The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days
21 May 2025, 09:00
Edinburgh, Scotland
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Course summary
Persian is one of the major languages of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its modern form has three variants which, collectively, are the first language of over 120 million people. It is the national language of Iran, where it is known as Farsi. It is known as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan.
To study Persian is to enter a rich and diverse culture that has produced:
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major epic and Sufi poets
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exquisite miniature painting and fine textiles
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world-class cinema
Our programme is also your gateway to modern Iran and to the dynamics of the wider Middle East.
Language learning in its cultural context
Our programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Persian, enabling you to access a wide range of original material.
You can start the language as a complete beginner, and develop advanced skills over your four years, including in translation. This will enable you to express yourself in modern Persian on a wide range of topical issues.
As well as developing your language skills, you will also study the Middle East from a range of perspectives:
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historical
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literary
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cultural
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political
You will take an introductory course in the religion of Islam and, optionally, an honours course from another discipline such as:
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Divinity
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Politics
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Social Anthropology
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History
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History of Art
With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates both at home and abroad. Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in Persian, and to understand Middle Eastern cultures, will make you stand out.
Why Edinburgh?
The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, Islam and the Middle East.
This programme is very flexible. In Years 1 and 2, in addition to Persian and Middle Eastern Studies, you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines. You can, for example, opt to study an additional Middle Eastern language.
You will then specialise as you progress through your honours years (Years 3 and 4). This involves gaining the knowledge and skills to complete a dissertation in your final year.
When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.
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How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
- EU has vacancies
- Wales does not have vacancies
- England does not have vacancies
- International has vacancies
- Scotland does not have vacancies
- Northern Ireland does not have vacancies
- Republic of Ireland does not have vacancies
Apply by
31 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- T63H
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
A level - ABB
Required subjects: A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: a language other than English at A or 7 and English at C or 4.
Scottish Higher - AAAB
AAAB by end of S5 or AAAA by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: a language other than English at A and English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 - 36 points
36 points with 665 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: a language other than English at 6 and English at 5.
Please note that the Persian degrees involve beginners language study and are not suitable for native or near-native speakers.
For degrees that have a subject requirement of a language other than English, students may not use their own native language to meet this requirement. In these instances, English or an alternative language other than native will be acceptable.
Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply.
You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
A level - ABB
Required subjects: A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: a language other than English at A or 7 and English at C or 4.
Scottish Higher - ABBB
ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: a language other than English at A and English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: a language other than English at 6 and English at 5.
Find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. | |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Total 62 with at least 54 in each component. |
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests. English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26500 | Year 1 |
| International | £26500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.
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Student Recruitment and Admissions
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Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 4360
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