Iranian Studies: Iran in Antiquity and Late Antiquity

Program overview

This Master of Arts program introduces students to the languages, cultures, histories, and religions of the Iranian world from antiquity through late antiquity. It offers systematic exposure to the region’s linguistic and cultural traditions and how they developed over time, preparing students to read, interpret and contextualize primary sources and secondary literature in this historical period.

The program treats the Iranian cultural sphere as a broad, transregional entity that far exceeds modern political boundaries. Its geographical scope includes present-day Iran and Afghanistan, the western parts of Pakistan, the Central Asian republics that were once part of the Soviet Union, and areas of the Caucasus; at various times other peripheral regions also came under strong Iranian influence. Historically, Median, Persian and Parthian dynasties extended their reach westward into the ancient Near East, the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt, and northward into Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Coursework and research emphasize connections and interactions across these regions and eras, combining linguistic, cultural, religious and historical perspectives to illuminate the complexity of Iran’s ancient and late antique worlds.

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts
• Academic field: History
• Language of instruction: English
• Chronological focus: Antiquity to Late Antiquity
• Geographical scope: Iran, Afghanistan, western Pakistan, the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union, and parts of the Caucasus (with attention to other regions influenced by Iranian cultures)
• Admission details and specific entry requirements (e.g., prerequisite degrees, application deadlines, required documents, language tests): please consult the university’s official program webpage for the most up-to-date information.

Curriculum overview

This MA places strong emphasis on intensive philological training across the historical stages of Iranian languages. Core coursework in Old and Middle Iranian Philology requires study of Avestan and Middle Persian, while additional historical languages — Old Persian, Sogdian, Parthian and Bactrian — can be taken in the Iran and Turan elective. Modern language options are available as well: students who have not previously studied Persian may learn it within the programme, while those who already know Persian may instead study Kurdish (in its various dialects) or other modern Iranian languages. An elective in Introduction to Iranian Linguistics covers both Iranian and broader Indo‑Iranian linguistic topics to complement language study.

The programme also investigates religious and historical developments in pre‑ and late‑antique Iran. A compulsory module on Iranian Religions in History focuses on the origins and evolution of Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism — with Zoroastrianism representing a particular area of research strength among institute faculty. In the Iranian History in its Sources module students read original materials from antiquity and late antiquity, gaining hands‑on experience with inscriptions, coins and manuscript copies of ritual and religious texts.

Training is geared toward giving students the practical skills needed for research: close reading of Old and Middle Iranian texts, philological and linguistic analysis, and working directly with epigraphic, numismatic and manuscript sources. The degree also encourages interdisciplinary breadth: up to 20 credits may be taken in other departments (for example, the Institute of Islamic Studies) to deepen understanding of topics such as the development of Islam in Iran.

Key modules and requirements

• Compulsory modules:

  • Old and Middle Iranian Philology (includes Avestan and Middle Persian)
  • Iranian Religions in History (focus on Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism)
  • Iranian History in its Sources (reading and analysis of original antique and late‑antique materials)

• Elective modules and language options:

  • Iran and Turan (Old Persian, Sogdian, Parthian, Bactrian)
  • Modern Iranian Languages (Persian for beginners; Kurdish or other modern Iranian languages for students who already know Persian)
  • Introduction to Iranian Linguistics (Iranian and Indo‑Iranian linguistics)

• Additional programme features:

  • Opportunity to earn up to 20 credits from other departments (e.g., Institute of Islamic Studies)
  • Practical work with epigraphic and numismatic material and manuscript copies of ritual/religious texts

Learning outcomes (what you will be able to do)

• Read and translate texts in Old and Middle Iranian languages and apply philological methods to primary sources
• Analyze linguistic structures within Iranian and Indo‑Iranian frameworks
• Interpret religious and historical developments in pre‑ and late‑antique Iran, especially Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism
• Work with inscriptions, coins and manuscript material as research sources
• Conduct interdisciplinary research drawing on neighbouring fields such as Islamic Studies where appropriate

Graduates acquire specialist philological and source‑critical skills that are highly relevant for academic research and PhD programmes in Iranian and Middle Eastern studies, comparative ancient history, linguistics or religious studies. The ability to work with primary texts and material culture also suits roles in museums, archives, cultural heritage organisations, publishing, and advisory positions in cultural diplomacy.

The programme’s interdisciplinary options (including courses from the Institute of Islamic Studies) broaden employment possibilities in education, cultural institutions, research support roles and NGOs concerned with the region’s history and cultural heritage.