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The MA in Comparative Education is an interdisciplinary program grounded in an Islamic civilizational worldview. Its comparative framework brings Islamic, African, Asian, Indigenous, and Western educational traditions into dialogue, equipping students to address complex educational challenges across diverse sociopolitical and cultural contexts, including Qatar.
Through rigorous coursework, internships, and a research-based thesis, students develop ethical leadership, cultural responsiveness, and empirical research skills. Graduates are prepared for roles in teaching, research, policy, and educational leadership, equipped to develop ethical, evidence-based responses to pressing educational needs and to advance meaningful reform locally and globally.
The program prepares professionals for roles in teaching, research, policy, and educational leadership by developing their ability to analyse and synthesize theories and practices across diverse educational frameworks. Its comparative approach is grounded in an Islamic civilizational worldview while engaging critically with educational thought from around the world.
Students examine national contexts of their choice, with particular attention to the formative role of Islam in shaping cultural and societal norms and learn to read local educational realities against global trends.
A 36-credit degree program, taught over two years in English, that includes:
Six core courses (18 credits)
Course Name Comparative Theories and Methods in Education Islamic Educational Philosophies and Practices in Child Education Child Development, Pedagogy, and Culture Educational Research Methodologies Comparative Ethics in Educational Processes Advanced Comparative Theories and Methods in Education A choice of two concentrations (6 credits)
- Curriculum Design, Assessment, and Technology
Course Name Comparative Curriculum Design and Assessment Technology in Teaching and Learning - Educational Leadership
Course Name Educational Leadership: Values, Contexts, and Strategies Leadership for Excellence in Education A choice of one elective out of five options (3 credits)
Course Name Art, Aesthetics, and Beauty in Education Comparative Classics in Education Creative Pedagogies: Play, Narrative, Inquiry, and Dialogue Educational Traditions and Reforms in Muslim-Majority Contexts Quantitative Methods and Analysis - Thesis (9 credits)
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Comparative Education should have a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies, education, sociology, psychology, teacher training, or a related field, with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized institution.
Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in areas of study that are not related to the aforementioned fields must demonstrate that they have completed post-bachelor’s coursework in education (e.g., a diploma or certificate) to indicate their foundational knowledge.
Please refer to the following table for a summary of the admission criteria:
| Program | Master of Arts in Comparative Education |
|---|---|
| Required Field of Study | Education, Islamic studies, sociology, psychology, or related fields. |
| Language Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL: 79. Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they provide an official letter confirming that they obtained their degree from a university where the medium of instruction is English. |
To know more about the admissions requirements, kindly visit the admissions webpage
Tuition Fees
| Program | Master of Arts in Comparative Education |
|---|---|
| Total Program Tuition Fees | QAR 90,000 |
| Tuition Fees per Credit Hour | QAR 2,500 |
| Total Program Credit Hours | 36 |
| Program Duration | 2 years |
Application Requirements
A completed online application form: admissions.hbku.edu.qa
Academic transcripts
Official electronic copies of transcripts should be submitted as part of the online application. Final transcripts and graduation statements are required for all previous university studies. All transcripts submitted should include an explanation of the grading system.
For those who have not completed their current studies, transcripts must include results from the last completed semester of coursework. Transcripts in languages other than English or Arabic must be accompanied by an official translation. Applicants who are admitted to the program based on copies of or incomplete transcripts will be required to provide original transcripts upon enrollment to register for courses.
Standardized test results
Official copies (where required) must be sent directly to HBKU. Please refer to the institutional codes below:
- GRE: 7551
- GMAT: H6S
- TOEFL: 4981
- IELTS: No code required. Students should ask the IELTS center where they tested to send the IELTS TRF to HBKU
Applicants should also submit copies of their test scores with the online application.
Letters of recommendation
Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic referee. Applicants should include their referees’ names and email addresses in the online application. Referees will receive an email requesting them to complete their references.
Personal statement of interest
Applicants should submit a personal statement as part of the online application. The statement should explain why the candidate is applying to the program, and how their studies will contribute to the achievement of their personal objectives, including information about the applicant’s research interests and achievements (minimum of 300, maximum of 500 words).
Resume/Curriculum vitae
Applicants should submit a copy of their current resume or curriculum vitae as part of the online application. This should include the following information:
- Academic Qualifications
- Academic Awards or Honors
- Conference Presentation
- Professional Experience
- Publications
- Research Projects
Identification document
Applicants should submit an electronic copy of their passport as part of their online application. Nationals and residents of Qatar should also submit their valid Qatar ID.
Student funding
The School of Education provides opportunities for scholarships and funding on a competitive basis. Further information will be provided to applicants who are admitted to the program.