BA Islamic Studies with Finance
Overview
Responding to increased demand by employers for graduates with detailed knowledge of conventional and Islamic Studies with Finance, this innovative BA programme offers students the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills in core finance subjects as well as acquiring strong foundations in Islamic perspectives and approaches in these areas. The range of professional job opportunities in Islamic financial institutions is set to increase over the coming years due to the growing international acceptance of Islamic finance and its application in various institutional and organisational settings.
The first year (Level 4) of the programme provides a strong foundation in the Islamic sciences. For students graduating from recognised Islamic seminaries (Darul Ulum) may be awarded exemptions from Level 4 of the programme through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and can enter the programme at Level 5, shortening the degree duration to two years.
During the second and third years of study (Levels 5 and 6) students are taught conventional finance modules and also how the principles and knowledge of Islamic sciences are applied to Islamic finance. Modules integrated into the degree programme are listed below within the modules section.
A comparative dimension enables students to explore financial themes from both Islamic and conventional perspectives. Thereby, gaining the education and experience necessary to undertake careers in Islamic finance, and in mainstream institutions, or opt for further advanced Masters’ level studies and research.
Students benefit from small class sizes, individual attention, personalised teaching support and access to an extensive range of both English and Arabic texts housed within our well-resourced Islamic library, which is one of the largest in Europe. The course employs a range of teaching and learning methods both in and outside the classroom. As students’ progress in their studies, they will be encouraged to specialise and pursue their own areas of interest.
Course structure
This is a three-year full-time course which offers the option of completion at three levels:
120 credits: Certificate in Higher Education - CertHE
240 credits: Diploma in Higher Education - DipHE
360 credits: Bachelors in Islamic Studies with Finance - BSc (Hons)
Contact hours
Contact hours or guided learning hours are the number of hours a student will be taught and/or supported by their tutors during their studies. This includes direct teaching, guidance or supervision time. In addition, students are expected to spend additional time to attempt tutor set tasks and reading, completing their assessments, as well as independent study to learn the material covered in order to complete the qualification.
Each module is worth a certain number of credits. Each credit is estimated to be 10 hours of learning. For example, a 20-credit module requires 200 hours of learning, and this will include scheduled contact hours with your tutor(four hours/week online and/or in-person class attendance, and 48 hours over a 12 weeks semester). The remaining time is for the student to engage in tutor guided reading and tasks set for them, and also completing assessments.
The modules will be delivered by blended learning, which employs multiple methods to deliver learning by combining face-to-face interactions with online activities. Face-to-face interactions include lectures, seminars/tutorials, student 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 coursework for each module..
Teaching staff
Students will be 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 the subject area.
Entry requirements
Typical A-Level offer: minimum 3 A-Levels (or equivalent)
GCSE’s: 5 GCSE’s (including pass in English) or equivalent
Other: qualifications from an established Dar al-ulum (Islamic seminaries) are also acceptable. You may gain exemptions from year one of the course through recognition of prior learning (RPL).
International: International applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK will need to ensure that they also have an IELTS test from a UKVI approved test centre. Applicants will need to have achieved an average score of 5.5 in their IELTS test (with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four sub-components of language learning (reading, writing, speaking and listening).Please use the following link to find UKVI approved test centres: UKVI approved test centres
Fees and funding
Career paths
Graduates would be able to pursue careers in the finance professions, particularly those which focus on value-based products and services – such as conventional banks with Islamic windows and products, social, commercial and investment banks, microfinances, government bodies, money markets, insurance companies, NGOs, development agencies and businesses involved in the emerging Islamic banking and finance industry including Islamic banks, Islamic insurance (Takaful) financial regulation, Islamic capital markets, actuarial fields, and the investment arena.
How to apply
All prospective students must complete an application form. To gain a place at the Markfield Institute you will need to meet our general entry requirements and the specific entry requirements of your chosen course. Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Team for your course, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer. Specific entrance requirements for individual courses can be found on individual course pages on this website. Entry to our postgraduate programmes usually requires a good Honours degree, or equivalent if you were educated outside the UK. After considering your application and documents, MIHE will send the candidate an email about the outcome of his/her application. Successful candidates will be sent an offer letter by email informing them about fees and the level and exact title of the course. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed by email. All students must complete an application form. If you are unable to complete this form for any reason, please contact admissions@mihe.ac.uk
