Why study this course?
This course explores a variety of topics relating to the history and culture of the Middle East, including social, political, cultural and intellectual history. You can choose from a range of fields of study and learn about methodological and analytical approaches, including Orientalism.
Choose from the following fields:
- Islamic intellectual history
- Classical Islamic history (Umayyads and Abbasids)
- Armenia in Late Antiquity and the Medieval Period
- the Seljuk, Ayyubid and Mamluk Middle East
- the medieval Islamic East
- medieval Anatolia
- Ottoman history
Teaching
A mix of classroom lectures, textbook work, language exercises, tutorials, individual reading projects and essays.
Class sizes
Up to 12 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Coursework or coursework and exams.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Themes in Middle Eastern and Iranian History: looks at a variety of theoretical and disciplinary approaches, including Orientalism, as well as exploring questions of nationalism, statehood and identity.
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- Arabic for Beginners 1: enables students to read, write and converse in simple Modern Standard Arabic. It will cover the Arabic alphabet and writing system, and begin the study of Arabic grammar.
- Arabic for Beginners 2: covers the remaining points of Arabic grammar from Arabic 1 using a selection of representative non-literary texts.
- Directed Reading in Middle Eastern History (Semester 1 - 30 Credits): encourages the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
- Directed Reading in Middle Eastern History (Semester 2 - 30 Credits): encourages the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
- Directed Reading in Middle Eastern History 1: encourages the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
- Directed Reading in Middle Eastern History 2: encourages the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
- Intermediate Arabic 1: enables students to read and write Modern Standard Arabic to intermediate level with the aid of a dictionary, and to speak in standard Arabic on appropriate topics with a limited vocabulary.
- Intermediate Arabic 2: This module prepares students for Honours modules in Arabic by applying language work to simplified classical works, as well as contemporary and modern writings.
- Iran and the World since 1921 (30): This module is intended to take an in-depth look at the development of the modern Iranian state from its inception under Reza Khan in the 1920s to the present day.
- Medieval Iran from the Sasanians to the Safavids: This module is intended to take an in-depth look at the changing nature of Iran from the perspective of its politics, religion and culture in the period ca. 200-1000.
- Middle Eastern Historical Translation: intended to complement and supplement language modules and to serve as a bridge between the language modules and history modules which constitute the majority of this MLitt programme.
- Persian for Beginners 1: familiarises students with the spoken and written forms of Persian and enables them to begin to read basic authentic texts and to produce simple sentences to express themselves in written and spoken Persian.
- Persian for Beginners 2: continues the lessons from Persian 1 and provides an introduction to elementary translation and interpretation between Persian and English.
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Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.
The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including:
- journalism
- publishing
- think tanks
- government
- law
- teaching
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at.
Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development.
Elevate your career
Alumni of Modern Languages postgraduate programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:
- AKE International
- Mercy Corps
- Morgan Stanley
- World Bank
Further your education
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere. PhD applications are welcomed in a broad range of research topics relating to the history, politics, and international relations of Iran.
Expand your network
The School of History hosts the Middle East History and Iranian seminar programme, featuring St Andrews researchers and invited speakers from Britain, Europe and beyond.
Why St Andrews?
The School of History was ranked joint top with Cambridge in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025 and second in the UK, behind Oxford, in The Guardian University Guide 2025.
St Andrews is Scottish University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025.
The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked St Andrews as the top university in Scotland and second in the UK behind Oxford.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in History or Middle Eastern Studies.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- a personal statement
- a sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and funding
- UK: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
- Rest of the world: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
Application fee
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support, such as:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 11 June 2026