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The Master of Arts (MA) in Contemporary Islamic Studies program, with two specialization tracks*, 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 Contemporary Islamic Thought specialization is taught in English.
The specialization attracts students who are seeking a unique opportunity to engage with 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.
*The MA in Contemporary Islamic Studies offers two specializations: Contemporary Islamic Thought (taught in English) and Fiqh and Society (taught in Arabic).
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 discourse, 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 in English over two years that includes:
- Three foundational courses (9 credits)
Course Name Foundations of Islamic Thought Contemporary Quran and Hadith Studies Applied Research Methodologies in Islamic Studies - Three specialization courses (9 credits)
Course Name Islam and Modernity
Islamic Thought and Postcolonial Studies
Islamic Law and Society
- A choice of three electives out of six options (9 credits)
Course Name Islam and Politics in the Muslim World Modern History of the Muslim World Muslim Encounters with Other Societies Muslim Societies in Diaspora Scientific Thought in Muslim Societies The Media and Muslim Societies - 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.
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Arts In Contemporary Islamic Studies should have a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized institution.
Please refer to the following table for a summary of the admission criteria:
| Program | MA in Contemporary Islamic Studies: Specialization in Contemporary Islamic Thought |
|---|---|
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Required Field of Study |
Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Religious Studies; or relatable areas within the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences with appropriate experience. |
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Language Proficiency |
Further details about the language proficiency requirement and the process to seek exemption (where this is an option) are available on the website: admissions.hbku.edu.qa |