Persian at St Andrews - language, literature, and culture

Study Persian at Scotland's oldest university. Develop high-level Persian language and communications skills and explore Persian-language literature and culture in their historical, social, and political contexts.

Top in Scotland for languages and linguistics 2026

St Andrews is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2026

Why study Persian at St Andrews?

Reputation

The School of Modern Languages is consistently rated among the best in the UK by major national rankings.

Welcoming community

The School of Modern Languages prides itself on being a vibrant and engaging academic community. The School is committed to creating an environment that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.

  • The Department of Arabic and Persian each year welcomes students from around the world.
  • Undergraduate study in Persian is open to beginners and no prior study of Persian is required.
  • Core language modules build on each other to expand and develop your Persian language competence and confidence.
  • Optional cultural studies modules reflect the Department's contemporary, interdisciplinary, and research-based approach to Persian studies.

Modern and multi-medial approach

Acquisition of high-level Persian language skills goes hand-in-hand with studying Persian-language culture. Many students begin with a general political interest in Persian but end up falling in love with the culture.

  • At St Andrews, the focus is on modern Persian but students also have the opportunity to become familiar with classical literary and historical texts.
  • Work across a variety of Persian-language media including literature, film, and visual culture and explore their historical, social, and political contexts - recent optional modules include:
    • Songs of Love and Revolution
    • Key Texts in Modern Persian Literature
    • Modernity and Iranian Drama
    • Modern Iran through Cinema
    • Classical Persian Literature

Study Persian with other languages or subjects

Persian is not available as a single-subject degree. However, you can combine Persian with another subject that best reflects your academic interests and professional goals:

  • Study Persian with one or two other languages or Comparative Literature as part of a double- or triple-languages honours degree.
  • Alternatively, combine Persian with another subject such as Art History, History, International Relations, Management, or Middle East Studies as part of a joint honours degree.

Study abroad placements

Combine your Persian studies with time abroad and develop your linguistic skills, intercultural competence, and self-confidence.

  • The St Andrews abroad scheme provides study abroad placements that count towards your degree - you can study in Canada and the USA.
  • There are no year abroad placements for Persian; however, if you are taking Persian with another language, you may be able to complete a year abroad placement for the other language.

Linguistic, transferable, and social skills for employability

Languages can be used in almost any career and so are a uniquely valuable subject whatever your professional goals. Languages are particularly sought after in sectors where communication, intercultural competence, and self-confidence are essential attributes.

Persian studies graduates leave St Andrews with an impressive mix of linguistic, transferable, and social skills equipping them for careers in:

  • journalism and communications
  • government and civil service
  • non-governmental organisations
  • intelligence and security services
  • marketing and business development
  • international aid and development
  • teaching and education 

Postgraduate study in languages, literatures, and cultures

Take your Persian studies further with a postgraduate degree.

Masters degrees

Masters degrees with the School of Modern Languages provide advanced study in global cultures - giving you the intercultural and professional competencies needed to understand, and thrive in, a globalised world.

The interdisciplinary Masters in Iranian Studies explores questions of nationalism, religion, culture, and society as well as an Iran's place in the region and the broader international community. 

Research degrees

As a PhD, MPhil, or MSt (Res) student in the School of Modern Languages you will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community.

You will work with academic supervisors who will provide you with subject expertise and guidance to help you plan and manage your research while the University's researcher development programmes give you the skills you need as an independent researcher.

Research degrees in languages and comparative literature

Start your journey

Register your details to receive more information about programmes at the School of Modern Languages and the University of St Andrews.