university of edinburgh phd islamic studies

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Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) PhD The University of Edinburgh

Course options

Qualification.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

The University of Edinburgh

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

A PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research, and to make a definite and original contribution to the field.

With over 260 years of history in teaching and research, we are globally recognised as a leading centre for postgraduate study in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Our research resources and facilities are outstanding, and we have excellent links with a number of centres and networks, including the Alwaleed Centre and the Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies.

You will work closely with expert supervisors and attend research skills courses as part of the programme.

You will also have the opportunity to attend additional training courses in a range of research and professional skills, including through the: School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC); Careers Service; University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD.

Our graduates tell us that they value our friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are published experts in their field.

As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas and learning.

Tuition fees

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£ 26,300 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University league table, campus address.

University of Edinburgh, Student Recruitment and Admissions, 33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City Of, EH8 9JS, Scotland

Subject rankings

Subject ranking.

• African & Middle Eastern Studies

5th out of 8

7th out of 101 5

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Suggested courses

MA Middle Eastern Studies and Intensive Language (Arabic)

SOAS University of London

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MA Islamic Studies

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Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES)

The Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) programme at The University of Edinburgh builds on your knowledge in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies or related fields and aims to develop and enhance your research skills and your skills in academic writing.

The University of Edinburgh Multiple locations Edinburgh , Scotland , United Kingdom Top 0.5% worldwide Studyportals University Meta Ranking 4.2 Read 207 reviews Featured by The University of Edinburgh

With over 260 years of history in teaching and research, we are globally recognised as a leading centre for postgraduate study in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Our research resources and facilities are outstanding, and we have excellent links with a number of centres and networks, including the Alwaleed Centre and the Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies.

Facilities of the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) programme at The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh contains exceptional resources for study and research in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Based in the Main University Library, the Centre for Research Collections is unique in the UK, bringing together a collection of more than 400,000 rare books, six kilometres of archives and manuscripts, and the University’s collections of art, historical musical instruments and other objects.

Programme Structure

Our expertise includes:

• language and literature: classical and modern Arabic literature, classical Persian literature, cultural transmission and translation between Arabic and Persian cultures
• history and historiography: pre-Islamic Iran, early Islamic history, Ottoman history, modern history and politics, in particular Iraq, Iran and Egypt
• religion: early and classical Islam, Qur’an and Qur’anic exegesis, Hadith, the biography of Muhammad, Sufism, Islam in the Ottoman Empire
• contemporary Muslim politics: Islamism, social movements, comparative social and political change in the Muslim world
• arts and cultures of the Middle East and Muslim societies: particularly visual arts, cinema
• gender and sexuality in the Middle East and North Africa, contemporary Arab media
• Shi’ism: Shi’i history and contemporary Shi’ism
• Islam and Muslims in Europe

Key information

• 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

• Apply before 2024-10-31 00:00:00

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Disciplines

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Other requirements

General requirements.

• A UK 2:1 honours degree and a masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a related subject. We may also consider your application if you have equivalent qualifications or experience; please check with your potential supervisor before you apply.

Tuition Fee

International, living costs for edinburgh.

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Read more about eligibility

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• PhD Scholarship in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies at Edinburgh

PhD Scholarship in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies at Edinburgh

About The Event

Call for Applications

University of Edinburgh, UK

Deadline for application:  February 14, 2020

The Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh is delighted to invite applications for one PhD scholarship in any area within its expertise. The scholarship will be funded by IMES and will cover tuition fees for the PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Applications for the PhD can be made via the online admissions portal at the url address given below.

The award is open to UK, EU and overseas students commencing a PhD degree in the academic year 2020-2021. Only applications to year one of a PhD program of study will be considered.

Among the areas of supervision we cover are:

• Language and literature: classical and modern Arabic literature; classical Persian literature; cultural transmission and translation between Arabic and Persian cultures

• History and historiography: pre-Islamic Iran, early Islamic history, Ottoman history, modern history and politics, in particular Iraq, Iran, and Egypt

• Early and classical Islam, Qur’an and tafsir, hadith, the biography of Muhammad; Sufism; Islam in the Ottoman Empire

• Contemporary Muslim politics: Islamism, social movements, comparative social and political change in the Muslim world

• Arts and cultures of the Middle East and Muslim societies: particularly visual arts, Cinema

• Gender and sexuality in the MENA region; contemporary Arab media;

• Shi`ism: Shi`i history and contemporary Shi’ism.

Source:  University of Edinburgh

• Total Slot: 0
• Booked Slot: 0

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Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations MSc (Res) The University of Edinburgh

• On campus - h Central area campus
• Sep 1, 2024 Part-time - 2 years
• Sep 1, 2024 Full-time - 1 years
• Sep 1, 2024 Full-time - 3 years
• Sep 1, 2024 Full-time - 2 years
• Sep 1, 2024 Part-time - 6 years

Key Course Facts

• Admission advice for international students

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 30 graduates of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations MSc (Res) at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech.

Salary of Graduates in Accounting

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students .

Salary of all UK Graduates of Accounting

Course Description

In this research area, you can pursue interdisciplinary study of Islamic thought and practice, and of historical, theological, ethical and political encounters between Christianity and Islam.

Research topics

Staff research interests focus on:

• Islamic theology (kalam)
• law (shari‘a and fiqh)
• Qur’an, Hadith, and Tafsir
• Muslim views of Christianity and Judaism
• Christian theological engagements with Islam
• constructive theology and ethics from a Christian or Muslim perspective
• Arab Christianity, classic and contemporary
• political Islam
• political theology
• comparative theology

Research supervisor

You can find out more and identify a potential supervisor by looking at the School’s staff profiles, which give details of research interests and publications, and email addresses.

You are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

Research community

At the School of Divinity you will join a community of around 150 research students, drawn from around the world, and from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Research reputation

You will study in a stimulating environment. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School first in Scotland and fifth in the UK for its research power in theology and religious studies. The majority of the research activity of our colleagues is classed as world-leading, reflecting the vibrancy of the School’s research culture.

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) .

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

What graduates are doing after 15 months

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans, utilise skills from studies, work is meaningful.

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% skilled jobs.

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations MSc (Res) at The University of Edinburgh

Grading & Study Time

Assessment methods, study time distribution.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Ucas tariff of accepted students for this course.

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Average student cost of living in the UK

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of the university of edinburgh in top uk and global rankings., rankings of the university of edinburgh in related subject specific rankings., social studies & humanities, about the university of edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

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The university league tables, cug the complete university guide - by subject  (published: 14 may, 2024).

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• Home »
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find your perfect postgrad program Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

The university of edinburgh: islamic and middle eastern studies.

On this taught masters programme, you will gain an advanced, interdisciplinary understanding of the history, modern politics, society and culture of the Islamic Middle East, and explore the paradigms behind the various disciplines within this field.

The programme combines:

a course in critical readings

training in research skills and methods

option courses spanning a wide range of specialisms

optional 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

a dissertation

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) who was instrumental in the bid to establish the Alwaleed Centre.

Full-Time, 1 years starts Sep 2024

Part-Time, 2 years starts Sep 2024

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await.

The  University of Edinburgh  is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50, and placed 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Our position as one of Britain’s leading research universities was reaffirmed by the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, ranked 4th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions), with 90% of our research activity classified as world leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Our …

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Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations PhD

The university of edinburgh, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Islamic Studies Christian Religious Studies Sociology Of Religion

Course type

Research supervisor

You can find out more and identify a potential supervisor by looking at the School’s staff profiles, which give details of research interests and publications, and email addresses.

School of Divinity staff profiles

You are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

Research community,/b>

At the School of Divinity you will join a community of around 150 research students, drawn from around the world, and from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

A UK 2:1 honours degree with a mark of at least 65% in a relevant subject, and typically a specialist masters degree with a high level of attainment (at least 67% in both coursework and dissertation), or their international equivalents. You should also have academic training in the area of your research project.

MA Islamic Studies

Soas university of london, llm islamic law, ma islamic law, islamic banking and finance msc, bangor university, islamic banking and finance mba.

• Schools & departments

MA Islamic Studies

UCAS code: V622

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Introducing MA Islamic Studies

This programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of Islam as a religion, as well as the history, thought and culture of Muslims worldwide.

Opening the door to Islam's rich intellectual heritage, our courses will give you a thorough grounding in a variety of areas, such as:

• Islamic literature and poetry
• Islam and Muslim societies in the contemporary world

You will learn Arabic in Year 1, with the option to take Persian or Turkish too. You can continue language learning in Year 2 if you wish.

The programme is extremely flexible, enabling you to choose option courses from a broad list of disciplines, and specialise as you progress through your honours years.

Why Edinburgh

Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the study of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Islam and the Middle East.

Study with us, and you will be part of a friendly community with:

• great links to the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World
• a student-led Islamic Society
• a regular programme of workshops, guest seminars and cultural events

The University holds over 23,000 resources in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES). 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.

When you graduate, you will have the combination of broad cultural education and specialist knowledge valued by employers worldwide.

What our students say

Diversity, equality, and inclusion are at the heart of Edinburgh University. I enjoy and look forward to the lectures and seminars. Our lecturers are from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience. The support staff are very friendly, supportive, and understanding. Nazima, Year 3, Islamic Studies MA (Hons)

What you will study

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

You do not currently need to know any Arabic, as Year 1 courses are designed for beginners.

Over the course of the year, you will learn to read and write using Arabic script, and speak confidently in Arabic about a range of topics.

You will also take courses in:

Islamic history - a survey of the formation of the Islamic world, from its pre-Islamic origins to the foundation of the first Muslim world empire

modern Middle Eastern history - an introduction to the Middle East's political, economic, social and cultural history from 1950 until the present day

Option courses

You will complete your Year 1 studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University.

You can, for example, opt to learn Persian or Turkish, alongside Arabic. Our courses are suitable for complete beginners.

Other options include, but are not limited to, courses in:

• European languages and cultures
• Asian studies
• business, economics and informatics
• politics, social policy, social anthropology and international relations
• art and architectural history
• history, classics and archaeology
• Celtic and Scottish ethnology
• linguistics and language sciences
• philosophy, divinity and law

You will take courses in:

the religion of Islam - an exploration of the religion's branches, key texts, central beliefs and rituals

Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures - an introduction to the literary, aesthetic and intellectual culture of the Middle East, from the eve of Islam to the modern period

As in Year 1, you will complete your studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University.

When choosing what to study, you can opt to continue with a subject you took in Year 1. For example, you can advance your Arabic language learning, or continue on with Persian, Turkish, history, philosophy etc. Alternatively, you can try something completely new.

This is the first of your honours years. You will choose specialist option courses from a wide selection of subject areas at the University of Edinburgh relating to Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. These include:

• history of art and cultural studies

Alternatively, you may have the option to study abroad for either a full or half year at a partner university or other approved institution. If that is the case, you will still be a student at the University of Edinburgh, with access to all our services. 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 the year.

You will continue with your honours-level studies, choosing further specialist option courses from a wide selection of subject areas relating to Islam and the Middle East.

Building on all the knowledge and skills you have developed over four years, including in independent research, you will complete a dissertation on a subject of your choice under the supervision of an academic adviser.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities.

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.

Take a virtual tour of the Central Area

Libraries and collections

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 are in Arabic, 2,600 in Persian and 1,500 in Turkish. 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 Islamic law, Islamic and medieval philosophy, and the relationship between Islam and Christianity
• 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, 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 beautiful garden to both the Main University Library and LLC .

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.

Events and activities

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

From acting to dancing, making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, these student-led groups offer lots of ways to engage with other cultures.

A number of our Arabic-speaking students have volunteered for a tutoring and educational programme for teenage Syrian refugees in Edinburgh. This programme has won an Outstanding Global Citizenship Impact Award and a Sir William Darling Memorial Prize.

In the city

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 the:

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

Study abroad

You may have the option to study abroad in Year 3. Regardless of location, you will study a range of courses on subjects relating to Islam or the Middle East.

What are my options for going abroad?

Learning and assessment

How will i learn.

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:

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

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.

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 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 your honours years (Years 3 and 4).

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 ).

How will I be assessed?

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 may 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.

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

Career opportunities

Skills and experience.

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 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

Additionally, this programme will give you a nuanced understanding of other cultures and societies, and how they shape our world, giving you the Intercultural Competence valued by employers around the globe. Learning Arabic in your first year (with the option to continue into Year 2) will also sharpen your written and oral communications skills.

Local and global opportunities

With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for graduates with knowledge of Islam and the Muslim world both at home and abroad.

Your degree in Islamic Studies, which includes some language learning, is an excellent primer for a range of careers. Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to work in:

• business, finance and commerce
• 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 and venture acceleration

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, we typically offer both taught and research-led Masters programmes in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. You can also typically choose from MSc programmes in The Globalised Muslim World, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, and more.

Careers advice

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

LLC has a dedicated Careers Consultant within the University's excellent Careers Service.

Through our careers service you can:

• book one-to-one appointments and practice interviews
• access a range of online resources
• attend themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festival

Popular peer support includes Life After LLC , a panel event where you can draw inspiration from our recent graduates.

Be inspired by our alumni

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement.

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB : 36 points with 665 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• IB : 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA : Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB : HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA , GCSE and IB

For SQA , GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS , PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online.)

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.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for MA Islamic Studies

Additional costs

If you study abroad, there will be additional costs. For example, you will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas.

Grants may be available for participating students to help with the extra costs of studying and living abroad.

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Have a query about undergraduate study?
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Degrees in Islamic Studies and Middle Eastern Studies

2 degrees in islamic studies and middle eastern studies.

• Islamic Studies (MA) V622
• Middle Eastern Studies (MA) T600

You may also be interested in

• Arabic and Ancient Greek (MA) QQK7
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• Arabic and French (MA) TR61
• Arabic and History (MA) TV61
• Arabic and Persian (MA) T621
• Arabic and Politics (MA) TL62
• Arabic and Social Anthropology (MA) LT66
• Arabic and Spanish (MA) TR64
• Arabic with Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (MA) T622
• Persian and English Literature (MA) T6Q3
• Persian and Middle Eastern Studies (MA) T63H
• Persian Studies (MA) T633
• How to apply
• Why choose Islamic Studies and Middle Eastern Studies

More information

Search the degree finder.