Persian is one of the major languages of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its modern form has three variants which, collectively, are the first language of over 120 million people. It is the national language of Iran, indigenously known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan.
To study Persian is to enter into a rich and diverse culture that has produced:
major epic and Sufi poets
world-class cinema
exquisite fine art and textiles
Our programme is also your gateway to understanding modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. You will study Iran's historical, literary, cultural and political life and the rich intellectual heritage of Islam.
With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for graduates of Persian in Scotland, the UK and abroad. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in the modern language and to understand Middle Eastern cultures, will make you stand out.
Language learning in its cultural context
Through the study of the written and spoken language, you will learn to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues. You will also gain the skills to engage with original material and contemporary Persian texts on:
society and culture
history and politics
literature, art, and cinema
Our programme is designed for complete beginners in Persian. It is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Persian through exemptions from introductory language study.
Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in Persian, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.
Why Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, Islam, and the Middle East.
As part of your programme, you can opt to learn Arabic, Turkish or one of many other world languages.
You will have access to over 23,000 resources in the University's collections in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and a regular programme of workshops, film screenings, book launches and guest seminars.
When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.
How long it takes to complete this degree programme
This programme is studied over 4 years, including up to one year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.
Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in the Persian language and in the study of Islam and the Middle East. In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change or widen your focus by, for example, moving onto a joint honours programme.
Your final two years will be your honours years. You may be able to spend time studying abroad in Year 3, gaining lived experience of Middle Eastern cultures. Your learning will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to the study of Persian literature, Iran, Islam and the Middle East. You will also further develop your Persian language and translation skills and write a dissertation.
Programme benefits
Learn in an historic city where Persian has been taught since the 19th century.
Become fluent in a language spoken by over 120 million people worldwide.
Try out different subjects in your first two years.
Join societies related to what you are studying.
Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.
The following entry points are available for this course:
This degree programme has a subject requirement of a language other than English. You may not use your own native language to meet this requirement. English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.
Persian degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers.
Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course.
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. |
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience. UCAS entry grade data is currently not available for our degrees but we publish admissions statistics on our website. We also provide information on widening access offers and entry requirements.
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) students commencing or continuing their studies in September 2026, the tuition fees will be £9,790. This is subject to Parliamentary approval and is an increase of £255 on the fee rate for academic year 2025-2026.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Phone:0131 297 3272
Have a question about undergraduate study?
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 1000
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL
At The University of Edinburgh
