Arabic and History, MA (Hons)

Arabic serves as the primary language for over 350 million people across regions from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf, ranking as the sixth most spoken language globally and one of the United Nations' six official languages. Our joint honours programme in Arabic and History integrates language study with a broader historical context, enabling students to explore the Arabic language, Middle East, and Islamic world. Participants will learn classical and modern Arabic, engage with the region's past and present, and spend a year abroad immersed in the language and culture, while gaining access to Islam's rich intellectual heritage.In addition to Middle Eastern studies, the programme offers comprehensive history courses spanning from the early Middle Ages to the present, across continents like Britain, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These include diverse approaches such as political, cultural, social, economic, intellectual, gender, and global history. The University of Edinburgh, a leading institution in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and History, has taught Arabic since the mid-18th century, providing access to extensive resources, beginner-friendly Year 1 courses, and opportunities for full immersion. This combination fosters strong communication skills and cultural openness, valuable in today's global careers.