This wide-ranging joint honours programme is your opportunity to learn the languages spoken by more than 470 million people worldwide. Together, Arabic and Persian open the door to a fascinating and varied region taking in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. They are also your gateway to the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. Arabic is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Persian is the national language of Iran, where it is indigenously known as Farsi, and spoken as Dari in Afghanistan and Tajik in Tajikistan. **Language learning in its cultural context** Our four-year programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Arabic and Persian. You can start each language as a complete beginner, and develop advanced skills over your four years, including in translation. You will gain the confidence to express yourself in modern Arabic and Persian, both written and spoken, on a wide range of topical issues. Your language learning will open up a wealth of original material enriching your study of: * society, religion and culture * history and politics * literature, art, and cinema **Why Edinburgh** The University of Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for teaching and research in Arabic, Persian, Islam, and the Middle East. Arabic has been taught here since the mid 18th century and, today, we are the only university in Scotland to offer courses in the Muslim world’s three main languages. You will have access to over 23,000 resources in the University's collections in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and a regular programme of workshops, film screenings, book launches and guest seminars. Studying over four years gives you the blend of specialist skills and Intercultural Competence needed for a range of careers around the globe. Your language learning and cultural awareness will make you ideally placed to work with displaced people from Arab- and Persian-speaking countries now living in Europe and other parts of the world, and with international organisations advancing refugee issues, rights and spaces.