Institute of Iranian Studies

Description

The Institute of Iranian Studies at St Andrews is central to Persianate scholarship, attracting students and scholars with its stimulating intellectual environment, extensive resources, and supportive collegiate atmosphere. It is recognised for its pioneering postgraduate degrees in Iranian studies, its comprehensive collection of Persian language materials, and its biennial gathering of international early-career scholars.

The Institute serves as a hub for the study of Iranian civilisation and culture, hosting conferences, seminars, and workshops aimed at consolidating academic and policy expertise. Its philosophy centres on inclusivity and engagement, which is reflected in its representation across multiple departments, including Art History, Classics, History, Modern Languages and Linguistics, and Social Anthropology.

At present, there are 12 PhD and 8 M.Litt students affiliated with the Institute, exploring a wide array of fields, from medieval Persian iconography to ideological critique in Naser-e Khosrow’s poetry. Since 2014, 21 PhD students have graduated, with research spanning various facets of Iranian studies. The Institute also offers a Masters' degree in Iranian studies, a pioneering postgraduate programme in the UK. Over the last nine years, more than thirty students have completed this programme.

The Institute's resources continue to grow with the cataloguing of 6,000 Persian books and 800 films donated to the University Library. Additionally, it has facilitated manuscript research and secured the loan of six Timurid manuscripts. Therefore, St Andrews is uniquely equipped to support postgraduate research in Iranian studies, with expertise spanning from modern Iranian history and politics to classical, late Antique, and medieval periods.

In the current climate, where the Middle East, particularly Iran, is of significant public, political, and academic interest, the Institute provides exceptional intellectual leadership. Enhancing the understanding and appreciation of Iran's social, religious, and political aspects in the contemporary world, and its broader heritage and culture, is central to its mission.

Offers funding

Yes, this infrastructure provides funding in the following categories:

Founding year

2006

Contact details

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University affiliation(s)

University of St Andrews
NA
St Andrews
KY16 9AJ