MA Arabic and Persian
About this course
MA (Hons) in Arabic and Persian, a languages and regional studies degree focused on Arabic and Persian language acquisition, history, and cultural contexts. The programme includes a compulsory year abroad. The first year covers foundational historical contexts through modules such as Islamic History and Modern Middle Eastern History. The second year develops practical language competencies through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, alongside cultural and religious studies modules like Islamic and Middle Eastern Cultures. The third year is spent on a compulsory year abroad. The final year involves advanced study across topics including Arabic and Persian literature, Iran (including pre-Islamic Persia), Islam, and the Middle East.
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
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 24 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 225 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 38%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 28%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Access course: 10%
Modules
- Islamic History - a survey of the formation of the Islamic world, from its pre-Islamic origins to the foundation of the first Muslim world empire
- Modern Middle Eastern History - an introduction to the Middle East's political, economic, social and cultural history from 1950 until the present day
- reading
- writing
- speaking
- listening
- the religion of Islam, which provides an exploration of the religion's branches, key texts, central beliefs and rituals
- Islamic and Middle Eastern Cultures, which provides an introduction to the literary, aesthetic and intellectual culture of the Middle East, from the eve of Islam to the modern period
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
- Arabic and Persian literature - both modern and classical
- Iran (including pre-Islamic Persia)
- Islam
- the Middle East
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Arabic and Persian at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 3 years, £36,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £48,500. The £36,500 median after five years is £6,000 more than the UK median for African and modern Middle Eastern studies.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Arabic and Persian at University of Edinburgh?
91% 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 Persian at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 156 UCAS points.
Does MA Arabic and Persian 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 Persian at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.