Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Iranian Studies (MLitt) - online 2025 entry
Overview
Study the history, politics and international relations of Iran in a diverse and intellectually stimulating way – supported by our unique range of expertise.
Application Deadline
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
Up to five years online
School
School of History
Fees
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Why Study This Course?
This course introduces you to major themes, concepts and approaches including aspects of methodology and historiography. You will explore questions of nationalism, religion and society, as well as an Iran's place in the region and the broader international community.
- Gain access to a unique range of expertise on Iran from late antiquity to the modern era
- Benefit from the rich research environment of the Institute for Iranian Studies and with staff located across other Schools including Art History, Classics, and Modern Languages
- Access the University's extensive digital collection of ebooks, journals, and electronic databases
Teaching
- Seminars and fortnightly tutorials
- Class sizes: up to 12 students
- Dissertation: a 15,000-word project with ongoing support
- Assessment: modules are assessed through 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.
Compulsory
- Themes in Iranian History: introduces themes and debates in Iranian history. The module looks at a variety of theoretical and disciplinary approaches as well as exploring questions of nationalism, statehood, religion and identity.
- Directed Reading in Iranian History (1 and 2): two modules which encourage the development of skills of historical analysis through concentrated study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
Optional
You will take two of the optional modules.
- Medieval Iran from the Sasanians to the Safavids: looks at the changing nature of Iran from the perspective of its politics, religion and culture in the period circa.
- Iran and the World since 1921: looks at the development of the modern Iranian state from its inception under Reza Khan in the 1920s to the present day.
- Special Topic in Iranian Studies: allows students to explore topics in greater depth and discuss topics of interest beyond the core modules of the programme.
- Persian Language and Culture: enables students to familiarise themselves with the Persian language and culture, using the latest resources for online teaching.
Dissertation
In the final part of the programme you will undertake a dissertation.
Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.
The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.
What It Will Lead To
Careers
Graduates go on to pursue careers in a range of sectors including:
- journalism
- publishing
- think tanks
- government
- law
- teaching
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.
Further Your Education
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere. PhD applications are welcomed in a broad range of research topics relating to the history, politics, and international relations of Iran.
Why St Andrews?
Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online Masters at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.
Entry Requirements
- An 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in History or a subject-related area. Students do not need knowledge of the Persian language for admission. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- A 2.1 Honours degree in any other discipline; successful applicants from other disciplines will likely receive a conditional offer should they be unable to provide evidence of relevant professional experience or prior knowledge.
- Significant professional or other relevant experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning such as professional qualifications or certifications.
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 that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- a personal statement
- a sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- two original signed references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
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.
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:
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
History scholarships
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.
University of St. Andrews
Overview:
The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
MySaint:
A student portal for accessing various resources and information.Moodle:
An online learning platform for course materials and communication.Library:
A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.MMS:
A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Fees and Funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.Scholarships:
Various scholarships available for eligible students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:
Close-knit community:
A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.Academically stimulating environment:
Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.Active research:
Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.International community:
A diverse student body from around the world.Numerous extracurricular activities:
Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-ranked university:
Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.World-leading research:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.Excellent postgraduate programs:
A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.Strong academic reputation:
A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.Supportive and welcoming community:
A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including: