MA Islamic Studies
UCAS code: V622
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Literatures, Languages and Cultures
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Islamic Studies
This programme develops knowledge and understanding of Islam as a religion, as well as the history, thought and culture of Muslims worldwide.
Opening the door to Islam's rich intellectual heritage, it will give you a thorough grounding in a variety of areas, including:
Islamic literature and poetry
the Qur'an
Sufism
Islam in the contemporary world, from Islamic movements to political Islam
You'll learn Arabic in Year 1, with the option to continue language learning in Year 2 if you wish.
Why Edinburgh
Edinburgh is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for the study of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Islam and the Middle East.
Study with us, and you'll be part of a friendly community with great links to:
the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World
a student-led Islamic Society
a regular programme of workshops and guest seminars
Year 1
You will take classes in:
Arabic
Islamic history
modern Middle Eastern history
You will also take two option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.
Year 2
You will take courses on the religion of Islam and on Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures.
You may continue with your Arabic language studies or take other option courses of your choice.
Year 3
If international travel restrictions allow, you may have the option to study abroad. Regardless of location, you will study a range of courses on subjects relating to Islam or the Middle East.
Year 4
You will complete your dissertation, and will choose Islam- and Middle Eastern Studies-related option courses from a wide selection of subject areas, including:
history
politic
religion
arts
cultural studies
Our facilities
Teaching takes place in and around the University of Edinburgh's Central Area.
Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections, including the National Library, Museum, and Galleries of Scotland.
You will have access to the University's excellent:
computing and audiovisual resources
support services
social spaces
You'll also have access to over 23,000 Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies resources in its collections, including Islamic manuscripts.
We also have our own library in 19 George Square.
Study abroad
If international travel restrictions allow, you may have the option to study abroad. Regardless of location, you will study a range of courses on subjects relating to Islam or the Middle East.
How will I learn?
Courses are taught through a combination of:
lectures
tutorials
seminars
Throughout, you are encouraged to:
undertake independent reading to supplement and consolidate what is being taught formally
broaden your individual knowledge and understanding of the subject
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by a combination of exams and coursework, including:
essays
exercises
presentations
You will also complete a dissertation in your final year.
Programme details
Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.
To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Graduating with an understanding of the Islamic world, and of the Arabic language, is an excellent primer for a range of careers in:
the media
non-government organisations
industry
commerce
education
the diplomatic and civil services
With increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is high demand for our graduates both at home and abroad.
There are also opportunities to continue studying at postgraduate level, with Year 4 in particular developing the research skills you'll need if you choose this path.
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: AAAA-AABB by end of S5 or AAAA-AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: AAB - ABB.
- IB: 36 points with 665 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL.
Minimum entry requirement
The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.
More information for widening access applicants
Required subjects
The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:
- SQA: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
- A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
- IB: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.
International Foundation Programme
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
SQA, GCSE and IB
For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
- SQA National 5 at C
- SQA Standard Grade at 3
- SQA Intermediate 1 at A
- SQA Intermediate 2 at C
- GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4
- Level 2 Certificate Grade C
- IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition) 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components.
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MA Islamic Studies
Additional costs
If you study abroad, there will be additional costs. Grants may be available for participating students to help with the extra costs of studying and living abroad.
Funding
For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.
- Enquiry Management Team
- Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
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