BA in Islamic Studies

The BA (Hons) Islamic Studies programme provides students with an in-depth and critical understanding of Islam in a contemporary context, based on both historical sources and contemporary theoretical perspectives and discourses of Islam. It also examines the influence of religion on culture, history and tradition enabling exploration of the plurality of beliefs within the UK and Europe. This understanding will enable students to engage with and respond to contemporary issues and challenges facing Muslim communities arising from a multicultural and multi-faith society.

Markfield Institute provides a unique blend of classical and contemporary Islamic studies subjects. Students taking this course will study the core Islamic sciences, including the Arabic language, Quran, Hadith, Fiqh (jurisprudence) and Sirah (life of the Prophet). Knowledge and critical understanding is then broadened by introducing students to subjects that will enable them to critically understand and apply Islamic precepts to contemporary society.  Students will be encouraged to explore subject areas that will help in the development of research skills, critical enquiry and understanding of other faiths through dialogue and interfaith activity.

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 which may lead to future career development such as in Islamic education, banking/finance, legal studies and post-graduate Islamic studies.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 3 ‘A’ levels (or equivalent) are normally required plus a GCSE pass in English or equivalent. Qualifications from established Dar al-‘ulum (Islamic seminaries) are also acceptable.

The course opens a pathway for those with an Islamic Studies background, especially those graduating from Dar al-‘ulum, who may gain exemptions from year one of the programme through accreditation of prior learning (APL), thereby shortening the length of time spent on the degree programme from three to two years.

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). For a list of UKVI approved test centres, please use the following link: UKVI approved test centre

Programme Structure

This is a three year full-time course which offers the options of completion at three levels:

• 120 credits      Certificate in Higher Education, Islamic Studies (generic award)
• 240 credits      Diploma in Higher Education, Islamic Studies (generic award)
• 360 credits      BA (Hons) in Islamic Studies

Core Modules

Year 1 Core Modules:

Year 2 Core Modules:

Year 2 Optional Modules:

Year 3 Core Modules:

Year 3 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, 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 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

The BA course in Islamic Studies maybe beneficial for imams/religious ministers, chaplains, plus lecturers/teachers who are aspiring to further advance their careers.

BA Islamic Studies graduates may proceed onto taking a PGCE course (if they wish to go into teaching) or an MA programme. Career choices include community work (such as chaplaincy or imams), policy-making roles at local and national governmental level, and advisory/consultative positions in Civil services or NGOs, the charitable sector, international corporation, interfaith relations, journalism and media, research, along with a wide range of options in the educational sector. 

How to Apply

If you wish to join the BA 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 £7,000/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 Markfield Institute is great for the way it challenges me to perceive beyond my comfort zone and it may just be possible for the Markfield Institute to be the making of me” (Sameeha Rafiq, BA Islamic Studies student)