Master of Arts in Iranian Studies: Iran in Antiquity and Late Antiquity
Explore the languages, cultures, history, and religions of Iran from antiquity to late antiquity in a multidisciplinary master’s programme.
Best for:Best for scholars and students with a strong background in history, linguistics, or cultural studies seeking to specialise in Iranian antiquity, philology, and religious history.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Freie Universität Berlin focuses on the linguistic, cultural, historical, and religious dimensions of Iran from antiquity through late antiquity. Students engage with Iranian languages (including Avestan, Middle Persian, Old Persian, Sogdian, Parthian, and Bactrian), philology, and religious traditions like Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism. The curriculum combines intensive language training with historical analysis, using epigraphic, numismatic, and manuscript sources. Open to international applicants, the programme offers interdisciplinary electives and opportunities to study related fields like Islamic studies. No German language skills are required, but proficiency in English (C1 level) is mandatory for coursework and thesis writing.
What you'll do
- Develop advanced proficiency in Iranian languages, including Avestan, Middle Persian, Old Persian, Sogdian, Parthian, and Bactrian.
- Analyse and interpret primary sources such as epigraphic, numismatic, and manuscript materials from antiquity and late antiquity.
- Engage in interdisciplinary research on Iranian cultures, religions, and history, integrating philological and historical methodologies.
- Complete a Master’s thesis in English, demonstrating original research on a topic related to Iranian antiquity or late antiquity.
- Participate in seminars and electives covering Iranian religions, linguistics, and related fields like Islamic studies.
- Collaborate with faculty and peers to explore the broader Iranian cultural domain, including modern states like Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in History and Cultures of the Middle East (concentration: Iranian Studies) or equivalent in content and structure, such as Middle Eastern or Central Asian Studies, Indo-European Studies, Studies in Ancient Civilisations, History, Cultural Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Social Science, Politics, Ethnology, or Theology.
Language: English; C1 proficiency level (e.g., IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, Cambridge English C1 Advanced, UNIcert® III, or equivalent).
Instruction: English
- Advanced proficiency or willingness to develop proficiency in Iranian languages (e.g., Avestan, Middle Persian, Old Persian, Sogdian, Parthian, Bactrian).
- Strong analytical and research skills for interpreting historical and linguistic sources.
- Ability to work with epigraphic, numismatic, and manuscript materials.
- Familiarity with historical and cultural methodologies in Middle Eastern studies.
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No German language skills required.
- No age or residency restrictions.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 15 February (summer semester) or 15 August (winter semester)
Applicants must submit their application through the uni-assist portal or the university’s official application website. Required documents include a completed application form, proof of degree, language proficiency certificate, CV, and a research statement or thesis proposal. Additional materials may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.
- Completed application form
- Proof of Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Official English proficiency certificate (C1 level)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research statement or thesis proposal
- Transcripts of academic records
Contact
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