Iranian Studies (MLitt) - online at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A part-time online MLitt on the history, politics and international relations of Iran from late antiquity to the modern era, drawing on the Institute for Iranian Studies. Classes are up to 12 students with seminars and fortnightly tutorials, and assessment is by coursework.

Department: School of History | Duration: Up to five years, part-time online | Intake: September 2027; application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027 | Study mode: online | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory modules are Themes in Iranian History and Directed Reading in Iranian History (1 and 2). Students take two options from Medieval Iran from the Sasanians to the Safavids, Iran and the World since 1921, Special Topic in Iranian Studies, and Persian Language and Culture, then write a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. Students who do not complete the dissertation may exit with a PGDip.

Career pathways

Graduates work in journalism, publishing, think tanks, government, law and teaching. Alumni of School of History postgraduate programmes have worked at AKE International, Mercy Corps, Morgan Stanley and the World Bank, and many continue to PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree in History or a related subject; or a 2.1 in any other discipline (applicants without relevant professional experience or prior knowledge will likely receive a conditional offer); or significant professional experience with evidence of prior alternative learning. No Persian language knowledge is required. Application documents: CV, personal statement, 2,000-word academic writing sample, one signed academic or most recent employer reference, and transcripts and degree certificates. English language (international applicants, IELTS Academic; equivalents accepted): overall 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking (postgraduate taught profile 4-D). Also accepted: PTE Academic 76 overall (76 writing, 64 in each other skill), TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) 91 overall (reading 16, writing 26, listening 16, speaking 19). Applicants from some countries and those with a degree taught in English at a qualifying institution may not need a test score. Test scores are normally valid for two years.

Domestic applicants: GBP 12,880 for the whole programme. Home fee for September 2027 entry. Source

International applicants: GBP 27,750 for the whole programme. Overseas fee for September 2027 entry; the page lists the figure without a currency symbol. Source

Intake: September 2027; application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027

Duration: Up to five years online

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