Overview and entry requirements

This MA (discipline) and Intensive Language (Persian) programme will provide students with the opportunity to combine Masters’ level training with intensive study of the Persian language, in order to acquire the skills necessary for future professional or research careers. The MA programme will enable students to engage with the subject of their Masters’ programme in the context of Iran, and the wider Persian speaking world, through the study of modern and classical Persian, to engage with primary Persian sources and data and to conduct research and professional work in Iran or parts of Central Asia.

This Intensive Persian Language programme combined with a discipline would suit students wishing to embark on research degrees with a focus on Iran and the wider Persianate world. Professionals wishing to pursue careers directly related to Iran, including government departments (of both the UK and other countries), and in firms requiring particular skills and knowledge related to trading, investment and promotional interests outside Europe. 

See Near and Middle East Department

Combine Persian Intensive Language with a discipline

Choose from subjects in Anthropology and Sociology, History, History of Art, Linguistics, and Near and Middle East. (See 'Combinations' tab above for details.)

Why study Persian Intensive Language and a discipline at SOAS

• SOAS is ranked 1st in London in the Complete University Guide 2021 for Middle Eastern and African Studies, and 6th in UK
• SOAS has an unrivalled reputation as the foremost provider of Near and Middle East studies
• students have the opportunity to study abroad for a year at one of our partner universities.

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

May be combined with:

The following disciplines are available with the Intensive Persian pathway:

Anthropology and Sociology

• MA Anthropological Research Methods
• MA Anthropology of Food
• MA Migration and Diaspora Studies
• MA Social Anthropology

History

• MA History

History of Art

• MA History of Art and Architecture of Islamic Middle East

Linguistics

• MA Linguistics

Near and Middle East

• MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies
• MA Iranian Studies

Structure

Students must take 315 credits in total, comprised of 255 taught credits (45 of which are taught abroad as part of a Summer School) and a 60-credit dissertation in the selected discipline as outlined below.

Year 1: students on the two-year Intensive Language programmes take 60 credits of intensive language instruction and 60 credits in the discipline. During the summer, they participate in a Summer School abroad.

Year 2: students take another 30 language credits as well as 60 credits in the discipline; they also complete their dissertation in the discipline.

Please see 'Programme specification' below to download the PDF pathways specifications of the four-year part-time version of the programme.

For information on the discipline parts of the programme see Postgraduate programmes by subject.

Programme

Programme Specification

• MA ... and Intensive Language (Persian) Programme Specification 2020/21 (pdf; 81kb)

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

One-year Masters programmes consist of 180 credits. 120 credits are taught in modules of 30 credits (taught over 20 weeks) or 15 credits (taught over 10 weeks); the dissertation makes up the remaining 60 units. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

Contact hours

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework and revising for examinations. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary. 

More information is on the page for each module.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

To acquire/develop skills in Persian language up to the equivalent of CEFR “Independent” user.

Intellectual (thinking) skills

To demonstrate awareness of the conceptual and communicative underpinnings of Persian and through this interlinguistic and intercultural understanding.

Subject-based practical skills

Communicate in written and spoken medium in contemporary Persian of Iran

Transferable skills

Engage with people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, understand the role of different frames of reference.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Tuition fees

Fees for 2022/23 entrants, per academic year (Band 1 tuition fee) 

Please note that fees go up each year. Two-year full-time programmes have 2 years of full-time fees; the fee in the second year will be higher than the fee for the first year (the full time fee above is for the first year only).

For full details of tuition fees, see our postgraduate tuition fees page.

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

• How to Apply
• Online Application
• Request a prospectus
• Got a question - use our enquiry form (opens a new window)
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts