MA in Islamic Studies

The MA Islamic Studies programme employs a critical and analytical approach to the study of Islam and contemporary Muslim society. The course examines the sources and origins of Islamic thought and practice, in particular the Qur'an and Sunnah, together with a knowledge and understanding of the life of the Prophet Muhammad and its contemporary significance. In addition, it offers a wide range of optional modules that will prepare students to contextualise Islamic Studies and be able to critically analyse contemporary debates and issues concerning Islam and Muslims.

The MA in Islamic Studies is offered on both a full-time (12 months, over three semesters) and part-time (24 months, over six semesters) basis.

Entry Requirements

Candidates will normally need to have achieved an honours degree from a UK university or an overseas university agreed by NARIC as equivalent.

Students may also enter with up to 90 level 7 credits via the accreditation of prior learning (APL).

International applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK will need to ensure that they have an IELTS test from a UKVI approved test centre. Applicants will need to have achieved an average score of 6.5 in their IELTS test (with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four sub-components of language learning (reading, writing, speaking and listening). For a list of UKVI approved test centres please use the following link: UKVI approved test centre

Programme Structure

• Postgraduate Certificate: Awarded on the basis of 60 credits which must include 45 credits from core modules.
• Postgraduate Diploma: Awarded on the basis of 120 credits, as for the MA degree but excluding the dissertation module.
• MA Degree: 180 credits including the dissertation

Core Modules

Optional Modules

Contact Hours

For 15 credit module:

• Scheduled: 36 hours
• Independent: 114 hours
• Total: 150 hours

Each taught 15 credit module will have 3 hours a week scheduled contact time for one semester (12 weeks). The modules will be delivered by blended learning, which employs multiple methods to deliver learning by combining face-to-face interactions based at the MIHE campus with online activities. Face-to-face interactions include lectures, seminars/tutorials, students presentations, and one-to-one support. In addition, students will be expected to engage in independent study to prepare for weekly classes, formative assessments, and examinations/coursework for each module.

Our staff

You are taught by a highly qualified, enthusiastic team of academics with wide-ranging research interests. Their research is used in lectures and seminars so you learn about the latest issues impacting on the subject area.

Career Paths

Graduates of the Masters of Islamic Studies Programme may proceed onto PhD Research. Career choices include policy making roles at local and national governmental level, and advisory/consultative positions in NGOs, the charitable sector, international corporations, interfaith relations, media and research, along with a wide range of options in the educational sector.

A Master’s degree in Islamic Studies may be beneficial for imams/religious ministers, chaplains, plus lecturers/teachers who are aspiring to further advance their careers.

How to Apply

If you wish to join the MA Islamic Studies programme, please complete an online application from the website www.mihe.ac.uk, mentioning details of your academic qualifications and outlining your motivation for applying for your chosen course. At a later stage in your application you will also need to include two references, one of which should be academic.  Applications for the February intake should be received by mid-January, and for the September intake by the end of August.  If you need any further advice or assistance please email us at info@mihe.ac.uk.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fee for UK and EU students is £5,000/year and £8,000/year for overseas full-time students. What's included? The fee includes registration, tuition, examination/assessment marking and graduation. It excludes study materials, re-examination (re-takes), residential accommodation, meals, travel, graduation robes and photographs.

"The MA in Islamic Studies was thoroughly enjoyable! My understanding of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim today were both enhanced and strengthened through this course. My critical faculties were engaged and challenged on a level I have not experienced before. Thank you all at the Markfield Institute!" (Dr Zavid Chariwala, MA Islamic Studies Graduate)