Arabic and Persian and Ancient History

Arabic, Persian and ancient history is a combination of remarkable range and depth, bringing together the two most important classical and modern languages of the Islamic world with the rigorous historical study of the ancient civilisations that shaped much of what followed. Arabic is the language of the Quran and of one of the great literary and intellectual traditions of the medieval and modern world, spoken today by hundreds of millions across the Middle East and North Africa. Persian is the classical language of Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia, with a literary tradition that includes some of the most celebrated poetry in world literature.

Ancient history takes you back to the foundations of organised society in the Mediterranean and Near East, exploring the civilisations whose ideas, institutions and conflicts continue to resonate.

At the University of St Andrews you will develop genuine language proficiency in both Arabic and Persian alongside an in-depth engagement with ancient history, examined through primary sources, archaeological evidence and modern scholarly debate. The combination allows for a uniquely layered perspective on the cultures and histories of the Middle East and their connections with the classical world. The programme runs over five years full time, reflecting the sustained commitment required to develop real fluency in two demanding languages alongside serious historical study.

Graduates of this combination are rare and genuinely sought after in careers requiring deep expertise in the languages and cultures of the Islamic world, ancient civilisations, and the regions where both intersect. Diplomacy, area studies, academic research, intelligence, cultural heritage, journalism and international organisations all value this breadth. Postgraduate study in Islamic studies, Middle Eastern studies, ancient history or a related field provides a natural further route.