Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Languages, Countries and Cultures

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study location

Central Area

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About the degree programme

On our MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, you will gain an advanced, interdisciplinary understanding of the history, modern politics, society and culture of the Islamic and Middle Eastern world, and explore the paradigms behind the various disciplines within this field.

The programme combines:

  • a course in critical readings on Islam and the Middle East
  • training in research skills and methods
  • option courses spanning a wide range of specialisms
  • optional high-quality language learning

You will be supported to closely and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources on a range of relevant subjects.

You will learn and be assessed through a combination of:

  • seminar work
  • oral presentations
  • essays
  • a dissertation

Language learning

At Edinburgh, we have a long history of teaching the three major languages of the Middle East, with Arabic part of our tradition since the 1760s. We also offer courses in Turkish and Persian, giving you the chance to explore the languages and cultures of the region from beginner level. 

Our courses Arabic 1 and Arabic 2 are for students in the early stages of learning the language. They will help you build strong foundations and grow your confidence step by step, so you can start using Arabic in everyday situations. 

If you already have significant experience with Arabic (intermediate level or B1–B2 in the CEFR framework), we offer two specialised courses: 

  • Arabic for Professional Purposes
  • Arabic for Contemporary Islamic Studies

These courses focus on more advanced, real-world language skills, helping you use your Arabic in professional, research, community and cultural contexts. 

Why Edinburgh

With over 260 years of history in teaching and research in this subject area, we are globally recognised as a leading centre for the study of the Islamic Middle East.

Our research resources and facilities are outstanding. We have a dedicated Islamic Library and our Main University Library houses over 23,000 IMES resources, including the Serjeant and Watt Collections.

We are the home of the Alwaleed Centre, part of a select network in the UK, USA and the Middle East aiming to promote a better understanding of Islam and Islamic culture through ground-breaking research and innovative outreach projects.

On completion of the programme, your dissertation will automatically be entered for the Yasir Suleiman Prize. Launched in 2017, and valued at £100, this prize for best masters dissertation honours Professor Yasir Suleiman CBE, former holder of the Iraq Chair of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Edinburgh (1990 to 2007).

Learn more about our MSc Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Study options

You will complete the programme in one academic year. 

As part of this, you will take a year-long course in research skills and dissertation training, taught across both Semester 1 (September to December) and Semester 2 (January to May). 

You will also take a core course in Semester 1, which will introduce you to critical thinking in the field of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. 

In each semester, you will choose two optional courses from a wide range. You will submit your dissertation (15,000 words) around 12 weeks after Semester 2 ends.

Programme rankings

  • 3rd in the UK for breadth and quality of research in Modern Languages and Linguistics (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021)
  • 3rd in the UK and 12th in the world for Modern Languages (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026)
  • 4th in the UK and 9th in the world for Arts and Humanities (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026)

REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in its higher education institutions. The most recent REF took place in 2021; the next REF is planned for 2029. 

QS World Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics.

Programme benefits

  • Learn in an historic city where the Middle East has been studied since the 18th century
  • Shape your own postgraduate experience and choose from optional courses spanning a wide range of specialisms
  • Opt to learn a language to help you engage with source material - courses in Arabic, Persian and Turkish are available
  • Gain the skills to identify, analyse and discuss major events and issues impacting the Islamic world and Middle East
  • Join a supportive department with its own seminar series
  • Explore our fantastic libraries and collections

The MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies offers an unparalleled exploration of the region. The programme's global faculty, rich curriculum, and intellectually stimulating environment empowered me to develop a deep understanding of complex issues. This experience has been invaluable in preparing me for my future career.

Sophie MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, 2024

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Over the course of the programme, you will complete courses and activities totalling 180 credits.

You will take:

  • two compulsory courses (20 credits each)
  • four option courses (20 credits each)

You will also write a 15,000-word dissertation under supervision (60 credits). This will automatically be entered for the Yasir Suleiman Prize.

Compulsory courses

Your core courses will give you a grounding in critical readings as applied to a wide range of topics in the field of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. 

You will also gain foundational research skills and receive dissertation training, preparing you for your dissertation and a potential research-based career.

Option courses

Your option courses can be chosen from within the department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies or from departments in other Schools, including but not limited to:

  • History
  • Divinity
  • Political Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Law
  • History of Art

The variety of options reflects the scope and richness of the degree, and allows you to curate your selections to suit your interests and aspirations.

Courses may include, but will not be limited to:

  • Introductory Arabic, Persian or Turkish
  • Arabic for Professional Purposes
  • Arabic for Contemporary Islamic Studies
  • Modern Arabic Literature in Translation
  • Of Wine, Love and Loss: Reading Iran through Classical Persian Literature
  • The Ottoman World: The Society, Culture and Legacy of Islam's Last Empire
  • Cinema and Society in the Middle East
  • Gender in Islam
  • The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Nations in Collision
  • Unfolding Afghanistan in a Globalised Context
  • International, Transnational and Globalised Dynamics of the Muslim World
  • Muslims in Europe
  • Islamic Africa
  • Islamic Philosophy
  • Science, Sorcery and Wonder in Islam
  • Digital Islamic Art History

MSc IMES student Haanya took an optional course in Islam and Science at the School of Divinity and turned her coursework into an award-winning essay. 

Her short essay, “Grounded Theory and Islamic Psychology: A Methodological Critique,” won the 2026 ESSSAT (European Society for the Study of Science and Theology) Student Prize. 

Find out more about Haanya's prize win

This paper grew out of Dr Shoaib Malik’s Islam and Science course, which I was lucky to take in its very first year here in Edinburgh while completing my MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. Working through the ideas in that class and then pushing the essay further for this prize has been one of the most rewarding parts of my degree. 

Haanya MSc Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, 2026

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Your teaching will mostly take place in seminars and small group settings. Apart from on language courses, these seminars are typically centred around group discussions.

Some option courses combine lectures and discussion sessions, while others will be entirely seminar-based. For the dissertation, each student will have individual meetings with their designated dissertation supervisor.

In addition to the teaching staff you will meet day-to-day, the masters programme is coordinated by a Programme Director. This academic member of staff serves as the first point of contact for all students on the programme, offering essential academic guidance and advice. 

Assessment

Assessments will vary based on the option courses you choose and will take a range of forms to give you the opportunity to practice different skills. For example, you may be asked to:

  • write an essay, literature review, or critical review of an academic article
  • respond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close reading
  • give a short talk or presentation
  • design a poster

If you are learning a language, coursework may include short weekly exercises and oral components to test your spoken language skills.

Each student will write a 15,000-word dissertation. In preparation for this, you will submit two assignments: 

  • an annotated bibliography
  • a dissertation proposal

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme, you will have gained the skills to:

  • Identify and critically discuss major events, actors, and issues impacting the Islamic world and the Middle East, and individual countries in the region
  • Apply methodologies and conceptual tools for understanding the region, its individual countries, and relevant issues
  • Explain and evaluate the scholarship in your chosen subject area
  • Select and utilise appropriate sources to support your arguments and research
  • Apply knowledge and skills to conduct independent research
  • Work independently on your own individual research project

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Where you will study

Academic facilities

The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media. It has over 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES), of which:

  • around 9,000 printed books and 12,500 e-books are in Arabic
  • around 2,600 printed books are in Persian; 1,500 in Turkish
  • more than 100 films are in either Arabic or Persian
  • around 50 databases are considered particularly relevant to IMES

The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:

  • more than 400,000 rare books
  • six kilometres of archives and manuscripts
  • thousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objects

Treasures include the Serjeant and Watt Collections of around 6,400 titles on subjects such as:

  • Islamic law
  • Islamic and medieval philosophy
  • the relationship between Islam and Christianity
  • the history of the Arab world
  • Arabic literature

The University Library also holds some of the world’s most precious Islamic manuscripts, such as Rashid al-Din’s History of the World and al-Biruni’s Chronology of Ancient Nations.

Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre and Computing Labs in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

IMES also has its own library in 19 George Square, with views across a central garden to both the Main University Library and LLC.7

Career opportunities

With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.

A degree in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies is an excellent primer for a range of careers. A masters-level qualification in the subject area of languages, countries and cultures demonstrates what employers call intercultural competence. 

By completing this programme, you will be able to develop a range of advanced, transferable skills, such as: 

  • critical and analytical thinking
  • writing and communication
  • reflection and evaluation
  • problem-solving
  • creative thinking
  • project and time management
  • intercultural awareness
  • digital literacy, for example, using databases and archives effectively
  • collaboration and feedback skills, including the ability to incorporate and respond to constructive comments to improve your work

Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates from our languages, countries and cultures programmes have gone on to work in:

  • communications, marketing, advertising and public relations
  • education, outreach, advocacy and training
  • journalism, broadcasting and media
  • leisure, tourism and travel
  • politics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and law
  • publishing, culture, heritage and the arts
  • research, development, consultancy and venture acceleration
  • business, finance, commerce and tech
  • translating and interpreting, including literary translation

This programme will also provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress to doctoral study and to pursue an academic career.

Skills for Success 

You have many opportunities to build useful skills for your future throughout your time with us. Our Skills for Success Framework is designed to help you prepare for life after university and develop strengths such as communication, curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration and digital literacy.

Your Skills for Success are shaped by your whole Edinburgh experience – in your studies, how you are taught and what you do outside the classroom.

Find out more about Skills for Success

Further study

Our programme is a good stepping-stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

Find out more about our PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

You might also be interested in our PhDs in:

  • Comparative Literature
  • Film Studies
  • Intermediality
  • Medieval Studies
  • Translation Studies

Graduate profiles

Lynn Houmdi

Degree: MSc Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Year of graduation: 2018

Current work: Senior Manager, Learning and Leadership

In all of my work with the Challenges Group, the understanding of employability questions and economic exclusion which I gained while researching my dissertation have been fundamental. I still use the sociological and anthropological methods I learned during that time to collect and interpret qualitative data from the women we help in order to continuously improve our programmes and present our social impact to partners and funders.

Meet our graduates: Lynn Houmdi

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
13 September 2027 2 August 2027

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have sufficient time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. 

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. 

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

We aim to issue decisions within 6-8 weeks of receiving your completed application. During peak times it may take us slightly longer to issue your decision but please be assured we will confirm a decision as soon as we can.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

Edinburgh’s extraordinary literary history, cultural scene and inspiring atmosphere made every day enriching, both academically and personally. Combined with the supportive and intellectually stimulating community in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, it gave me every opportunity to grow and challenge my thinking.

Federica Murgolo MSc Literature and Society, 2026

Federica, who provided us with this quote about her experience of living and studying in Edinburgh, is originally from Italy. While studying with us, she was the Postgraduate Taught School Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

Together with Programme Representatives, Postgraduate Representatives are your voice in the university, sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are voluntary, and supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA).

Our community

Study with us, and you will be part of a friendly community with a regular programme of workshops, guest seminars and cultural events, including at the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World.

The University holds over 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. These include the Serjeant and Watt Collections and some of the world’s most precious Islamic manuscripts, such as Rashid al-Din’s History of the World and al-Biruni’s Chronology of Ancient Nations.

Find out more about our resources and events on the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures website

Go beyond the books

Beyond the Books is a podcast from LLC that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen.

Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research.

Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work

Beyond the Books episodes with guests from Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies include:

  • Series 4 - Episode 4 - Dr Marie Legendre; a chat about Marie's research on Late Antique and early Islamic history, her experience within the field of papyrology, and her ERC-funded project, Caliphal Finances, which had just reached its conclusion
  • Series 2 - Episode 5 - Bahar Fayeghi; at the time of recording, Bahar was in Year 2 of her PhD researching the experience and everyday resistance of Afghan women in Iran. She graduated in July 2026.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections.

The city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional, and its world cinema scene is particularly strong.

Many national collections are located close to the University's Central Area, making them easy to access between classes.

Highlights include:

  • National Library of Scotland
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • National Galleries of Scotland

Most of the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town retaining many of its medieval buildings and streets.

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

Related degree programmes

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