Master of Islamic Studies

The Master of Islamic Studies is designed for graduates of Islamic studies (or related areas of study) with an interest in further academic exploration of the area. The masters program requires students to consider Islamic studies and related issues from a variety of perspectives and to locate these within historical, social, economic, philosophical and intellectual contexts. Students will develop their analytical and critical skills and are encouraged to adopt innovative approaches to the concepts and paradigms arising in the course.

Students who complete the Master of Islamic Studies will have an understanding of:

• Methodological issues in several key areas of Islamic studies;
• Current issues and challenges in each of the selected specialised areas of the course;
• The philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of Islamic perspectives on the social sciences such as education, economics, anthropology, politics and sociology;
• Major trends of contemporary Islamic thought and the social, political, and historical context within which this thought is shaped;
• Contemporary attempts at reform;
• How to design and write a preparatory research dissertation on an Islamic studies topic;
• Key issues that arise in interdisciplinary contexts of research in Islamic studies.

200-point program:

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time

• six compulsory subjects (75 points)
• elective subjects (125 points)

Total 200 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

150-point program:

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time

• six compulsory subjects from the list of compulsory subjects of the 200 point program (75 points)
• elective subjects from the list of electives of the 200 point program (75 points)

Total 150 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

100-point program:

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time

Option 1

• six compulsory subjects from the list of compulsory subjects of the 200 point program (75 points)
• elective subjects from the list of electives of the 200 point program (25 points)

Option 2

• The following four compulsory subjects from the list of compulsory subjects of the 200 point program - Methodologies of Hadith, Critical Asian Perspectives, The Qur’an and its Interpretation and Islam and Politics (50 points)
• the minor thesis plus one further elective subject from the list of electives of the 200 point program (50 points)

Total 100 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

Compulsory subjects:

For the 200, 150 and 100 (option 1) point programs (75 points)

For 100 (option 2) point program - Methodologies of Hadith, Critical Asian Perspectives, The Qur’an and its Interpretation and Islam and Politics (50 points)

Elective subjects:

For the 200 point program - 125 points

For the 150 point program - 75 points

For 100 point (Option 1) program - 25 points; 100 point (Option 2) program the minor thesis plus one elective - 50 points.

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria –

For the 200 point program

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent.

For the 150 point program

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least one year of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program

• an honours degree in a cognate discipline with at least a H2B (70%), or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least two years of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

Please note - "cognate discipline" is broadly defined for entry into this course. In the past applicants who hold a degree in a broad range of areas have been admitted. These areas include law, economics, management and development. If unsure of your eligibility please apply with full documentation of your educational and employment experience.


2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Documented evidence of relevant professional experience:

Applicants seeking admission into 100 and 150 point programs must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:

• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

Admission Process

The course requires a standard level of ability across all disciplines. It will be assumed students are able to access and attend classes on a regular basis, are capable of learning in a University environment and will be able to take responsibility for their own learning. Any ability beyond this threshold will be robustly supported through the curriculum. Any intensive use of IT or technologies will be adequately supported. Certain subjects have more specific requirements and demands, such as fieldwork or travelling, which are clearly outlined in the Handbook's subject description.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. The Faculty Disability Contact Officer works with students, the University Disability Liaison Unit and teaching staff to assist students with their special requirements, with a particular focus on accommodations for in-class and examination assessment tasks. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability.

Students who complete the minor thesis may be eligible for entry into the PhD.

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