Studying over four years gives you the blend of specialist skills valued by employers around the globe. In particular, this programme shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers. 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 your subjects. 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. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in Persian studies and to specific topics, periods, genres, or approaches to English literature. 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.
  • Study in the heart of a UNESCO World City of Literature.
  • Join societies related to what you are studying.
  • Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.
  • Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.

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:
T6Q3
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/598-persian-and-english-literature

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/598-persian-and-english-literature

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
66%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
84%
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 and English Literature at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS