Middle East Studies MA (joint degree) at University of St Andrews

Middle East Studies is taken as part of a four-year joint Honours MA with another subject, run by the School of History. It covers the history of the Middle East over 1500 years, from the rise of Islam to the modern region, and allows historical and comparative study alongside literatures, cultures, history and politics.

Department: School of History  |  Duration: Four years full time  |  Intake: 1 September 2026 (2026 entry; ends 28 June 2030)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

First year requires two of The Early Modern Western World, The Fall of Rome and the Origins of Europe, and Themes in Late Modern History. Second year requires Introduction to Middle Eastern History plus one of History as a Discipline, Medieval Europe or Scotland, Britain and Empire. Honours options include The Ottoman Empire 1300-1700, Britain and Iran in the Modern Era and The Imperial City: Byzantine and Ottoman Constantinople. Fourth year includes a dissertation of about 10,000 to 12,000 words or an Honours project. Joint partners include Arabic, Persian, International Relations, Economics, Modern History and others.

Career pathways

Graduates enter careers open to Arts graduates, including international agencies, welfare and educational organisations, the diplomatic service and government agencies, Middle East-related journalism, lobbying, commerce, financial services and consultancy.

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