MA Iranian Studies and Intensive Language (Persian)

The MA in Iranian Studies enables students to critically assess the historical development of Iranian society, economics and culture within the context of the wider west Asian area and to appreciate the complexity of the history and cultural make up of Iran.

The flexible study programme and interdisciplinary curriculum will enrich students knowledge about the religious and politico-cultural influences affecting contemporary Iran and the region it is embedded in. Students will develop a critical understanding of the literature and/or of Iran and the diaspora and gain an understanding of Iran in the context of the Middle East with respect to gender, politics, Islam, music, and migration (minor module options). Persian language and literature will also be studied.

This is an intensive language programme and, as a result, a large bulk of the module credits are assigned to the language component of the degree. The programme also involves a compulsory opportunity to study abroad and a dissertation on a chosen area of specialism.

The course is unique in its approach. It provides an in-depth analysis of contemporary Iranian affairs from an inter-disciplinary perspective that exposes students to the full depth of expertise in Iranian Studies at SOAS. In addition, the course introduces students to the region that Iran is embedded in. The core course is team taught, which gives students the unique opportunity to work with several world-leading scholars.

The course will appeal to a wide range of students interested in contemporary Iranian politics, international affairs, economics, culture and history. There is no language requirement to enter the course and the wide-ranging courses on offer ensure that students will not be "limited" to Iranian Studies.

Students need to have a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent).