Islamic StudiesMA

You don’t need any formal learning in Islamic Studies for this course. For students who do have a background in Islamic Studies, it provides an ideal foundation for further research. Pursue your individual interests through our flexible module choices. You'll cover topics like Islamic perspectives in psychology, and law and ethics in Islamic thought and practice.

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

You'll study traditional and modern debates on Islam and Muslim societies, both pre-modern and contemporary, within a wider context of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion.  

• Benefit from diversity of experts in the Department and at the Al-Mahdi Institute, which provides you with a platform for further research in Islamic Studies. 
• Build your degree around your interests with flexible module choices ranging from focussed treatments of Islamic intellectual traditions to wider philosophical debates on politics and society. 
• Resources include Birmingham's Cadbury Research Library that houses many texts with religious significance, including the Birmingham Qur'an: one of the earliest surviving fragments of the Qur’an. 
• Immerse yourself in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe. Make the most of the Department's links with faith-based communities across the city.

Exceptional resources to support your studies

You’ll have training from internationally renowned experts in a diverse range of approaches to the study of Islam. Benefit from a variety of historical and theological manuscripts at your fingertips. Birmingham's Cadbury Research Library houses many texts and books with religious significance, including the Birmingham Qur'an: one of the earliest surviving fragments of the Qur’an. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake either a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you or a placement-based dissertation.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 Session

Modules offered every academic year will depend on staff availability and sufficient student numbers (minimum 5). All compulsory modules will run and students will be informed each year which optional modules will be available.

The following must be taken:

One of the following dissertations MUST be taken

Students must select a further 60 credits. At least 40 credits must be taken across the specialist and relevant thematic module lists. 20 credits may be taken from the remaining list of modules in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, or, with consultation from your programme leader, from the College of Arts and Law. Optional modules: Modules offered every academic year will depend on staff availability and sufficient student numbers (minimum 5). Optional modules: All compulsory modules will run and students will be informed each year which optional modules will be available.

Specialist Modules:

PTR Thematic Modules:

Students may take one LM module selected from others available in PTR or from other disciplines by prior agreement with module and programme leader.

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Our Theology and Religion graduates enter many roles, including:

• Church Ministry
• Modern Day Slavery Officer
• Religious Minister

Employers our Theology and Religion graduates have worked for include:

• National and international places of worship
• Ministry of Justice
• Cambridge University Press

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.