Postgraduate study
Focus on area studies, or a combination of intensive language study with the interdisciplinary exploration of societies and cultures. Taught and research pathways available.
Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) provides postgraduate training through a number of degrees designed to suit the interests of students with a variety of career goals.
Students find the range of academic topics we offer, as well as the significant resources and opportunities available in the University and the historic setting of Edinburgh, are a compelling reason for pursuing both taught and research-led postgraduate study with us.
Our degrees offer opportunities for interdisciplinary study with complementary subject areas across the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) and the wider University.
Our postgraduate students currently comprise an international group researching a wide range of topics. They enjoy a stimulating student life, including seminars, talks, conferences and collaborations within IMES and beyond.
Recent postgraduates have gone on to find employment in international organisations, the private sector, as well as securing posts in prominent universities and research institutes, among other positions.
What can I study?
Taught programmes
Research programmes
Arab World Studies was, for me, a genuinely life-changing experience. In its demanding but sympathetic environment, I went from basic spoken Palestinian Arabic to working on literary translations. But perhaps more importantly I found in IMES a department in which enthusiastic students had space to grow, flourish, and explore. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Related links
Postgraduate study in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures