MA Islamic Studies

Program Overview

Through a flexible structure and collaboration with the Al-Mahdi Institute, students develop a deep understanding of Islamic Studies and gain the skills for research and a variety of career paths. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Islam.

Program Outline

MA Islamic Studies - University of Birmingham

Degree Overview:

This program offers a flexible framework for developing knowledge and skills in Islamic Studies within historical and contemporary contexts. It is delivered within the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, allowing for an exploration of Islamic intellectual traditions alongside contemporary Muslim practice and societies, in conversation with other traditions and broader approaches in Philosophy, Theology and Religion. The program aims to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Islamic Studies.
• Equip students with the skills necessary for further research in Islamic Studies.
• Enable a transition for students with seminary backgrounds in Islamic Studies as well as those who come to the study of Islam without significant prior formal learning in Islamic Studies.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Core Modules:
• Approaches to the Study of Islam:
This module introduces students to the diverse ways in which Islam and Muslim societies have been approached as a scholarly subject. It explores key texts and approaches, engaging with significant traditional and modern scholarship. Students will learn to critically navigate academic literature and argue coherently for their own perspectives. Approaches covered may include Quranic and Tafsir traditions, legal approaches, historical methods, orientalism, feminist approaches, and socio-cultural and political science methods.
• Research Methods: This module unpacks the core issues of researching in theology and religious studies.
It addresses debates surrounding the design, conduct, ethics, and evaluation of research in a multidisciplinary subject area. It prepares students to carry out independent research and critically assess others' research across a wide spectrum of approaches.
• Dissertation Preparation and Guided Reading: Following the research methods module, this module aids students in planning and researching their dissertation by further developing relevant skills and knowledge in a structured way through a literature review and study skills sessions.
• Optional Modules: Students choose three optional modules from a range offered by the University of Birmingham and the Al-Mahdi Institute (AMI).
They can also select an option from other modules available in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, by prior agreement. Options typically include:
• Medieval Arabic Thought (provided by Al-Mahdi Institute)
• Law and Ethics in Christian and Muslim Thought and Practice
• Thematic Study of Shi'ism: History, Doctrines and Religious Authority (provided by Al-Mahdi Institute)
• Religion in Contemporary Global Politics
• Critical Thinkers of Modernity, Science, Society and Religion
• Gender, Sexuality and Religion
• Dissertation: Students must complete either a 15,000-word dissertation or a placement-based dissertation.
The placement-based dissertation requires 100 hours of placement work and a 10,000-word dissertation critically analyzing and evaluating the placement experience.

Assessment:

• Core Modules:
• Approaches to the Study of Islam: Either 1 x 4,500-word essay OR 1 x 1,250 word essay and 1 x 3,250 word essay
• Research Methods: 2500 word essay (50%) AND 2000 word Dissertation Proposal (50%)
• Dissertation Preparation and Guided Reading: 4,500 word essay (Literature Review)
• Dissertation: 15,000-word dissertation or a placement-based dissertation with 100 hours of placement work and a 10,000-word dissertation.

Teaching:

• The program is taught in collaboration with the Al-Mahdi Institute.
• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Students have access to the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) for support with academic writing.
• International students can access support for English Language development and skills through the Birmingham International Academy (BIA).

Careers:

• The program provides excellent preparation for a variety of careers, including public service, education, law, consulting, and other competitive graduate schemes.
• Graduates may also pursue doctoral research, including the Midland4Cities funded scheme.
• Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include Birmingham Council, Frontline, and the NHS.

Other:

• The Department of Theology and Religion has a busy program of research seminars, conferences, and workshops that students can attend.
• The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report.
• The College of Arts and Law has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a program of College-specific careers events.
• Students are encouraged to make the most of their postgraduate experience and have the opportunity to:
• Receive one-to-one careers advice.
• Attend careers fairs, skills workshops, and conferences.
• Take part in activities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers.
• Students have access to careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.
• Theology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills, including research methods, information management, writing skills, critical and analytical ability, and argumentation skills.

• UK (full-time): £10,530

International (full-time):

£24,120

Payment:

Annual tuition fee. Fees can either be paid in full or by instalments.