Admissions

Persian

Persian is spoken throughout Iran and over large areas of Afghanistan. In the early modern period it was the lingua franca for the elite in the Indian subcontinent and is still taught in Muslim communities there. The general intellectual and artistic contribution of Iran to Islamic culture is of crucial significance, and today Iran is one of the most important countries in the Middle East. Students may choose to focus entirely on Persian, or may combine Persian with an additional language, or combine Persian and Islamic Studies, or Persian with Islamic Art and Archaeology. In addition to these courses, Persian may also be studied as an additional language as part of other degrees within the Faculty and wider University.

Persian with an additional language

Students wishing to combine their study of Persian with another language may choose from the following additional language options: Arabic, Armenian, Avestan (Old Iranian), Classics (Latin and/or Ancient Greek) and Turkish. It is also possible to study Persian with a modern European language. Students may also combine Persian with a modern European language.

Persian with Islamic Art and Archaeology

Students who choose to combine Persian with Islamic Art and Archaeology will supplement their language studies with the study of the art and architecture of the Islamic world. In addition to the study of Persian language and literature, further subjects may include Early Islamic Art and Archaeology (600-1250), Later Islamic Art and Architecture (1250-1700), Iranian history, and the development of Shi'ism.

Persian with Islamic Studies

Students who choose to combine Persian with Islamic Studies will supplement their language studies with the study of Islamic history and Islamic religion. In addition to the study of Persian language and literature, further subjects may include Iranian history, the development of Shi'ism up to the late 19th century, modern Shi'ism, Islamic art and architecture, Quranic commentary, and Islamic law.

Persian as an additional language

Persian may be studied as an additional language alongside Arabic, Classics (Latin and/or Ancient Greek) or Turkish.

Further information

For further information, including entrance requirements and how to apply, please see: