Persian and Middle Eastern Studies

Persian and Middle Eastern studies opens the door to one of the world's most historically rich and geopolitically significant regions. The Middle East is the birthplace of agriculture, writing, monotheism, and much of what we call Western civilisation, and Persian, one of its great classical languages, has a literary tradition of extraordinary richness stretching back over a thousand years in the poetry of Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi and continuing in contemporary Iranian writing. Understanding the Middle East at depth, through language, history, literature, and social analysis, is both intellectually compelling and increasingly important.

This four-year full-time programme at the University of Edinburgh includes a year abroad, providing an opportunity to study in the region or at an international partner institution and to engage directly with the languages and cultures you are studying. With a typical tariff of 168 points, the programme is selective and attracts students who are motivated by serious engagement with a complex and important part of the world. Edinburgh has a strong Middle Eastern studies tradition and expertise across Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and the history, politics, and culture of the region.

You will develop Persian language skills from foundation to advanced level, study the literature, history, and cultural life of Iran and the broader Persian-speaking world, and engage with the modern politics, religions, and societies of the Middle East region as a whole. The year abroad deepens your linguistic immersion and adds the kind of direct regional knowledge that is impossible to acquire purely through classroom study.

Graduates from Persian and Middle Eastern studies programmes are well placed for careers in the diplomatic and civil service, security and intelligence roles, international journalism, academia, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, international business, and any field where knowledge of the Middle East and the Persian-speaking world is a genuine asset. Postgraduate study in Middle Eastern studies, international relations, linguistics, or area studies is a common next step for those who want to develop specialist expertise further.