Middle East studies

Learn the history, politics, cultures and languages of the Middle East. Study at St Andrews covers over 1,500 years from the rise of Islam to the modern Middle East.

This region is culturally diverse and strategically important, making it a valuable subject to study for those interested in government, international relations, and business.

Hilly town in Morocco by Michael Whitehouse

Undergraduate

Arabic MA (joint degree) Middle East Studies MA (joint degree) Persian MA (joint degree)

Joint degree

Middle East Studies at St Andrews is not offered as a single Honours degree, but it can be taken in combination with a wide variety of other subjects as part of a joint degree. Find out more about taking a joint Honours degree.

Supported pathways

These courses provide supported entry into degree-level study for applicants who do not meet the minimum entry grades, but meet contextual criteria.
- Gateway to Arts (pathway to MA Hons)
- FE-HE Pathway to Arts (pathway to MA Hons)
International Foundation programmes

International Foundation programmes enable international students from a wide range of countries to develop the necessary skills to meet the demands of an undergraduate degree programme across subjects and disciplines at the University of St Andrews.

Postgraduate taught

Postgraduate research

Middle East Studies is a highly interdisciplinary subject area with research undertaken in the Schools of History, International Relations and Modern Languages.

To apply for a postgraduate research degree, you should first identify and contact a potential supervisor you would like to work with in your intended research area. Find out how to contact a research supervisor.

“I chose Middle East Studies because I love learning about the history and causes that affect current events there today - it also pairs well with my other focus (International Relations). Since so many international students are drawn to St Andrews, the diversity of perspective is valuable to any class discussion.”

Anna
- Philadelphia, USA

School of History

The School of History offers a broad and varied portfolio of teaching covering all periods from the fourth century to the present day. The School has expertise on many regions, including the Middle East.

Illustrative photo of the Institute of Mediaeval Studies building in St Andrews.

School of International Relations

The School of International Relations is globally recognised for the quality of research and teaching in areas ranging from foreign policy to terrorism and political violence.

School of Modern Languages

The School offers a truly global approach with specialists across eight languages – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian and Spanish – as well as Comparative Literature.

Expertise spans from the Middle Ages to the present day and includes prose, poetry, theatre, film, history, translation, and material culture.

Students on the gallery above Buchanan lecture theatre

Studying in St Andrews

Entry requirements

The University offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to allow all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, to apply.

Fees and funding

Scholarships and funding options are available at every level of study.

Accommodation

St Andrews has variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Visit St Andrews

If you’re interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students. You can also join us for one of our upcoming online events.

Book a place