Undergraduate study | Islamic Studies

Combine the study of Islam's rich history, culture and intellectual heritage with its place in the modern world.

Why take Islamic Studies in Edinburgh?

Islam is the religion of almost a quarter of all human beings alive today. Across the world, around 1.8 billion people consider themselves Muslim.

Our Islamic Studies MA Honours programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in the history and traditions of Islam, as well as the ability to think critically and comparatively about Islam and other religious traditions. You'll study the religion, culture, literature, history and politics of the Islamic world, with the option to take courses from other subject areas such as history of art and social anthropology.

Edinburgh has a well-established international reputation for Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) and is ranked sixth in the UK for Middle Eastern & African Studies in the Complete University Guide 2022. We are the only university in Scotland to offer courses in the Muslim world's three main languages, and you will learn introductory Arabic as part of your degree.

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Study with us and you’ll be part of a friendly community of staff and students, with great links to the Alwaleed Centre, fantastic resources, a thriving student Islamic Society, and a regular programme of workshops, film screenings and guest seminars, all within a School passionate about languages, literatures and cultures from around the globe. 

Diversity, equality, and inclusion are at the heart of Edinburgh University. I enjoy and look forward to the lectures and seminars. Our lecturers are from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience. The support staff are very friendly, supportive, and understanding.

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