MA Arabic and History
About this course
MA (Hons) in Arabic and History, a joint honours degree combining the study of the Arabic language and Islamic culture with historical topics across various periods and regions. A compulsory year abroad is included in the programme. The first year introduces foundational historical topics spanning the medieval and early modern periods. The second year focuses on core language competencies through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The third year involves a compulsory period of study abroad in an Arabic-speaking country. The final year advances to specialised study through modules such as 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 144 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 73%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 59%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 265 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 305 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 36%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 38%
Who gets in
Based on about 285 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 82%
- Baccalaureate: 7%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 7%
Modules
- a wide-ranging core course focused on key skills and habits, and showcasing the variety of topics available at Edinburgh, including in modern history
- one of two courses, covering either: the medieval period the early modern period
- the medieval period
- the early modern period
- reading
- writing
- speaking
- listening
- 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 History at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £45,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for African and modern Middle Eastern studies.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Arabic and History at University of Edinburgh?
90% 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 History at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 188 UCAS points.
Does MA Arabic and History 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 History at University of Edinburgh?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.