Arabic and Social Anthropology MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Arabic and Persian

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

LT66

Award

MA (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Central Area

Start date

September 2026

School

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Mandatory

Placement

No

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Arabic is the main language of more than 350 million people inhabiting a huge swathe of land extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. It is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Combining Arabic with Social Anthropology, you will learn the Arabic language while studying human behaviour and ideas in a range of contexts:

  • social
  • cultural
  • religious
  • political 

Arabic

Our programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Arabic. You will develop skills in writing, reading, listening to and speaking the language.

Through your studies, you will learn to understand, interpret and discuss original material. These range from pre-Islamic poetry and Islamic religious texts to contemporary sources, Arabic novels, newspapers, and television.

You do not currently need to know any Arabic, as Year 1 courses are designed for beginners. Our programme is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Arabic through exemptions from introductory language study. By Year 3, all students will have the language skills to spend the year studying in a country in which Arabic is spoken.

Our courses open the door to a fascinating and varied region, shining a light on its history, societies, politics and cultures. You will study aspects of the Arabic-speaking world, past and present.

Social Anthropology

At the heart of Social Anthropology is the common humanity that underlies the world's many different societies.

The discipline overlaps with sociology, human geography, and development studies, and is also closely linked to history and philosophy.

On our courses, you will learn what anthropology contributes to some of the most important issues facing us today.

You will also build up the theoretical tools and practical techniques to engage in your own original anthropological research (either library-based or involving fieldwork).

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a Year Abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to the study of Arabic and Social Anthropology. You will also further develop your Arabic language and translation skills.

How a joint degree programme works

You will study both Arabic and Social Anthropology to degree level, as well as taking optional courses in Years 1 and 2.

Arabic is based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) and Social Anthropology in the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) on the same campus.

Your teaching will take place in and around the main LLC and SPS buildings in the University's Central Area.

During your Year Abroad, you will complete assignments for both subjects while using your Arabic daily.

Programme rankings

  • 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages
  • 3rd in the UK in the broad subject area of Arts & Humanities

Rankings from QS World Rankings by Subject 2025

Programme benefits

  • Learn in an historic, capital city where Arabic has been taught since the 18th century.
  • Study over four years, including one abroad.
  • Become fluent in one of the UN's six official languages.
  • Try out different subjects in your first two years.
  • Join societies related to what you are studying.
  • Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Arabic and Social Anthropology

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Arabic and Social Anthropology.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

As long as international travel is possible, Year 3 will involve study abroad in the Middle East. The costs you have to pay will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.

Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally refund you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved.

You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Arabic
Language courses

You will study elementary Arabic to learn basic grammar and develop your vocabulary.

You will learn to read and write using Arabic script, and to speak confidently in Arabic about a range of topics.

You do not currently need to know any Arabic, as Year 1 courses are designed for beginners. However, if you do have prior experience of Arabic, you may be eligible for a partial or full exemption from language study this year.

Discursive courses

You will take a course in Islamic and Middle Eastern Cultures and choose one of two courses in Islamic history, depending on which historical period interests you most.

Social Anthropology

You will receive a broad introduction to social anthropology by studying:

  • Social Anthropology 1A, which looks at the life course
  • Social Anthropology 1B, which explores contemporary debates and global issues
Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Arabic

You will continue with your Arabic language study, developing the grammar and vocabulary to communicate effectively during your Year Abroad.

Our language course focuses on the main linguistic skills:

  • reading
  • writing
  • speaking
  • listening

You will also take a course in the religion of Islam or one on modern Middle Eastern history, choosing between two periods: 1800-c.1950; and 1950 to the present.

Social Anthropology

You will study Social Anthropology 2 and Ethnography.

You will learn about concepts that have shaped the development of social anthropology, and be introduced to the theory and practice of ethnographic fieldwork.

Option courses

You will choose one further course from a wide range of options offered by the University.

Options include, but are not limited to, courses in:

  • business, economics and informatics
  • politics, international relations and social policy
  • art and architectural history
  • history, classics and archaeology
  • Celtic and Scottish ethnology
  • linguistics and language sciences
  • philosophy, divinity and law
Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will spend Year 3 in a country where Arabic is spoken, turning classroom learning into living engagement with Arabic and Middle Eastern culture.

You will study at a university or other approved institution. This immersive learning environment will strengthen your language and cross-cultural communication skills.

As well as improving your Arabic through daily use, living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.

Coursework while abroad

In addition to the work you do for your host institution, you will write an essay or short story in Arabic, which you will be asked to talk about on your return to Edinburgh. You will also write a second, longer essay (in English) on an aspect of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Depending on availability, you may be able to take social anthropology courses at the institution where you are spending your time abroad. Even if this isn't possible, you will start preparing for your Social Anthropology dissertation while you are away.

You will have the opportunity to conduct your own research in the summer break between Years 3 and 4. Your dissertation supervisor will help you to plan and develop your research project which can take place in the UK or overseas.

Keeping in touch

While you are abroad as part of your programme, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.

The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your time away. Additionally, each language has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.

Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:

  • Student Wellbeing Service
  • Student Counselling
  • Student Disability and Learning Support
  • University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
Wellbeing and safety

Your wellbeing and safety abroad is our first priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted, for example following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we will offer you alternative ways to engage with your studies. These will be tailored towards supporting you to meet your learning outcomes and to prepare for your final year.

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will continue to develop your language and translation skills in Arabic.

In your classes and coursework, you will respond to different materials in the Arabic language, including films, contemporary news and other media.

In addition to your language courses, you will also choose from a range of specialist, honours-level option courses dealing with different aspects of social anthropology and either classical or modern Arabic texts.

You will complete your honours dissertation in social anthropology.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will spend Year 3 abroad (a minimum of 30 weeks) in a country where Arabic is spoken.

In addition to your Arabic language courses, you may also be able to take social anthropology courses at an accredited institution in the Middle East, depending on availability.

This is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. Our graduates have told us how much the Year Abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills.

We know that you are likely to have lots of questions about your Year Abroad. We have gone into lots of detail about where you can go and what you can do under ‘Year 3’ above. You can also find out more through the University's Study and Work Away Service.

What are my options for going abroad?

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

University is a place to plan your own goals under expert guidance, study independently and in groups, and reflect upon your learning throughout your degree.

Our approach to learning and teaching is active, inclusive and question-driven, so it may be different to your experiences at school. It will help you gain the skills for life after university, and we will guide you through the steps from one phase to the next.

Depending on the size of your year group, and which option courses you take, your classes will typically fall into three categories:

  • lectures 
  • tutorials
  • seminars

In addition to these classes, and to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.

Lectures

Lectures are taken by all students on a course, typically at the same time. They are delivered as interactive presentations which may involve audio-visual material.

Lectures are given by an experienced academic. They are designed to guide you through the background, questions and debates related to the topic you are studying.

Tutorials

Tutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. So, tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture.

Language tutorials give you the opportunity to develop your linguistic skills in a range of real-world tasks under the supervision of an experienced language teacher.

These classes typically cover skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking - all of which involve learning and applying grammar.

Seminars

Seminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. Again, they are designed to encourage and enable your active participation in learning.

On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in Year 4.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.

Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block.

Coursework 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, review, blog post, opinion piece or learning journal
  • respond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close reading
  • give a short talk or presentation
  • record a podcast or video
  • design a poster or presentation

Exams will include oral exams to test your spoken language skills.

Depending on where you go and what you do during your Year Abroad, Year 3 may include being assessed, in part, by a host institution.

In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation.

Support for your studies

As well as the teaching staff and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD). Peer support schemes bring together students across year groups to help each other with specific study skills, topics or themes.

Where you will study

Study location

When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, or in one of the University’s many social and support spaces.

The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space.

Academic facilities

Libraries and collections 

The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media. It has extensive holdings for the study of Social Anthropology, and over 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES). Of these, around 9,000 printed books and 12,500 e-books are in Arabic, and more than 100 films are in either Arabic or Persian. 

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

Highlights include:

  • The Serjeant and Watt Collections of some 6,400 titles, including works on the history of the Arab world and Arabic literature
  • 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
  • an extensive collection of the Egyptian newspaper al-Ahram al-yawmi (1876-1930)

Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, computing labs and dedicated study spaces 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 the Main University Library, LLC and the School of Social and Political Science.

Centres for research, teaching and outreach

We have great links with the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World which promotes a better understanding of Islam and Muslim culture locally, nationally and internationally.

Career paths

Skills and experience

Combining a language with social anthropology demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas - what employers value as intercultural competence.

Beyond the Arabic language skills you will develop on this joint honours programme, you will also gain a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies. Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.

The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to:

  • understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and concepts
  • manage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projects
  • work independently and as part of a group

Opportunities across sectors

Our programmes are an excellent primer for a range of careers, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative.

Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to work in:

  • business, finance, commerce and tech
  • 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
  • translating and interpreting

Local and global opportunities

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

Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another major world language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.

If you are keen to work abroad, it’s good to know that more than 350 million people are native speakers of Arabic, the sixth most widely spoken language in the world.

Arabic is the common language of the 22 countries in the Arab League, and one of the six official languages of the United Nations. There are also sizeable communities of speakers in Western Europe and Latin America.

Careers Service

Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.

Through the University's excellent Careers Service, you can:

  • get careers advice tailored towards Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and Social Anthropology
  • book one-to-one appointments and practice interviews
  • access a range of online resources
  • attend events and themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festival
  • get help finding work while you study and for around two years after you graduate

The Careers Service is also a partner in Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from recent graduates of programmes in literatures, languages and cultures.

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.

At the University of Edinburgh, we typically offer a one-year Masters by Research programme in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Our portfolio of taught masters programmes typically includes:

  • Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies 
  • Social Anthropology
  • The Globalised Muslim World
  • Comparative Literature
  • Intermediality

Any of our masters degrees, whether research-based or taught, is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

Graduate profiles

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

I think what makes Edinburgh special is that there is so much to do whatever your interests are! Whether you enjoy hiking, relaxing in a café, socialising with friends, or literally anything else, you will never run out of options here.

Minju Kim LLC graduate (2024)

In her final year studying languages at Edinburgh, Minju served as the Undergraduate Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Together with Programme Representatives for Arabic and Social Anthropology, Undergraduate Representatives are your voice in the university - sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA).

Check out the SPS student blog

A team of student writers in Social and Political Science have shared their experiences and thoughts on the things that matter to them on the SPS student blog – from writing your first assignment, to what to do in Edinburgh on the weekend, what to expect in Welcome Week, living away from home, hybrid learning, living sustainably and more.

SPS student blog

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

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

From making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, student-led groups offer lots of ways to explore your subjects, interests and talents socially.

The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and clubs, and promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.

You may be particularly interested in the:

  • Social Anthropology Society
  • Sustainable Development Association
  • Edinburgh Society for Quantitative Research (Q Soc)

The University's accreditation as a University of Sanctuary, the first in Scotland, has given a number of our students the chance to engage with displaced speakers of Arabic.

Examples include students tutoring and providing peer support to teenage Syrian refugees living in Edinburgh, a project which won an Outstanding Global Citizenship Impact Award and a Sir William Darling Memorial Prize.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections. A cultural powerhouse, it is also a political city; seat of the Scottish Parliament, and home to a range of embassies and consulates.

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 the:

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

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 adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

Related degree programmes

You may also be interested in

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.