Master of Islamic Studies - International

Program Overview

Charles Sturt University's Master of Islamic Studies combines traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary discourse, providing a balanced program for the global context. It develops analytical, research, and communication skills, focusing on Islamic disciplines and methodologies. The program offers a range of electives, including Arabic language courses, and prepares graduates for careers in various fields, including education, healthcare, and religious organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Charles Sturt University's Master of Islamic Studies provides a uniquely balanced Islamic studies program for the current global context, combining traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary discourse on religion and Islam.

Objectives:

• Develop your ability to analyze information relating to a broad range of Islamic matters.
• Develop in-depth understanding in a number of Islamic disciplines through the extensive research opportunities offered in the course.
• Enhance your independent research, analytical, and communication skills, as well as your critical thinking in diverse theological and research methodologies focused on your research area.

Outline:

Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies (32 pts)

• Complete four core subjects from the Master of Islamic Studies.
For further information refer to the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies.

Graduate Diploma in Islamic Studies (64 pts)

• Complete four core subjects and four 8-point restricted electives from the Master of Islamic Studies.
For further information refer Graduate Diploma of Islamic Studies.

Master of Islamic Studies (128 pts)

Core Subject

• ISL400 Islamic Worldview and Theology (8 credit pts)
• ISL411 Methodology of Islamic Law (Usul al-Fiqh) (8 credit pts)
• ISL430 Methodology of Qur'anic Exegesis (Usul al-Tafsir) (8 credit pts)
• ISL432 Methodology of Prophetic Traditions (Usul al-Hadith) (8 credit pts)

Restricted Electives

• Select eight subjects as follows:
• Four 8 point subjects (1 or 2 subjects must be Arabic)
• Four 16 point subjects (Students are highly encouraged to complete ISL599 Guided Research)
• ISL410 Islamic Jurisprudence of Five Pillars (8 credit pts)
• ISL451 Islam in the Modern World (8 credit pts)
• ISL455 Women in Islam, Civilisations and Cultures (8 credit pts)
• ISL470 Essentials of Islamic Spirituality (8 credit pts)
• ISL471 Islam: Morality and Etiquette in Daily Life (8 credit pts)
• ISL481 Philosophy of Prophet Muhammad's Life (Sirah) (8 credit pts)
• ISL483 Islamic History: Caliphate Era (8 credit pts)
• ISL484 Modern History of Islamic Societies (8 credit pts)
• ISL441 Arabic Skills 1 (8 credit pts)
• ISL442 Arabic Skills 2 (8 credit pts)
• ISL443 Arabic Skills 3 (8 credit pts)
• ISL461 Beginner Arabic Language 1 (8 credit pts)
• ISL462 Beginner Arabic Language 2 (8 credit pts)
• ISL463 Intermediate Arabic Grammar 1 (8 credit pts)
• ISL464 Intermediate Arabic Grammar 2 (8 credit pts)
• ISL465 Advanced Arabic Grammar (8 credit pts)
• ISL513 Islamic Family Law and Society (16 credit pts)
• ISL591 Interpreting Islamic Sacred Texts (16 credit pts)
• ISL593 Islamic Theology: Classical to Contemporary Thought (16 credit pts)
• ISL556 Islamic Economy, Banking and Finance (16 credit pts)

Teaching:

• This course is available for part-time online study to complement your work and lifestyle commitments.
• You can also fast-track your studies by taking extra subjects in Session 3 (November to February).
• Optional weekly lectures are offered in Melbourne and Sydney at the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA).
• The Centre for Islamic Sciences and Civilisation is a collaboration between Charles Sturt University and ISRA.
• Charles Sturt University's courses have been designed in collaboration with ISRA's advisory committee, which includes some of the most respected scholars from the Australian Muslim community.

Careers:

• The Master of Islamic Studies builds the knowledge and skills you need to add value to any number of different professions, including medicine, nursing, policing, psychology and teaching.
• This degree will also enable you to pursue religious education teaching opportunities in schools, mosques, religious organisations and private Islamic teaching circles.
• This course can also provide a pathway to further postgraduate study, which would allow you to begin an academic career.