Arabic and Social Anthropology, MA (Hons)

Arabic is the primary language of over 350 million people across a vast region from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf, ranking as the sixth most spoken language globally and one of the United Nations' official languages. Combining Arabic studies with Social Anthropology allows students to master the language while exploring human behavior, ideas, and societies in social, cultural, religious, and political contexts. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in classical and modern Arabic, enabling access to diverse materials from ancient poetry to contemporary media. Beginners are welcome, with opportunities to study abroad by Year 3, developing skills in reading, writing, translating, listening, and speaking Arabic.Social Anthropology examines the shared humanity across diverse societies, intersecting with fields like sociology and history. At the University of Edinburgh, a renowned leader in Middle Eastern studies, students engage in research-led learning, specializing in Islamic and Middle Eastern history while building tools for original anthropological research. The curriculum includes humanities and social sciences options, culminating in intercultural expertise valued by global employers.