Arabic - By choosing to study Arabic, you will learn the language of the Arabic media as well as classical and modern Arabic languages and literature. All Arabic modules prioritise the building of a high level of competence in language skills, and after completing the first two years of your course, you will be able to read, write and converse in basic Modern Standard Arabic. If you take Arabic with another language, you will have the opportunity to take an integrated year abroad between second and third year in a country where your other chosen language is spoken.

Persian - Persian is the second language of the Middle East and the Islamic world, and is primarily known in Europe for its unique literary tradition. Therefore, Persian offers a good opportunity for comparative analyses between different languages, literatures, cultures, histories, politics and economics.

Russian - Russian at St Andrews uses a specially designed language teaching programme that caters both for students who have already studied Russian as a main subject at school and for absolute beginners. Upon completing the degree, you will have an excellent command of the Russian language and have gained an invaluable understanding and appreciation of the Russian-speaking world. During your degree, you have the opportunity to spend time studying abroad in Russia. Time in Russia is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended as the best way to master the language and to better know the country. On a four-year degree, students can spend one semester in one of a variety of locations in Russia. The MA (Hons) in Russian is also available as a five-year course with an integrated year abroad when students spend time studying in Russian between their second and third years.