Why study this course?
This course offers an advanced grounding in the security of the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia. It explores the security, politics, economics, history and culture of these strategically significant areas.
- Prepare for professional work in diplomacy, government, NGOs, or international business or as preparation for PhD study
- Undertake language study in Arabic, Persian or Russian at undergraduate level
- Benefit from real-world experiences as the programme regularly brings in practitioners and outside experts
Teaching
A mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Class sizes
Lectures typically involve 20 to 30 students, and tutorials 5 to 15.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word dissertation with ongoing support.
Assessment
Exams and coursework.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
You will pick three optional modules. Unless you pursue a language track, you are expected to take at least one of your optional modules in the Middle East subject area, and one optional module in the Caucasus or Central Asia subject areas.
Those doing a language track have an option to take undergraduate language modules chosen from Russian, Arabic or Persian. These modules depend on staff availability and timetabling compatibility.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Recent graduates from the MLitt in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies have gone on to work for:
- leading political risk consultancies
- think tanks in the UK, Europe, and Washington, DC
- local NGOs in the Middle East
- the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Kazakhstan, the world's largest regional intergovernmental security organisation
- governments, in diplomatic or analysis posts
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at.
Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University's Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Elevate your career
Alumni of Modern Languages postgraduate programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:
- AKE International
- Mercy Corps
- Morgan Stanley
- World Bank
Further your education
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in a PhD programme at St Andrews.
Why St Andrews?
The School of International Relations is ranked top in Scotland and first for politics in the UK. The School is recognised globally for its quality teaching, stimulating research, and leading academics.
The School has particular expertise in:
- area studies – including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central, South and East Asia
- foreign policy
- international organisations and regimes
- peace and conflict studies
- political theory
- terrorism and political violence
More than 60 members of staff teach courses and supervise postgraduate students.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“I chose to come here as I had not seen any other university combine these three regions in that manner (Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asia). Studying this programme has helped me expand my horizons and realise what possibilities and opportunities are out there.”
- Cologne, Germany
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement indicating your knowledge of the programme and how it will benefit you (500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £14,850
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 24 March 2025
