Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements English language: Candidates must be proficient in the English language, which is the language of instruction and examination at the university. Acceptable English Language qualifications include IELTS 6.5, CPE grade C, CAE Grade B or another equivalent A level: Grades BBB preferably to include a modern foreign language at A2, AS or GCSE level AS level: Two AS-Levels may be accepted in place of the third A-Level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 32 points overall preferably to include a modern foreign language at standard or higher level. Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Persian Studies
Course descriptionCourse description BA (Hons) Persian Studies allows you to achieve near-native proficiency in modern Persian and to study the language within its cultural and historical context. Students start as beginners and go through to an advanced level over four years. The course will also look more widely at social, political and cultural trends in contemporary Iran, and explore its past and present ties with Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Europe.
BA (Hons) Persian Studies is carefully structured so that you can measure your progress step by step. Learning Persian also opens the door to other Iranian languages, such as Pashto, Kurdish, or Ossetian. The third year of study is spent at an academic institution in Iran, an ideal way to improve your fluency in the language while gaining first-hand experience of life in the country.
BA (Hons) Persian Studies includes the following:
Modern Persian language courses: Gain competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension, while developing knowledge and understanding of Iran and Iranian culture.
Persian-based thematic courses: Study works from the literary cultures of mediaeval Iran; read contemporary literature reflecting life and social trends in modern Iran.
A choice from a wide variety of options to focus on your special interests, or extend your studies to other disciplines open within the University such as linguistics, history, archaeology or the social sciences
Special features
Native speakers will be involved in your language teaching at all levels on BA (Hons) Persian Studies, and an understanding of the culture forms an inherent part of the learning of language. Your study is supported by the multi-media facilities of the Language Centre. Staff there can also put you in touch with students who are native speakers of Persian.
Multi-cultural Manchester provides excellent general opportunities for contact with speakers of Persian and the pursuit of Iran-related cultural interests outside the University of Manchester (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events etc.).
The study of Iran and Iranian culture and language is placed within the context of related Middle Eastern languages, countries and cultures.
The year of study abroad in Iran offers you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of a fascinating and vibrant country with deep historical roots. You will have the chance to gain skills in the colloquial language, and to experience the modern Iranian way of life. Students on BA (Hons) Persian Studies are eligible for financial support from the University of Manchester towards the cost of Iranian tuition fees.
The final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired in research, analysis and high-level writing, which is attractive to future employers.
Personal tutors based in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies will help you in planning your progress and reflecting on it, to ensure that you are constantly building up transferable and academic skills. Your tutor will also be able to help in case of problems.
You will have access to the excellent student support arrangements and the award-winning careers service of the University of Manchester
Course content for year 1
First year study will concentrate on intensive language learning, features a core course on the contemporary Middle East and fosters the development of study and IT skills.
Course content for year 2
In the second year, you will continue your language learning, increase your reading of authentic texts in Persian and choose from a wide range of related subjects according to preference.
Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions.
Course content for year 4
The fourth year covers an advanced language course, a variety of specialised Persian Studies course choices and finally a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice.
Career opportunities
There are numerous possibilities for graduates of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. The general and academic skills acquired in the courses are welcomed by a broad spectrum of employers including the civil service, the British Council, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (for example the UN and the EU), business and commerce, banking, law, print and broadcast journalism, tourism management and teaching. Some of our graduates are academics and researchers in various fields, having completed postgraduate studies in areas such as History, Middle Eastern Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, Linguistics or European Studies. BA (Hons) Persian Studies is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in the areas of Persian and Islamic studies, as well as for living and working in Iran, Afghanistan, Tadshikistan and Uzbekistan.