Middle Eastern Studies

Located at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia, the Middle East has played a pivotal role on the world stage from ancient times.

The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the study of the Middle East, Middle Eastern languages and the Islamic world. Our collections in the subject are world-class.

Taking an Area Studies approach to the region, our four-year Master of Arts (MA) programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of Middle Eastern:

• history

• politics

• societies and cultures

• literatures

You will develop the skills to analyse, critique and compare key issues and concepts, both in group discussion and in written work - including your dissertation.

To help you access and interpret source material, you will take Year 1 classes in at least one of the three main languages of the Middle East:

• Arabic

• Persian

• Turkish

You can continue to take your language(s) into Year 2, or opt to take courses from other areas.

You will graduate with the combination of specialist knowledge and an openness to other cultures and new ideas which is valued by employers around the globe.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years. 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. Year 1 in particular will give you a good grounding in a Middle Eastern language and in the history of the Middle East and Islam.

In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This gives you the chance to build your intercultural awareness in other areas of the arts, humanities, social sciences and beyond.

Your final two years will be your honours years. They will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Middle Eastern Studies. You may have the option to study abroad in Year 3, either for the full year or for one semester. In Year 4, you will write a dissertation.

Programme benefits

• Learn in an historic city where the Middle East has been studied since the 18th century.

• Study over four years, giving you time to find your specialism.

• Become confident in at least one Middle Eastern language, with the option to study Arabic, Persian or Turkish.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.