Iranian Studies MLitt

Program Overview

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Iranian Studies (MLitt) 2025 entry

Overview

Study the history, politics and international relations of Iran in a diverse and intellectually stimulating way – supported by St Andrews' unique range of expertise.

Application Deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025

Starts

September 2025

Duration

One year full time

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
• Study in the rich research environment of the Institute for Iranian Studies and with staff located in other Schools including Art History, Classics, and Modern Languages
• Benefit from the resources of the University Library which has a distinctive collection of over 6,000 Persian books
• Enjoy access to 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: a mix of coursework and exams

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: looks at methodological problems, questions of historiography, including source analysis, the construction of narratives and contemporary debates
• Optional
  • You will take three of the optional modules
  • 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
  • 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
  • Two modules in the Persian language at the appropriate level
• 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

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.

Expand Your Network

The School of History hosts the Middle East History and Iranian seminar programme, featuring St Andrews researchers and invited speakers from Britain, Europe and beyond.

Why St Andrews?

St Andrews is Scottish University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025.

The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked St Andrews as the top University in Scotland and second in the UK behind Oxford.

The School of History was ranked joint top with Cambridge in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025 and second in the UK, behind Oxford, in The Guardian University Guide 2025.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in 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.
• English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

Application Requirements

• CV or résumé, which should include 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 academic references
• academic transcripts and degree certificates

Fees and Funding

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £25,900

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances.

• The Begum Iskander Mirza Postgraduate Scholarship
• School of History MLitt Awards
• GREAT Scholarship
• St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
• St Leonard's funding opportunities
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)