Course profile: MA Islamic Studies, University of Wales at Lampeter

Publish date	2008-07-15
Available Articles	Full articles without membership

The MA Islamic Studies is appropriate for all those seeking to further their knowledge in the multidisciplinary academic fields associated with the study of Islam.

Who is this for?

The programme provides an academic qualification suitable for those working within, or associated with, Muslim communities, in minority and majority contexts, especially those wishing to develop a greater understanding of the people, cultures and religious perspectives they are working with.

This includes those in the fields of law, social work, diplomacy, politics and education. A broad range of professional, cultural, religious and personal backgrounds are reflected in the postgraduates currently engaged with this MA programme, in the UK and elsewhere.

The MA is appropriate for students who have not previously studied Islam before at university level, and for mature students returning to education.

It is a suitable option for those with some background interest in Islam or connections with Muslim communities (in the UK and elsewhere), who wish to extend their horizons within this fascinating subject sphere.

The MA is a platform through which the academic skills can be developed for individuals to progress to study an MPhil or PhD. The development of study skills, research methodologies and other ‘transferable attributes’ are an important component of this degree programme.

How do I study?

Students work at their own pace. The university recommends that students allow at least a few hours a week in order to progress.

The university says some students on the course have taken substantial time out of their schedules to concentrate on progressing quickly through the programme, while others have juggled family, career and other commitments whilst snatching a few hours a week.

Students wishing to enjoy the campus experience can also attend optional study periods at the University of Wales Lampeter.

Students are sent module packages relating to the programme. Each module package comes with all the information required to start studying your chosen subject, including detailed notes and guidance, and a ‘set book’.

The Islamic Studies specialists in the department have written the modules specifically for the MA.

What support can I expect?

Students can e-mail, write and phone for advice, and the Department has postgraduate support system for distance learning. Lampeter offers a wide range of library resources for the MA Islamic Studies, including inter-library loans.

Through the library system learners can access a variety of journals, books and other materials. There is a growing range of materials online suitable for use in the MA Islamic Studies. Particularly important is the Encyclopaedia of Islam: Online Edition.

What do I learn?

A range of modules is available, but students must take the compulsory modules in order to qualify for the MA. These are Islam Today and Study Skills for Theology and Religious Studies.

Core modules include Islamic Law in the Contemporary World; Muslim Networks; Muslim Politics; and a final project.

The MA Islamic Studies also offers the possibility of incorporating the study of other distance learning modules offered by the Department of Theology & Religious Studies (up to 40 credits) in a wide range of subject areas. For details, see the information on other Masters Degree Schemes.

How is the MA assessed?

Masters degrees are assessed by written work for both the taught modules and the dissertation. Each student will be required to submit six essays of 5,000 words (or the equivalent), and upon successful completion of these essays, proceed to a dissertation of no more than 20,000 words. Those who then successfully complete their dissertation will then qualify for an MA Islamic Studies of the University of Wales.

Students who successfully complete the six taught elements of the course will qualify for a University of Wales Diploma, and students who complete three modules will qualify for a University of Wales Postgraduate Certificate.

How do I apply?

A taught MA Application Pack can be downloaded from the University of Wales Lampeter’s Postgraduate Office (www.lamp.ac.uk/cis). This provides details of the application requirements.

Courses start in October, January and April. Students should allow several weeks for paperwork and references to be processed, prior to a decision being made.

The university is offering 100 Bursaries for UK and EU students starting a full-time taught Masters programme in October 2008
(www.lamp.ac.uk/postgrads/pgtbursaries.html).

It says it is unable to offer scholarships for non-EU residents. However, there is a bursary scheme for UK and EU students on full-time programmes.

Arabic is not a requirement for the MA.

How much does it cost?

Part-time fees are £1,100 per year. Full-time fees are £3,300.

Contacts

Department of Theology, Religious Studies & Islamic Studies
University of Wales
Lampeter
Ceredigion
SA48 7ED
United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 (0)1570-424708
Website: www.lamp.ac.uk/cis

Keywords: Islamic studies, minorities.

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