The Master of Arts (MA) in Contemporary Islamic Studies, with a specialization in Contemporary Islamic Thought,* is a program of study that synthesizes traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary religious thought. It aims to develop a generation of graduates with the critical skills and exceptional knowledge of Islam in the modern context.
The specialization attracts students who are seeking a unique opportunity to engage with a rigorous multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary graduate training across a range of core subjects, while also enabling them to pursue a focused field of study within modern Islamic scholarship.
Students will learn how to critically approach and analyze issues related to Islam and Muslim societies, develop sophisticated and balanced arguments, and meaningfully shape discourses surrounding Islam.
Language
English with a track in Arabic
Program Duration
2 Years
Certification
Masters
The program track is structured to examine traditional Islamic knowledge and place such knowledge in the context of the challenges faced by modern society. Students explore diverse theoretical perspectives and thought traditions, such as postcolonial and decolonial thought, pluralism, scientific thought, media-driven discourses, and diaspora studies, in order to delve deeply into the complexities of contemporary debates.
The track is tailored for students who aim to advance their academic pursuit through a PhD degree and a career in academia, or for those students who look forward to employment opportunities across various sectors that can be enhanced with expertise in Islamic thought.
A 36-credit degree program taught over two years that includes:
- Three foundation courses (9 credits)
Course Name Foundations of Islamic Thought Contemporary Quran and Hadith Studies Applied Research Methodologies in Islamic Studies - A choice of two specializations (9 credits)
Course Name Fiqh and Society (taught in Arabic)
- Non-textual Legal Sources
- Fatwa, Family and Society
- Islamic Jurisprudence, Politics and the State
Contemporary Islamic Thought (taught in English)
- Islam and Modernity
- Islamic Thought and Postcolonial Studies
- Islamic Law and Society
-
Three elective courses (9 credits)*
- Thesis (9 Credits)
*Students can select up to three elective courses from the range of options offered within each specialization.
Students also have the option of selecting one elective course from the CIS catalog.
*The MA in Contemporary Islamic Thought offers two specializations: Contemporary Islamic Thought (taught in English) and Fiqh and Society (taught in Arabic).
Applicants seeking admission to the masters programs should have a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
| Program | Required Field of Study | Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Arts in Contemporary Islamic Studies: |
Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Religious Studies; or relatable areas within the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences with appropriate experience.. |
IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL: 79 |
For more information regarding Admission requirements visit the following link
Fees and Financial Information
| Program | Program Tuition Fees | Program Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Contemporary Islamic Studies |
QAR 72,000 |
2 years |