Persian and Middle Eastern Studies MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh
Key Course Facts
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Persian and Middle Eastern 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.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All African and Modern Middle Eastern Studies courses of The University of Edinburgh
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 |
All Languages and Area Studies courses of The University of Edinburgh
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 |
All Languages and Area Studies courses in the UK
Course Description
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.
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.
All Languages and Area Studies courses of The University of Edinburgh
Current jobs
All courses of The University of Edinburgh
Required skill level of job after 15 months
All African and Modern Middle Eastern Studies courses of The University of Edinburgh
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Persian and Middle Eastern Studies MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh
| 24% | Elementary occupations |
| 16% | Secretarial and related occupations |
| 9% | Welfare and housing associate professionals |
| 8% | Sports and fitness occupations |
| 6% | Conservation and environment professionals |
| 5% | Business and public service associate professionals |
| 4% | Administrative occupations |
| 3% | |
| 3% | Science, engineering and technology associate professionals |
| 3% | Elementary occupations |
Grading & Study Time
Entry Requirements / Admissions
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for African and Modern Middle Eastern Studies
All African and Modern Middle Eastern Studies courses of The University of Edinburgh
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 |
Costs
Tuition Fees Persian and Middle Eastern 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 40 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
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