Learn the Persian language (Farsi, Dari, Tajik) while exploring the history, societies, politics and cultures of Iran and the wider Middle East. Choose from five programmes, including single and joint honours. Why study Persian in Edinburgh? Learn in an historic capital city where Persian has been taught since the 19th century.Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.Build up to fluency in a language spoken by over 120 million people worldwide.Specialise in different aspects of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies as you move through your degree.Delve into 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. Studying Persian over the past four years has shaped my academic experience more than anything else. It’s a small course but it offers something that’s increasingly rare: a space for deep, focused learning and a chance to engage with a region, language and culture that’s too often neglected in mainstream discourse. What we gained from those classes, both in terms of language and broader perspective, feels genuinely irreplaceable. Anastasia, Persian and Middle Eastern Studies MA Hons (2025) What you can study in 2026 Applications are now open for 2026 entry. You can apply to:take a single honours degree in Persian Studies take any of the following joint honours degree programmes...Arabic and PersianPersian and Middle Eastern StudiesPersian and Social AnthropologyPersian and English LiteratureThere’s lots of information about our undergraduate Persian 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 yearhow you will be taught and assessedthe support we offerstudying abroad in Year 3entrance requirementsEnglish language requirementsfees and funding opportunitiesstudent societies and living in Edinburghcareer destinations Browse our Persian programmes on Degree Finder If you’d like to study on any of our undergraduate programmes, you must apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Find out more about applying through UCAS Where might Persian take you? Skills and experienceStudying one or more languages to degree level demonstrates that you're a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas – what employers value as intercultural competence.Beyond the language skills you will develop on our programmes, you will gain a nuanced understanding of diverse cultures and societies. Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh also shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers include the ability to:understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and conceptsmanage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projectswork independently and as part of a groupOpportunities across sectorsOur programmes are an excellent primer for a range of careers, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative.Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to work in:business, finance, commerce and techcommunications, marketing, advertising and public relationseducation, outreach, advocacy and trainingjournalism, broadcasting and medialeisure, tourism and travelpolitics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and lawpublishing, culture, heritage and the artsresearch, development and venture accelerationtranslating and interpretingLocal and global opportunitiesWith increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another world language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.If you are keen to work abroad, it’s good to know that, collectively, the three variants of modern Persian (Farsi, Dari and Tajik) are the first language of more than 120 million people in the Middle East and Central Asia. There are also significant communities of speakers in Europe (including Turkey), Australia and North America.Your language learning and cultural awareness will make you ideally placed to work with displaced people from Iran and Afghanistan now living in Europe and other parts of the world, and with international organisations advancing refugee issues, rights and spaces.Further studyThe enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level. At the University of Edinburgh, we typically offer both taught and research-led masters programmes in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and interdisciplinary taught Masters programmes in:Comparative LiteratureIntermedialityFilm StudiesAny of our masters degrees, whether research-based or taught, is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification. Find out more about LLC alumni and futures QS World Rankings by Subject 2025 The University of Edinburgh is ranked 3rd in the UK for:Modern LanguagesArts & HumanitiesGlobally, we’re in the World Top 15: Arts & Humanities (10) and Modern Languages (13).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. The Complete University Guide 2025The University of Edinburgh is ranked 5th for African & Middle Eastern Studies in The Complete University Guide - Subject League Table 2025.This subject area includes Modern Middle Eastern Languages and Modern Middle Eastern Studies.The Complete University Guide ranks the best 130 universities in the UK on measures such as:student satisfaction on undergraduate programmesresearch qualitygraduate prospects Get to know us better Thinking of joining us this year or next? Explore what it's like to study and live in Edinburgh.Take a Virtual Visit - Islamic and Middle Eastern StudiesJoin us for an Open Day or Online Information SessionDiscover more about resources and facilities in IMES, on campus and in the cityTalk to a current student Chat with an undergraduate University of Edinburgh student This article was published on 2024-08-13