Overview

With over 260 years of history in teaching and research, we are globally recognised as a leading centre for postgraduate study in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Our research resources and facilities are outstanding, and we have excellent links with a number of centres and networks, including the Alwaleed Centre and the Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies.

Facilities of the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) programme at The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh contains exceptional resources for study and research in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Based in the Main University Library, the Centre for Research Collections is unique in the UK, bringing together a collection of more than 400,000 rare books, six kilometres of archives and manuscripts, and the University’s collections of art, historical musical instruments and other objects.

Programme Structure

Our expertise includes:

language and literature: classical and modern Arabic literature, classical Persian literature, cultural transmission and translation between Arabic and Persian cultures
history and historiography: pre-Islamic Iran, early Islamic history, Ottoman history, modern history and politics, in particular Iraq, Iran and Egypt
religion: early and classical Islam, Qur’an and Qur’anic exegesis, Hadith, the biography of Muhammad, Sufism, Islam in the Ottoman Empire
contemporary Muslim politics: Islamism, social movements, comparative social and political change in the Muslim world
arts and cultures of the Middle East and Muslim societies: particularly visual arts, cinema
gender and sexuality in the Middle East and North Africa, contemporary Arab media
Shi’ism: Shi’i history and contemporary Shi’ism
Islam and Muslims in Europe

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-31 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

7

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Islamic Studies Middle Eastern studies View 9 other PhDs in Middle Eastern studies in United Kingdom

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

Pass _{(recommended)}

English requirements

IELTS

7

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Pass IELTS with Swoosh English! Sign up for a free writing masterclass or claim your exclusive 25% Studyportals discount and accelerate your preparation by taking a course designed by experts to get you the results you need.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Edinburgh and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree and a masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a related subject. We may also consider your application if you have equivalent qualifications or experience; please check with your potential supervisor before you apply.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

26300 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 26300 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4786 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4786 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Edinburgh

725 - 1167 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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