The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Studies (DIS) is an interdisciplinary program that cultivates a detailed understanding of Islamic studies and a mastery of a chosen disciplinary pathway. This expertise is acquired by undertaking dynamic and innovative research that facilitates the analysis and production of contemporary Islamic discourses, engages with diverse themes and topics, and supports the human development goals of the State of Qatar and broader global needs.
The DIS program is highly versatile to accommodate students wishing to apply interdisciplinary research on a variety of specialisms within the field of Islamic studies. Students develop essential contemporary epistemological and methodological skill sets for the analysis of Islamic discourses, while also synergizing with a solid foundation built on the rich and diverse teachings of the Islamic intellectual heritage.
- The DIS program draws on the expertise and skills of the college in an integrated manner, including diverse subjects such as Islamic art, architecture, and urbanism; global affairs; Islamic psychology; and applied Islamic ethics; as well as subjects that are more traditionally conceived under the broad umbrella of Islamic studies. Students develop a mastery of their chosen academic field and its applications to address current issues, advance knowledge, and facilitate positive social progress based on Islamic principles.
- The program comprises a strong language component, in which the primary languages of Arabic and English are supplemented by one subsidiary research language associated with Muslim societies, including but not limited to Persian, Turkish, Bahasa Indonesia, and Hausa. The multilingual proficiency enriches the undertaking of dynamic and innovative research that can produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications to advance regional and global scholarship in the areas of Islamic studies and cross-cutting disciplines.
A 72-credit degree program taught over four years in English that includes:
- Six core courses (18 credits)
Course Name Research Methods in Islamic Studies Comparative Islamic Theology and Philosophy Comparative Theories in the Study of Religion Sources and Methodology of Islamic Law Comparative Quranic Exegesis Sources and Methodology of Hadith - Six elective courses (18 credits) out of eleven options
Course Name Comparative Applied Islamic Ethics Family and Society in Islam Globalization and Muslim Societies Graduate Seminar in Islamic Studies Islam and Modernity Islam, Environment and Sustainability Islamic Manuscript Studies Muslim Encounters with Other Societies Readings in Usul Al-Fiqh The Islamic City Translating Arabic-Islamic Texts - This component includes dissertation proposal seminars, dissertation progress workshops, and dissertation defense seminars, in addition to a pre-dissertation comprehensive examination.
Applicants seeking admission to the PhD program in Islamic Studies should have a master’s degree in a relevant field of study with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized institution.
PhD applicants should demonstrate strong evidence that they possess the qualities to become successful researchers and professionals. This includes outstanding performance in relevant coursework, as well as a proven track record of high motivation and commitment to innovative and original research. Applicants with prior research and work experience in financial services and related fields are preferred.
| Program | Required Field of Study | Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Islamic Studies |
All fields |
IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL: 79 *Applicants, both native or non-native speakers of Arabic, will be required to take an Arabic language proficiency test that will be administered by the College of Islamic Studies at the time of application. Applicants must pass the Arabic language proficiency test with a minimum value of “upper-intermediate” to be admitted to the program. Applicants who have completed university studies in Arabic and can provide a letter confirming so are exempt from this requirement. |
For more information regarding admission requirements visit the following link.
Fees and Financial Information
| Program | Program Tuition Fees | Program Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in Islamic Studies | QAR 162,000 |
4 years |