Program Overview

Islamic Studies MA

The Islamic Studies MA at the University of Birmingham is a postgraduate program that explores the study of Islam, allowing students to work with academic experts and the Al-Mahdi Institute to investigate contemporary research in Islamic Studies. This program provides an ideal foundation for further research, especially for students with a background in Islamic Studies.

Course Overview

The course runs over 12 months full-time, with the option to study part-time over 24 months. It covers topics like Islamic perspectives in psychology and law and ethics in Islamic thought and practice. Students can pursue their individual interests through flexible module choices.

Course Structure

• The course is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer.
• Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
• There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, with an emphasis on guided independent learning.
• One-third of the degree is a dissertation, which students begin planning and submit a proposal for during the first term.

Course Highlights

• Benefit from the expertise of both the Department of Theology and Religion and the Al-Mahdi Institute.
• Build your degree around your interests with flexible module choices.
• Resources include Birmingham's Cadbury Research Library, which houses many texts with religious significance, including the Birmingham Qur'an.
• Immerse yourself in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe.
• Option to take a placement-based dissertation for practical experience.

Module Information

The program comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar. The modules listed are subject to change, but the following must be taken:

• Approaches to the Study of Islam (20 credits)
• Dissertation Preparation and Guided Reading (20 credits)
• Research Methods (20 credits)
• Either a 60-credit dissertation or a placement-based dissertation (60 credits)
• Students must select a further 60 credits from specialist and thematic module lists.

Specialist Modules

• Islamic Economics - Faith, Morality and Economics (20 credits)
• Islamic Philosophy (20 credits)
• Contemporary issues in Islamic Jurisprudence (20 credits)
• Continental Philosophy of Religion: Selected Themes and Issues (20 credits)
• Governance and Public Law in Islamic Thought (20 credits)
• Interfaith Relations and Issues (20 credits)
• Law and ethics as theology in Christian and Muslim thought and practice (20 credits)
• Mediaeval Arabic Thought (20 credits)
• Political Islam (20 credits)
• Religious Nationalism (20 credits)
• Special Study - Autumn (20 credits)
• Thematic Study of Shi’ism: History, Doctrines and Religious Authority (20 credits)

Philosophy, Theology and Religion Thematic Modules

• Critical Thinkers of Modernity, Science, Society and Religion (20 credits)
• Gender, Sexualities and Religion (20 credits)
• Mediaeval Arabic Thought (20 credits)
• Political Philosophy in Theological Ethics (20 credits)
• Religion in Contemporary Global Politics 2 (20 credits)
• Religion in Contemporary Global Politics I (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 Honours Degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, or equivalent qualifications.

Fees and Scholarships

• Full-time: £11,250
• Part-time: £5,625
• The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarships, which award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Application Process

• Application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants: 28 August 2026.
• Applications are submitted online, and supporting documents are required.

Career Opportunities

• By studying a postgraduate degree in Theology and Religion at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths.
• Our Theology and Religion postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as Senior Pastor, Head of Religious Education, and Programme Manager.
• The University’s Careers Network offers a range of events and support services, including networking opportunities, career coaching, and one-to-one guidance.