English and Middle East Studies

English and Middle East Studies brings together the deep reading and critical analysis at the heart of literary education with the historical, cultural, linguistic, and political study of one of the world's most consequential regions. The Middle East has been the origin of major religious traditions, the site of some of history's most significant political conflicts, and a region whose contemporary dynamics, from the Israeli-Palestinian situation to the aftermath of the Arab Spring, continue to shape global affairs. Understanding it seriously requires both specialist knowledge and the interpretive skills that literary study develops.

At the University of St Andrews, this four-year MA (Hons) degree includes a year abroad, providing you with direct exposure to an international academic environment and, depending on your language choices and placement, possible immersion in a Middle Eastern context. In English, you will learn to read texts closely across a range of genres and historical eras, engaging with the ideas, human values, and historical forces that have shaped literature. You will develop skills in critical interpretation, argument, and the production of clear and persuasive prose.

In Middle East Studies, you will examine the history, politics, religion, and cultures of the region, building the contextual knowledge to understand contemporary events in their proper depth. You will have the opportunity to develop language skills relevant to the region, enriching your engagement with primary sources and with the cultures you are studying.

You will graduate with sophisticated analytical and communication skills, substantial cultural knowledge, and, depending on your language choices, foreign language proficiency. These are capabilities in strong demand across many professional contexts.

Graduates from English and Middle East Studies combinations work in diplomacy, the civil service, international organisations, journalism, think tanks, NGOs, human rights advocacy, education, publishing, and cultural relations. Postgraduate study in Middle East studies, international relations, area studies, or English is a natural route for those who wish to specialise or pursue research careers.