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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world-class cinema
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exquisite miniature painting and fine textiles
The language is also a gateway to understanding modern Iran, a dynamic society at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Combining language learning with literary training
Our joint honours programme is designed to give you a comprehensive grounding in Persian, enabling you to access a wide range of original material.
As well as developing your language skills, you will also study Iran's historical, literary, cultural and political life, and the rich intellectual heritage of Islam.
Studying English Literature will further develop your critical, analytic, linguistic and creative skills. You will engage with a broad range of texts and a variety of approaches to reading.
You will explore the cultural contexts of writing in English from the late Middle Ages to the present, specialising at honours level in specific topics, periods or genres.
Why Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the first UNESCO World City of Literature, a global literary city which many greats of literature have called home.
From the University's Special Collections to the National Library of Scotland, the city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional.
The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Persian, together with Arabic, Islam, and the Middle East. We are also the oldest centre for the study of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world.
Studying over four years gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence valued by employers around the globe. In particular, this joint honours combination shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, an essential attribute in many careers.
Discover The University of Edinburgh
Learn what it's like to study at The University of Edinburgh. From key stats to campus highlights, open days, and more - find everything you need to know here.
How to apply
Apply by
29 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:
- T6Q3
- 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
ABB. Required subjects: A levels: English Literature or combined English at B. GCSEs: a language other than English at A or 7.
Scottish Higher - ABBB
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: English at B. National 5s: a language other than English at A.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 - 34 points
36 points with 665 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: English at 5. SL: a language other than English at 6.
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: English Literature or combined English at B. GCSEs: a language other than English at A or 7.
Scottish Higher - ABBB
ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: English at B. National 5s: a language other than English at A.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: English at 5. SL: a language other than English at 6.
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). Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience.
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.
- Data from:
- This course and 9 other African and modern Middle Eastern studies courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A*
- Highest grades
- AAB
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £28000 | Year 1 |
| International | £28000 | 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
The University of Edinburgh
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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