Iranian and Persianate Studies (MA)

This English-taught MA explores Iran and the wider Persianate world from the time of the Islamic conquest to the present, giving you theoretical frameworks, research methods and specialist knowledge for careers in academia, public institutions or the private sector. The Göttingen programme places particular emphasis on Indo‑Persian history and culture and regularly offers courses in manuscript and document studies; Kurdish language classes are also available. Students benefit from intensive source work in the original languages (modern or classical Persian), plus extra activities such as summer schools and study trips to regions of the Persianate world.

You can pursue the degree as a full single-honours MA or combine it with other subjects through modular packages. The largest option allows selection of courses both within the Institute of Iranian Studies and from related departments; the combined major follows the same course list but with fewer units and does not include neighbouring-discipline options. Course essays and the MA thesis may be submitted in English or German.

Practical structure and credit options

• 78 CP major (single-honours MA): full programme with access to Institute and neighbouring-discipline courses; core emphasis on intensive source studies in Persian (modern or classical).
• 42 CP major (combined): same Institute courses as the 78 CP major but fewer in number; no courses from neighbouring disciplines. Can be combined with one other subject worth 36 CP or two subjects worth 18 CP each.
• 36 CP module package (minor): centred on Advanced Modern Persian plus additional Institute courses; must be paired with a 42 CP major.
• 18 CP module package (second minor): includes a course on the Cultural History of Iran plus one other Institute course; must be combined with a 42 CP major and another external 18 CP module package.

Key language and entry conditions (summary)

• 78 CP major: applicants must already have sufficient knowledge of Persian. Instruction is in English; course papers and the thesis may be written in English or German. No German knowledge is required for the Institute’s programme.
• 42 CP major: applicants must have sufficient Persian. Instruction is in English; papers and thesis may be in English or German. Note: the second subject you combine with this major could require German—check that subject’s language requirements.
• 36 CP minor: instruction for Advanced Modern Persian and other courses in this package is in German. Required: German language proficiency at DSH 2 level plus basic Persian knowledge.
• 18 CP minor: taught in German (DSH 2 level); no prior Persian knowledge required.

This master’s pathway offers flexible study options—from a full single-honours MA to smaller module packages—centered on close engagement with Persian-language sources, theoretical and methodological training, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Depending on the track you choose, you will combine modules that develop research skills, advanced Persian-language competence (contemporary or pre‑modern), and topical courses delivered by the Institute and by related departments (some taught in English).

Core learning outcomes include: methodological and theoretical competence for history and area studies; the ability to read, analyse and interpret primary sources in Persian; specialised knowledge of Iran’s cultural history and the wider Persianate world; and interdisciplinary skills gained from modules in related disciplines, enabling students to place textual and historical evidence in broader comparative contexts. Students who follow the larger (78 CP) route will also gain more exposure to English‑taught interdisciplinary modules, while the smaller module packages focus more narrowly on language or a single cultural‑history survey.

The programme therefore suits students aiming to do research using original Persian sources, to deepen language fluency for academic purposes, or to complement other area studies or humanities degrees with focused training in Iranian and Persianate topics.

Requirements — credit-point breakdown and key module areas

• Single‑honours MA (78 CP major subject)
  • Area I: 12 CP — theory and methodology courses for subject‑specific studies and research
  • Area II: minimum 36 CP — source‑based courses taught in the original language (contemporary or pre‑modern Persian)
  • Area III: 12 CP — other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies
  • Area IV: 18 CP — modules from related disciplines (taught in English)
• Major subject (42 CP)
  • Area I: 12 CP — theories and methodological training
  • Area II: 24 CP — source‑focused courses in original Persian
  • Area III: 6 CP — other Institute courses
• Module package (36 CP)
  • Advanced modern Persian courses plus other Institute offerings
• Module package (18 CP)
  • “Introduction to the Cultural History of Iran” module (12 CP) plus other Institute courses

These module groups are designed as compulsory elective clusters, allowing you to balance language acquisition, source work, and interdisciplinary study according to your academic and career goals.

Graduates acquire advanced linguistic and regionally specialised methodological skills suitable for careers in academia and research (including progression to PhD study), cultural heritage institutions, archives and libraries, museums and manuscript conservation. The programme’s emphasis on source studies and Persian language competence also prepares students for roles in publishing, translation, journalism, and education.

Additionally, the interdisciplinary training and regional expertise open opportunities in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, and policy or consultancy roles focused on the Persianate world. Practical experience from summer schools and field trips further enhances employability in project work and cultural exchange initiatives.