PhD Iranian Studies
Duration: 4-5 years
Awarding Institution: University of Tehran
Course Description
This PhD program is specifically designed and intended for
non-Iranian students and follows a multi-disciplinary
approach to Iranian studies. Candidates may choose to
follow a “social/cultural” or “political/economic” orientation
in taking their modules and later, in writing their theses.
The PhD program at the University of Tehran takes up to four
years, with possibility of extension for a fifth year if necessary.
During the first two years, students will pass nine modules
in total (all taught in Persian). After successfully passing all
course requirements as well as a comprehensive exam, students
will be required to write an extensive PhD thesis on a subject
of their own interest related to Iranian studies. This research
project will be supervised by at least two faculty members
from University of Tehran, and must be defended before a
board of examiners. All PhD students must be fluent in
Persian and should write their theses in the Persian Language.

Course Structure
Students will be completing a total of 36 credits: 18 credits
for taught modules of which 12 are core and 6 are optional,
and the thesis which constitutes 18 credits.
Core Modules
• Advanced Research Methodology
• Critical Analysis of Schools in Iranian Studies
• Political Forces in Contemporary Iran
• Shia Schools of Thought
• Turning Points in the History of Iran
• Ethnography of the Iranian Population
Optional Modules
• The Geopolitics and Political Economy of
Iran
• The History of Political Thought in Iran
• Cultural Anthropology of Iran
• Contemporary Historiography in Iran
• Contemporary Foreign Policy of
Iran
• The History of Religious Sects in
Iran

• Ethnology in Contemporary Iran
• Iran and Globalization
• Cyberspace in Iran
• Critical Analysis of Post-Revolution Literature
• Art and Cinema in Contemporary Iran
• Sociology of Women
• Iran’s Political Economy in Post-Revolution Era
• Economic Development of Iran
• Issues surrounding Iran’s Metropolitan Cities
Entry Requirements
• This program is only offered to non-Iranian students.
• Candidates are required to have an MA, MSc or equivalent
post-graduate degree from a recognized higher education institution.
• Students MUST be proficient in the Persian language, both written and
spoken.
• You may be required to complete Farsi language courses if your Farsi
is at an intermediate level
• Students for whom English is not their first language must have at
least IELTS 7, TOFEL 587 (paper based), TOFEL 240 (computer based)
or equivalent qualifications.
• You may be required to complete relevant foundation courses if your
existing qualifications do not correspond with the subject matter of the
program.

You can contact the following list of faculty members to find out
more about a thesis idea: