Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Make an original, positive and lasting contribution to Islamic and Middle Eastern studies (IMES). A PhD is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise as part of an active research community making impact across the globe. Join us at the heart of Scotland’s capital and festival city.

With over 260 years of history in teaching and research, we are recognised internationally as a leading centre for postgraduate study in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies. We are able to supervise research in a wide range of specialist and interdisciplinary areas. Our expertise includes:


* language, literature, arts and cultures


* history and historiography


* religion


* contemporary politics and media


* gender and sexuality


* diasporas and ethnic minorities


* Palestine studies


Over the course of your PhD, you will complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of at least two supervisors. Your thesis will be around 80,000 words.

Our research collections resources and facilities are outstanding, and we have excellent links with a number of centres and networks, including the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.