The University of Edinburgh
Islamic Studies MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Islamic Studies MA (Hons) and other courses in African and modern Middle Eastern studies at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in African and modern Middle Eastern studies.

Overall student satisfaction
55 /100
10 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in languages and area studies

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of African and modern Middle Eastern studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26000 £26000 £31000
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £30000 £19500 - £31500 £25000 - £43500


Salary of all UK Graduates of languages and area studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27500 £23357 £29261
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £32000 £14976 - £30214 £20636 - £38920

Course Description

This programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of Islam as a religion, as well as the history, thought and culture of Muslims worldwide.

Opening the door to Islam's rich intellectual heritage, our courses will give you a thorough grounding in a variety of areas, such as:

  • Islamic literature and poetry
  • the Qur'an
  • Sufism
  • Islam in the contemporary world, from Islamic movements to political Islam

You will learn Arabic in Year 1, with the option to take Persian or Turkish too. You can continue language learning in Year 2 if you wish.

The programme is extremely flexible, enabling you to choose option courses from a broad list of disciplines, and specialise as you progress through your honours years.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the study of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Islam and the Middle East.

Study with us, and you will be part of a friendly community with:

  • great links to the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World
  • a student-led Islamic Society
  • a regular programme of workshops and guest seminars

The University holds over 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES). These include the Serjeant and Watt Collections and some of the world's most precious Islamic manuscripts, such as Rashid al-Din's History of the World and al-Biruni's Chronology of Ancient Nations.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Islamic Studies MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

24% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
16% Sports and fitness occupations
9% Caring personal services
8% Teaching Professionals
6% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
4% Administrative occupations
3% Business and public service associate professionals
3% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
3% Managers, directors and senior officials

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for African and modern Middle Eastern studies

Qualification requirements

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

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.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component.

TOEFL (iBT) 92

Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

Cambridge English Advanced

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Cambridge English Proficiency

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Trinity ISE

ISE II with distinctions in all four components

PTE Academic 62

Total 62 with at least 54 in each component

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Islamic Studies, MA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Islamic Studies MA (Hons)

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £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.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

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.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

See all 38 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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