Degree finder

UCAS code: T621

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Study abroad

Introducing MA Arabic and Persian

Arabic is the main language of more than 250 million people inhabiting a huge swathe of land extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. It is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Persian is the main language of more than 120 million people and is among the world’s most widely spoken languages. Apart from opening the door to a fascinating and varied region, knowledge of Arabic, Persian and the Middle East provides access to the rich intellectual heritage of Islam.

The School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures at the University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for research and study of Arabic, Islam, the Middle East, and other related subjects.

This programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Arabic and Persian, enabling you to communicate in both languages and access a wide range of original materials.

Alongside knowledge of the written and spoken languages, you will also acquire a good knowledge of the literature, culture, history, religion and politics of relevant regions of the world.

A year spent studying Arabic and Persian abroad provides complete immersion in both languages and cultures.

What you will study

Year 1

You will study elementary Arabic and Persian to learn basic grammar and develop your vocabulary. You will also take courses in Islamic history and modern Middle Eastern history.

Year 2

You will continue with your language study and take courses in the religion of Islam and Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures.

Year 3

In semester 1 you will study in an Arabic-speaking country, improving your language skills and undertaking independent study. In semester 2 you may have the possibility of studying in a Persian-speaking country. Otherwise you will study Intensive Persian.

Year 4

You will continue to develop your translation and conversational skills and will write your honours dissertation. You will also choose from a range of option courses dealing with different aspects of Iran (including pre-Islamic Persia), Islam, and the Middle East.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Where you will study

Our facilities

Classes will take place within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, located within the University’s Central Area.

You will have full access to the University’s computer facilities and libraries, which contain specialist resources and a collection of Islamic manuscripts.

Study abroad

In Year 3 you can choose between at least two different countries in the Arabic-speaking world for your study abroad, where you will spend a minimum of 22 weeks. You may also have the possibility of study abroad in a Persian-speaking country.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

Learning and assessment

How will I learn?

Experienced lecturers and language instructors will teach a combination of lectures, tutorials and language classes.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a combination of exams and coursework, including essays, exercises, presentations and oral language examinations. You will also complete a dissertation in your final year.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

Career opportunities

The Middle East is one of the UK's major trading partners so there is a high demand for graduates who speak Arabic or Persian.

Our programmes will also prepare you for careers in the diplomatic service, elsewhere in the civil service or in non-government organisations.

Graduates also enter teaching or the media or begin postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

SQA Highers: AAAA - ABBB.
A Levels: ABB.
IB: 40 points (grades 766 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

SQA Highers: ABBB.
A Levels: ABB.
IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. National 5: A language other than English at Grade A, English at Grade C and Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C.
A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: A language other than English at Grade A or 7, English at Grade C or 4 and Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C or 4.
IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects. SL: A language other than English at 6, English at 5 and Mathematics or an approved science at 4.

Additional requirements

Language Requirement

Please note that for degrees that have a subject requirement for a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

English language requirements

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: