Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Information for applicants to our degree programmes in Arabic, Persian, Islamic Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. Welcome! أهلاً وسهلاً ومرحبا / خوش آمدید

I’m delighted that you are interested in studying with us and very much hope that you will join our community. 

Established 45 years ago, our department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies is the only one in Scotland to offer courses in the Muslim world’s three main languages: Arabic, Persian and Turkish. 

We rank highly in our subject area: 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025; and 5th for Middle Eastern Studies in the Complete University Guide 2025. 

We hope that the information we’ve provided will help you choose the right university and degree for you. 

Professor Alex Thomson, Head of School 

Degree programmes and structures

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

Arabic and Persian degree programmes: 2025 entry

Islamic Studies and Middle Eastern Studies degree programmes: 2025 entry

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 is available below. 

 

Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies degree structures 2025/26

Why study Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at Edinburgh?

Located at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia, the Middle East has played a pivotal role on the world stage from ancient times to the present. With increasing transnational migration and changing global dynamics, there is high demand for graduates who understand the region. 

The University of Edinburgh has a long and well-established tradition of teaching Islam and the history, culture, languages and literatures of the Middle East. Arabic has been taught here since the middle of the 18th century, and Persian since the 19th. 

All our programmes include an element of language learning but don’t worry if you have no language experience; we specialise in teaching students from scratch, so you will be in good hands. We also welcome heritage language learners. 

Studying with us demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas; what employers value as Intercultural Competence. Our graduates have gone on to careers in the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors around the world, including the Middle East. 

Undergraduate degrees in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

On all of our undergraduate degree programmes, you will: 

  • Study over four years, giving you choice and flexibility. All our Arabic programmes include study abroad in Year 3; on other programmes, you may also be able to spend time abroad. 
  • Try out different subjects in your first two years, giving you the chance to develop skills in all aspects of the humanities. 
  • Learn at the heart of Scotland's capital city. When you are on campus, you’ll spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area; in class, in the library, or in one of our many social and support spaces. 
  • Get the chance to join societies related to what you're studying. There are more than 300 to choose from, including the Islamic Society and Persian Society. 
  • Delve into fantastic libraries and collections, including more than 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University, and national galleries and museums within a short walk of campus. 

Have you applied for a joint honours degree? Don't forget to look at the information for each of your subjects. 

Not sure which School looks after the other subject of your degree? Check our School list for information on the subjects they manage. 

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences: Schools and subjects 


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