MA Persian and Social Anthropology
UCAS code: TL66
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Persian and Social Anthropology
Known as Farsi in Iran, Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan, Persian is one of the major languages of Middle East and Central Asia. It has over 120 million native speakers, ranking it among the world's 20 most widely spoken first languages.
To study Persian is to enter into a rich and diverse culture that has produced major epic and Sufi poets, exquisite miniature painting, fine textiles and world-class cinema. It is also a gateway to modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Social anthropology is the comparative study of human behaviour and ideas in their social, cultural, religious, and political contexts. While the subject matter overlaps with that of sociology, human geography, and development studies, it is also closely linked to history and philosophy.
At Edinburgh, students will have the opportunity to learn from researchers who are international leaders in their field, and will also engage in original anthropological research, which may be library based or involve fieldwork.
Year 1
In Year 1 you will study basic Persian grammar, vocabulary and conversational skills.
You will also take courses in Islamic history, Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures and will receive a broad introduction to social anthropology by studying Social Anthropology 1A and 1B.
Year 2
You will continue with your language study and take courses in the religion of Islam or modern Middle Eastern history.
You will also study Social Anthropology 2 and Ethnography.
Year 3
You may have the possibility of studying in a Persian-speaking country; if not, you will take Intensive Persian in semester 2.
You will also choose from a range of specialist courses in social anthropology.
Year 4
You will continue to develop your translation and conversational skills and write your honours dissertation.
You will also choose from a range of specialist option courses dealing with different aspects of Iran (including pre-Islamic Persia), Islam and the Middle East and social anthropology.
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.
Our facilities
Teaching takes place in and around the University of Edinburgh's Central Area in a world-leading festival city bursting with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections, including the National Library, Museum, and Galleries of Scotland.
As well as the University's excellent computing and audiovisual resources, support services and social spaces, you'll also have access to over 23,000 Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies resources in its collections, including Islamic manuscripts.
Study abroad
It may be possible to study abroad in a Persian-speaking country or at an approved institution elsewhere.
You will also have the opportunity to apply for an exchange in Istanbul.
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.
Persian is the main language of more than 120 million people in the Middle East and Central Asia, ranking it among the world’s 20 most widely spoken.
An advanced understanding of Persian (known as Farsi in Iran, Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan), and the cultures to which it opens doors, is an excellent primer for a range of careers in the diplomatic and civil services, non-governmental organisations, and industry.
With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for Persian-speaking graduates both at home and abroad, including in translation, interpreting, the media and education.
There are also opportunities to continue studying at postgraduate level, with the honours years in particular developing the research skills you’ll need if you choose this path.
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: AAAA-AABB by the end of S5 or AAAA-AAAB by the end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.(Revised 08/04/2020 from AAAA-AAAB and to include alternate grades to be achieved by end of S6.)
- A Levels: AAB - ABB.
- IB: 43 points with 776 at HL - 37 points with 666 at HL.
Minimum entry requirement
The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.
More information for widening access applicants
Required subjects
The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:
- SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: a language other than English at A and English at C.
- A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: a language other than English at A or 7 and English at C or 4.
- IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: a language other than English at 6 and English at 5.
Additional requirements
Native speakers
Please note that the Persian degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers.
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
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.
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
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:
- SQA National 5 at C
- SQA Standard Grade at 3
- SQA Intermediate 1 at A
- SQA Intermediate 2 at C
- GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4
- Level 2 Certificate Grade C
- IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
- IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition) 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components.
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
*(Revised 27 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition.)
This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MA Persian and Social Anthropology
Additional costs
When possible, Year 3 will involve study abroad in a Persian-speaking country or at an approved institution elsewhere. You will incur associated travel costs (flights, visas etc).
Funding
For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.
- Enquiry Management Team
- Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
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- Arabic and Economics (MA) TL61
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- Persian and Middle Eastern Studies (MA) T63H
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