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PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies: Language, History, Religion, Politics and Culture University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Anthropology
Funding
Funding is not guaranteed. Students are generally expected to combine sources such as loans, family support, savings, employment, employer sponsorship and scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. The University cannot guarantee teaching or tutoring positions. Scholarships and other funding schemes are available through the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and the wider University. Tuition fees are charged annually, and students must also pay accommodation and living costs; es
Deadline
Oct 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
The University of Edinburgh is accepting applications for its PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES), based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. The programme is available full-time over three years or part-time over six years, with January and September start dates. Part-time study is available only to applicants who do not require a Student visa.
The PhD supports original research across Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, including Arabic and Persian language and literature, Islamic and Ottoman history, religion, Qur'anic studies, contemporary Muslim politics, media, gender and sexuality, diasporas, ethnic minorities, Palestine studies, visual arts, cinema and performance. Interdisciplinary projects may connect with comparative literature, film studies and translation studies. Students complete an approximately 80,000-word thesis under the guidance of at least two supervisors.
Applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree and a master's degree, or equivalent international qualifications, in a related subject. Applications require a research proposal, 500-word personal statement, academic certificates and transcripts, two references and evidence of English proficiency. Accepted English qualifications include IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component, alongside specified TOEFL, Cambridge, Oxford ELLT and Oxford Test of English scores. Prior publication is not expected.
Applications are free of charge. Funding is not guaranteed, although applicants can explore scholarships offered by the School and University. Students should budget for tuition fees and living costs in Edinburgh, estimated at £18,504 annually for 2026-2027. The application deadline is 30 October 2026 for a 6 January 2027 start, and 30 June 2027 for a 13 September 2027 start.
Funding details
Funding is not guaranteed. Students are generally expected to combine sources such as loans, family support, savings, employment, employer sponsorship and scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. The University cannot guarantee teaching or tutoring positions. Scholarships and other funding schemes are available through the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and the wider University. Tuition fees are charged annually, and students must also pay accommodation and living costs; es
What's required
Applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree and a master's degree, or international equivalents, in a related subject; equivalent qualifications or experience may also be considered. Applicants must submit an online form, a 500-word personal statement, a detailed research proposal, degree certificates and academic transcripts, certified translations where documents are not in English, and two references. English proficiency must be demonstrated through an accepted qualification, such as IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component, TOEFL-iBT at the stated required scores, C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced, or an eligible degree taught and assessed in English. Applicants should review IMES research expertise and supervision guidance before applying; prior publication is not required.
How to apply
Review the IMES research community and pre-application guidance, then prepare a research proposal and 500-word personal statement. Submit the online application with supporting documents, two references and English-language evidence through the University of Edinburgh application portal. The deadline for the 6 January 2027 start is 30 October 2026; the deadline for the 13 September 2027 start is 30 June 2027.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.