MA Arabic and Ancient Greek
About this course
MA (Hons) in Arabic and Ancient Greek, a joint honours degree combining the study of Arabic language and culture with the heritage of ancient Greece. A compulsory year abroad is included in the course structure. Students do not need any prior knowledge of either language to enrol. The first year covers the foundations through a survey of the formation of the Islamic world, from its pre-Islamic origins to the foundation of the first Muslim world empire, and an introduction to the history of the Islamic world from c. 1050 to c. 1650, looking at nomadic migrations, processes of state formation, and encounters between Christendom and Islam. By Year 3, students spend the year studying in a country in which Arabic is spoken. The final year explores advanced topics through modules including modern Arabic literature, classical Arabic literature, Islamic thought, and Arabic feminist texts and women's rights.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 84 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 100 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 45%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 30%
Who gets in
Based on about 105 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 6%
Modules
- a survey of the formation of the Islamic world, from its pre-Islamic origins to the foundation of the first Muslim world empire
- an introduction to the history of the Islamic world from c. 1050 to c. 1650, looking at nomadic migrations, processes of state formation, and encounters between Christendom and Islam
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
- modern Arabic literature
- classical Arabic literature
- Islamic thought
- Arabic feminist texts and women's rights
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Arabic and Ancient Greek at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £43,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for African and modern Middle Eastern studies.
What do graduates of MA Arabic and Ancient Greek at University of Edinburgh do next?
81% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Arabic and Ancient Greek at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Arabic and Ancient Greek at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
Does MA Arabic and Ancient Greek at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Arabic and Ancient Greek at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.