MA Islam and Education
Overview
This programme explores the intricate relationship between Islam and education, examining how Muslim education thought, as well as the dominant educational theories, political ideologies and government policies, impact educational practices within Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority contexts. It provides acritical understanding of conventional and classical education theories and approaches, vital for educators and institutions to develop effective education systems.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will explore Islamic education's historical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions, critically analysing the influence of various educational ideologies and policies on shaping curricula, pedagogical methods, and institutional structures. The programme also addresses contemporary challenges and debates surrounding education reform, globalisation, and the quest for educational equity and social justice within Muslim educational contexts. This includes acritical reflection on the extent to which traditional models of Islamic education can be applied to contemporary contexts, the perceptions of contemporary educational practice in the wider Muslim world, and the development of comparative perspectives on faith-based education. The programme combines analytical engagement with traditional Muslim educational thought and modern secular education.
The MA in Islam and Education is offered full-time (12months, over three semesters) and part-time (24 months, over six semesters).The programme employs various teaching and learning methods in and outside the classroom. The modules are delivered through blended learning, combining traditional class-based methods and guided independent study with online learning.
Validating University: This course has been validatedby Birmingham Newman University.
Course structure
The Course is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): Awarded on the basis of 60 credits which must include 45 credits from core modules.
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): Awarded on the basis of 120 credits.
MA Degree: 180credits (including the dissertation)
Contact hours
Contact hours or guided learning hours are the number of hours a student will be taught and/or supported by their tutors during their studies. This includes direct teaching, guidance or supervision time. In addition, students are expected to spend additional time to attempt tutor set tasks and reading, completing their assessments, as well as independent study to learn the material covered in order to complete the qualification.
Each module is worth a certain number of credits. Each credit is estimated to be 10 hours of learning. For example, a 20-credit module requires 200 hours of learning, and this will include scheduled contact hours with your tutor(four hours/week online and/or in-person class attendance, and 48 hours over a 12 weeks semester). The remaining time is for the student to engage in tutor guided reading and tasks set for them, and also completing assessments.
The modules will be delivered by blended learning, which employs multiple methods to deliver learning by combining face-to-face interactions with online activities. Face-to-face interactions include lectures, seminars/tutorials, student presentations, and one-to-one support. In addition, students will be expected to engage in independent study to prepare for weekly classes, formative assessments, and coursework for each module..
Teaching staff
Students will be taught by a highly qualified, enthusiastic team of academics with wide-ranging research interests. Their research is used in lectures and seminars so you learn about the latest issues impacting the subject area.
Entry requirements
Typical offer: Candidates will generally need an honours degree from a UK university or an overseas university as an equivalent, as confirmed by UK ENIC (formerly NARIC). Students may also enter with up to 60 Level 7 credits via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
International applicants: Please see the following link on this website for the entry requirements for international students: https://www.mihe.ac.uk/international-students
Please note that this course is not a teaching qualification nor does it lead to Qualified Teacher Status. If applicants wish to pursue a teaching qualification (such as a PGCE in teaching route), they can apply to Newman University (or other universities that offer such courses).
Fees and funding
Career paths
The MA in Islamic Education aims to increase career opportunities for educators working in a faith-based context in education practice, policy or research. Graduates from this programme may proceed to PhD research. They can also pursue careers that demand postgraduate skills in education, such as education research, education leadership in formal and informal educational settings, curriculum design, policy analysis, advisory/consultancy roles, and international development.
How to apply
All prospective students must complete an online application form on this website. To gain a place at the Markfield Institute, you must meet our general entry requirements and the specific entry requirements of your chosen course.
The Admissions Team will review your application and decide whether your application should receive an offer. Specific entrance requirements for individual courses can be found on individual course pages on this website. Entry to our postgraduate programmes usually requires a good Honours degree, or equivalent if you were educated outside the UK.
After considering an application and associated documents, MIHE will email the candidate about the outcome of his/her application. Successful candidates will be sent an offer letter by email informing them about fees and the level and exact title of the course. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed by email.
If you have difficulty in completing the online application form for any reason, please get in touch with admissions@mihe.ac.uk
