MA Islamic Studies
Overview
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.
The taught modules are delivered through a mode of blended learning, which combines traditional class-based methods and guided independent study with online learning. Lectures, tutorials, seminars, occasional workshops, peer group learning (such as delivering presentations to the class), study visits and independent study are incorporated into the programme. The dissertation allows students to choose their own area of interest as a focus for research.
Course structure
The Course is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.
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.
MA Degree: 180 credits (including the dissertation)
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 offer: Candidates will normally need to have achieved an honours degree from a UK university or an overseas university agreed by NARIC as equivalent.
Other: Students may also enter with up to 80 Level 7 credits via the 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 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).Please use the following link to find UKVI approved test centres: UKVI approved test centres
Fees and funding
Career paths
Graduates of the Masters of Islamic Studies Programme may proceed onto PhD Research. They can also seek employment opportunities in organisations in the private, public, and non-profit sectors in a broad range of positions and roles. The MA course opens up opportunities for careers that demand postgraduate skills in Islamic Studies such as in research, community leadership, policy analysis and consultancy, NGOs, Media international development, and which require multi-disciplinary understanding to address challenges in their community, workplace and in the world, as well as for becoming researchers in the field.
Career choices also include a wide range of areas such as policy-making roles at local and national governmental level, and advisory/consultative positions in Civil services or NGOs; or working with Muslim specialised journalism and media; Islamic education; chaplaincy (pastoral care); charitable sectors; community service; international corporation, interfaith relations, Shariah advisors; the public sector – including the civil service; banking/finance; legal studies and post-graduate studies and research.
A Master’s degree in Islamic Studies may be beneficial for policymakers, imams/religious ministers, chaplains, plus lecturers/teachers who are aspiring to further advance their careers.
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
