Arabic and Persian, MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme offers an opportunity to study Arabic and Persian, languages spoken by over 470 million people across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, while exploring the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. Arabic ranks as the sixth most spoken language globally and is a United Nations official language, while Persian serves as the national language of Iran (known as Farsi), and as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. The four-year course provides a comprehensive foundation in both classical and modern forms, allowing beginners to develop advanced skills in translation, writing, and speaking on various topics, enriched by studies in society, religion, culture, history, politics, literature, art, and cinema.The University of Edinburgh is a renowned leader in teaching and research on Arabic, Persian, Islam, and the Middle East, with Arabic instruction dating back to the mid-18th century and unique offerings in Scotland's Muslim world languages. Students access over 23,000 resources and engage in workshops, film screenings, and seminars. This programme equips graduates with specialist skills and intercultural competence for global careers, including supporting displaced populations from Arabic- and Persian-speaking regions and working with international organisations on refugee issues.