MA in Islam and Sustainable Development

This unique programme, developed by the Markfield Institute of Higher Education and validated by Newman University, responds to the emerging sustainable development agenda, which has become a key policy determinant in many societies. The programme critically explores a range of perspectives and debates surrounding Islam and sustainable development in the contemporary global environment and professional context. It provides students with a critical understanding of sustainable development theory and practice, and the skills required to critically analyse and evaluate sustainable development research, policy and practice, targeting Muslim communities in a range of contexts.

The Course 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 this 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

The MA in Islam and Sustainable Development programme aims to develop students’ employability skills that are required for professional and senior positions in sustainable development. Through the programme students will develop critical analysis skills, critical self-reflection, critical evaluation of complex and potentially contradictory arguments, research skills, advanced communication skills both oral and written, resilience and self-advocacy, integrity, ethics and the ability to manage time effectively. Graduates of this programme will typically find work in the private, public, and non-profit sectors in a broad range of sustainable development positions and roles such as in research, teaching, policy analysis and formulation, strategic leadership, management, consultancy, sustainable development programme and project planning, delivery and monitoring, and international development.

How to Apply

If you wish to join the MA in Islam and Sustainable Development 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 £5,500/year and £8,500/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.