Graduate Diploma of Islamic Studies

Program Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Islamic Studies from Charles Sturt University offers an in-depth exploration of Islam, covering its theological, historical, practical, contemporary, and spiritual aspects. Through a combination of core and elective subjects, students develop analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of Islamic matters in the modern world. Delivered online with optional weekly lectures, the program is designed for both full-time and part-time study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Diploma of Islamic Studies from Charles Sturt University provides an advanced understanding of Islam, covering theological, historical, practical, contemporary, and spiritual aspects of the religion. It develops your ability to analyze information relating to a broad range of Islamic matters and to situate them in the context of the contemporary world.

Outline:

Content:

• Theological and historical foundations of Islam
• Islamic law and jurisprudence
• Quranic exegesis and prophetic traditions
• Islamic spirituality and ethics
• Contemporary issues in Islam

Structure:

• 64 credit points
• Four core subjects
• Four elective subjects
• Online delivery with optional weekly lectures in Melbourne and Sydney

Course Schedule:

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 years

Individual Modules:

Core Subjects:

• Islamic Worldview and Theology
• Methodology of Islamic Law (Usul al-Fiqh)
• Methodology of Qur'anic Exegesis (Usul al-Tafsir)
• Methodology of Prophetic Traditions (Usul al-Hadith)

Elective Subjects:

• Introduction to Islamic Psychology
• Islamic Jurisprudence of Five Pillars
• Islam in the Modern World
• Women in Islam, Civilizations, and Cultures
• Muslims in Australia: Past and Present
• Essentials of Islamic Spirituality
• Islam: Morality and Etiquette in Daily Life
• Philosophy of Prophet Muhammad's Life (Sirah)
• Islamic History: Caliphate Era
• Modern History of Islamic Societies
• Arabic Skills 1-3
• Introduction to Arabic Reading
• Beginner Arabic Language 1-2
• Intermediate Arabic Grammar 1-2
• Advanced Arabic Grammar

Assessment:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Exams

Teaching:

• Online lectures and tutorials
• Weekly lectures (optional)
• Discussion forums
• Guest speakers

Faculty:

• Experts in Islamic studies from Charles Sturt University and the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA)

Careers:

• Religious education teacher
• Islamic studies researcher
• Chaplain
• Community worker
• Policy advisor