Persian
About this course
MA (joint degree) in Persian, a joint honours degree focusing on the Persian language, literature, cinema, and cultural history. The course allows students to combine Persian with a variety of other subjects as part of a joint or triple honours programme. Year 1 introduces the spoken and written forms of the language through Persian for Beginners 1 and Persian for Beginners 2, developing basic reading and translation skills. Year 2 advances grammar and vocabulary via Intermediate Persian 1 and Intermediate Persian 2, moving on to contemporary Iranian texts. Further study draws on unassigned modules such as Introduction to Classical Persian Literature, Key Texts in Modern Persian Literature, Modern Iran through Cinema, Modernity and Iranian Drama, and Songs of Love and Revolution.
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
Single honours degrees in Persian are not currently offered at St Andrews. Persian can only be studied as part of a joint programme. To see the qualifications you will need, please refer to the entry requirements for the other subject in your chosen combination.
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 94%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 180 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 36%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 29%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Modules
- Introduction to Classical Persian Literature
- Key Texts in Modern Persian Literature
- Modern Iran through Cinema
- Modernity and Iranian Drama
- Songs of Love and Revolution
- Persian for Beginners 1
- Persian for Beginners 2
- Intermediate Persian 1
- Intermediate Persian 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Persian at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £46,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Slavic studies.
What do graduates of Persian at University of St Andrews do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Persian at University of St Andrews?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Persian at University of St Andrews?
The average entrant had 186 UCAS points.
Does Persian at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Persian at University of St Andrews?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.