Undergraduate study | Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Choose from a range of four-year MA honours degrees in Arabic, Persian, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Why take an Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies programme in Edinburgh?

  • Learn in an historic capital city where Arabic, Islam and the Middle East have been studied since the 18th century.
  • Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.
  • Specialise in different aspects of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies as you move through your degree.
  • Learn one or more Middle Eastern languages to a level that meets your needs.
  • Explore fantastic libraries and collections at the University and in the city.
  • Join societies, attend events, and gain the skills and confidence for life after university.

Language degree programmes

Applications are now open for 2027 entry. You can apply to:

  • take a single honours degree in Arabic with Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies ​​​​

  • take any of the following joint honours degree programmes...

    Arabic and PersianArabic and French
    Arabic and SpanishArabic and History
    Arabic and PoliticsArabic and Business

There’s lots of information about our undergraduate language programmes on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder. 

For example, for each programme combination, you can find out about:

  • the courses you will take each year
  • how you will be taught and assessed
  • the support we offer
  • entrance requirements
  • English language requirements
  • fees and funding opportunities
  • student societies and living in Edinburgh
  • career destinations 

Islamic Studies ​​​​MA Hons

Develop your knowledge and understanding of Islam. 

Explore the history, politics, thought and culture of Muslims worldwide.

You will study Arabic in Year 1; language learning in other years is entirely optional.

Study abroad is also optional on this programme.

UCAS code: V622

Hats on a market stall

Middle Eastern Studies MA Hons

Develop your understanding of the history, politics, societies and cultures of the Middle East. 

You will study Arabic, Persian or Turkish in Year 1; language learning in other years is entirely optional.

Study abroad is also optional on this programme.

UCAS code: T600

Information correct as of September 2026
See full student Terms & Conditions

To study on any of our undergraduate programmes, you must apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

Get to know us better

Marwa Mouazen Teaching Awards
Marwa Mouazen, Lecturer of Arabic, accepting the Ian Campbell Award for Teaching in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages.

We are ranked fourth in the UK in the broader subject area of the Arts & Humanities. 

Globally, we’re in the World Top 15: Arts and Humanities (9); Modern Languages (12).

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics.

They are International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) approved.

Graphic of a person with a phone and the words #3 in the UK World Top 15

The Complete University Guide 2026

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 5th for African & Middle Eastern Studies in The Complete University Guide - Subject League Table 2027.

This subject area includes:

  • Modern Middle Eastern Languages
  • Modern Middle Eastern Studies

The Complete University Guide ranks the best 130 universities for undergraduate study in the UK on measures such as:

  • student satisfaction 
  • entry standards
  • research quality
  • graduate prospects

Other ways to take IMES courses at Edinburgh

If you take a different degree at the University of Edinburgh, you can still take courses with us!

Many undergraduate degrees at Edinburgh enable you to try different subjects in your first two years. If you are studying on one of these degrees, you can take our courses as options - sometimes known as 'elective courses' or 'outside subjects'. 

Languages

Want to learn a Middle Eastern Language? We have Year 1 courses for complete beginners in:

  • Arabic
  • Persian
  • Turkish

All our beginners courses feed into Year 2 courses, if you want to progress further.

Arabic is also available as part of the University's free Open Languages offer of 20 credit courses taken over one semester. You can start at various levels - complete beginner, or prior learner. 

Discursive courses

These courses are your gateway to the history, politics, religions and societies of the Middle East. 

No language learning is required.

This article was published on