Islamic Studies

This programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of Islam as a religion, as well as the history, thought and culture of Muslims worldwide.

Opening the door to Islam's rich intellectual heritage, our courses will give you a thorough grounding in a variety of areas, such as:

• Islamic literature and poetry

• the Qur'an

• Sufism

• Islam and Muslim societies in the contemporary world

As part of the programme, you will learn elementary Arabic to help you engage with source material. You also have the option to take Persian or Turkish language courses too.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the study of Islam and the Middle East.

Study with us, and you will be part of a friendly community with:

• great links to the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World

• a student-led Islamic Society

• a regular programme of workshops, guest seminars and cultural events

The University holds over 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES). These include the Serjeant and Watt Collections and some of the world’s most precious Islamic manuscripts, such as Rashid al-Din’s History of the World and al-Biruni’s Chronology of Ancient Nations.

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. 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 the Arabic 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 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, periods or approaches to Islamic 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 Islam has been studied since the 18th century.

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

• Become confident in Arabic, with the option to study Persian or Turkish too.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.