Research

Research projects, centres, networks and publications in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES).

Research excellence

Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) at the University of Edinburgh is recognised internationally as a leading institution for research on the Middle East and the wider Islamic world.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework - REF 2021 - our research was submitted in the categories of:

  • Politics and International Studies (Panel C - Social Sciences; Unit of Assessment 19)
  • Sociology (Panel C - Social Sciences; Unit of Assessment 21)
  • History (Panel D - Arts and Humanities; Unit of Assessment 28)
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics (Panel D - Arts and Humanities; Unit of Assessment 26)
  • Theology and Religious Studies (Panel D - Arts and Humanities; Unit of Assessment 31)

The results reaffirm Edinburgh’s position as one of the UK’s leading research universities - fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research according to Times Higher Education's REF power ratings.

Read more about our School's performance in REF 2021 

Browse Edinburgh Research Explorer for staff profiles, research outputs and activities

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Selected research centres and networks

Research centres and networks range from formal collaborations to informal groups of researchers working together on a theme or challenge.

A number are based in - or are affiliated with - IMES; others are based elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the University of Edinburgh, or the wider academic community, but involve our staff and students.

The groups provide opportunities for researchers at all career stages to work together with partners and stakeholders in organising events, workshopping publications, engaging audiences outside the academy, and exploring ideas for future projects and funding bids.

Here are just a few of our current groups, and significant networks that are no longer live but have left a legacy of networking and collaboration...

Selected research projects 

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Postgraduate research and supervision

A PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research, and to make a definite and original contribution to the field.

We also offer a one year Masters by Research degree, which is a good stepping stone between undergraduate and doctoral study.

We supervise research in a wide range of specialist and interdisciplinary areas, from diaspora studies, and Islamic history, to the Persian, Arabic and Turkish languages, and the politics of the modern Middle East.

Find out more about postgraduate study in IMES

Beyond the books

Beyond the Books is a podcast that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and the people who make it happen. 

In Series 2 - Episode 5 host Emma Aviet talked to Bahar Fayeghi, a PhD student in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. Together they discussed Bahar's work as an intern with the United Nations and her current research on Afghan women refugees in Iran.

Listen to Series 2 - Episode 5 of Beyond the Books on MediaHopper

Browse all episodes of Beyond the Books