Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MA Islamic Studies
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Islamic Studies | Programme code | PTA1IAIIAI22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MA in Islamic Studies is a tailored degree, which provides students with a solid foundation in Islamic Studies utilizing a range of methodological approaches thus equipping students with the tools to analyse issues pertaining to the Muslim world from a wide angle as well as in greater detail. Students on the MA in Islamic Studies must take five core modules aimed at providing them with specialist skills at the highest level, but there is also a significant degree of flexibility for students to select optional modules from within the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and to some extent also from other departments within the University following the modularity rules. Consequently, the MA in Islamic Studies has been designed with a view to appeal to students who want some freedom to be creative as well as employers who expect core, critical skills that can be applied to the analysis of Islamic Studies.
The MA thus aims to provide students with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the complex and diverse field of Islamic Studies, including a strong theoretical and methodological grounding. Students will take a series of compulsory modules that will form a solid foundation for their studies, most notably the dissertation, but also the range of optional modules which they can choose from a broad portfolio of topics, including (but by no means limited to) Islamic philosophy, Islamic law, contemporary politics, modern history and gender studies (subject to availability). All modules are taught by core staff who specialize in the particular topic - i.e., students will be profoundly exposed to cutting-edge research.
By the end of their MA studies, students should have developed the analytical tools needed to study Islamic Studies, whether contemporary or in historical perspective.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. Enable students to specialize in the diverse field of Islamic Studies, and thereby deepening their knowledge of key topics such as e.g. Islamic thought and Islamic law, while at the same time enhancing their career prospects.
2. Provide students with teaching led by cutting-edge research.
3. Expose students to a wide variety of teaching and learning methods, including more innovative ones, which should assist students in becoming better academics as well as more competitive on the job market.
4. Enable students to competently address issues in the diverse field of Islamic Studies.
Academic scope and educational aims:
The MA in Islamic Studies is a high-powered distinctly tailored degree, which provides students with a solid foundation in core theories and methods necessary for the analysis of Islamic Studies at the highest level. At the same time, the significant proportion of optional credits offer the student a good level of freedom to design part of their own degree from modules within the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and to some extent also from other departments within the University following the modularity rules. These optional modules cover topics such as Islamic philosophy, Islamic law, contemporary politics, modern history and gender studies (all subject to availability).
All students will have to follow five core modules (‘Theorizing the Middle East’, ‘Dissertation Skills’, the ‘Dissertation’, ‘New Approaches to Islamic thought’ and ‘Texts and traditions in Islamic intellectual history’).
- Students are free to choose their remaining 45 credits from modules offered by the IAIS that particular year, including up to 30 credits worth of modules offered outside of the department from within the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and/or the College of Humanities in line with the University’s modularity policy. Up to 30 credits are allowed at NQF level 6.
By giving students a good level of freedom and choice whilst at the same time providing a solid theoretical and methodological foundation via the core modules, it is hoped that they will not only have an enjoyable and productive time, but that they will also appeal to employers once they graduate as they can undoubtedly demonstrate key critical and analytical skills in addition to extensive knowledge of Islamic Studies.
The MA in Islamic Studies is designed for graduates who have no prior knowledge of the subject area, as well as for those graduates who would like to deepen their existing knowledge on the topic of Islamic Studies. As the programme progresses quickly, and due to the reality that all modules offered by the IAIS are based on recent research, the gap between the two groups of graduates should be closed quickly.
Learning and teaching activities:
The subject knowledge skills as well as personal and key skills are developed via readings, lectures, seminars, tutorials, class discussion, group work and student presentations. In the lectures, students will be presented with cutting-edge research carried out by those actually giving the lectures; a reality that is hoped will inspire students. The programme also makes use of class discussions, group work and student presentations (both individual and in groups) as different people learn in different ways. However, there is no doubt that all students, regardless of how they best learn, will benefit from input from their peers. Moreover, group work, class discussion and student presentations are seen as ways in which students can take some responsibility for their own (and each others’) learning, which is expected at the MA level. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter Learning Environment, which enables students to access course material at home and in various formats
4. Programme Structure
The MA in Islamic Studies is a 1-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 1 stage. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme of study is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
Option modules vary from year to year and are dependent on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Whether an option module is from within or outside of IAIS, any prerequisite and / or any corequisites should be checked prior to choosing any options, making sure the module is a viable choice.
You may take elective ARA3XXX modules up to 30 credits from RFQ Level 6 (final stage undergraduate).
Stage 1
135 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of option modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARAM103 | New Approaches to Islamic Thought | 30 | Yes |
| ARAM232 | Theorising the Middle East | 15 | Yes |
| ARAM233 | Dissertation skills | 15 | Yes |
| ARAM027 | MA Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Option modules can be viewed via the URL below
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=arabislamicstudies
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAIS PGT 25.26 | |||
| ARAM054 | State and Society in the Middle East | 30 | No |
| ARAM112A | Independent Reading Course - Sem 1 | 15 | No |
| ARAM112B | Independent Reading Course - Sem 2 | 15 | No |
| ARAM221 | The Palestine Question: Past and Present | 30 | No |
| ARAM244 | Politics and Economics of the Middle East | 30 | No |
| ARAM251 | Esotericism and the Magical Tradition | 30 | No |
| ARAM090 | Energy, Logistics, Infrastructure | 30 | No |
| ARAM091 | Ecological Struggles | 30 | No |
| ARAM257 | Philosophising Magic: From Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages | 15 | No |
| EFPM839 | Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures | 30 | No |
| HASM013 | Mental Health in Social and Historical Context | 30 | No |
| ARAM147 | The Kurds: History and Politics | 30 | No |
| UG option modules for IAIS PGT Programmes 2025-26 | |||
| ARA3045 | War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 30 | No |
| ARA3108 | The Politics of Authoritarian Rule | 30 | No |
| ARA3129 | Nationalisms in the Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARA3136 | The History and Political Development of Iraq | 15 | No |
| ARA3158 | Armed Islamist Movements: Jihadism and Beyond | 15 | No |
| ARA3162 | Britain in the Middle East, 1798-1977 | 15 | No |
| ARA3163 | Politics and Reform in the Gulf | 15 | No |
| ARA3197 | The Arabian Nights: Perception and Reception | 15 | No |
| ARA3200 | Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/Israel | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Extensive knowledge of key issues in Islamic Studies; | The specialised subject skills and knowledge (A1-3) are developed via lectures, class discussion, group work and student presentations. In the lectures, students will be presented with cutting-edge research carried out by those actually giving the lectures; a reality that is hoped will inspire students. The programme also makes use of class discussions, group work and student presentations (both individual and in groups) as different people learn in different ways. However, there is no doubt that all students, regardless of how they best learn, will benefit from input from their peers. Moreover, group work, class discussion and student presentations are seen as ways in which students can take some responsibility for their own (and each others’) learning, which is expected at the MA level. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter Learning Environment, which enables students to access course material at home and in various formats. | The MA in Islamic Studies utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the specialised subject skills and knowledge. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. The assessment methods include essays (ILOs A1-3), student presentations (ILOs A1-3), reaction papers (ILOs A1-3) and a dissertation (ILOs A1-3). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. The ability to source primary and secondary data relevant to specific issue areas; | The academic discipline core skills and knowledge (ILOs B4-7) will be developed via a number of different teaching/learning methods and a range of forms of assessment. Group work, student presentations, essays and the dissertation all contribute to the development of these skills as they force students to carry out their own independent research, task them with critically assessing current research, placing key issues in a wider context, and require them to deploy critical arguments. A further key skill - the ability to evaluate one's own work and progress - is aided by lectures and group work, but it is the dissertation, the essays and the individual student presentations that are the most effective here due to the fact that student will receive written, personal feedback on these assignments and will also be formally assessed. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter virtual learning environment, which enables students to access course material at home and in various formats. | The academic discipline core skills and knowledge (ILOs B4-7) will be assessed via a number of different teaching/learning methods and a range of forms of assessment. Group work, student presentations, essays and the dissertation all contribute to the development of these skills as they require students to carry out their own independent research, task them with critically assessing current research, placing key issues in a wider context, and encourage them to deploy critical arguments. A further key skill - the ability to evaluate one's own work and progress - is aided by lectures and group work, but it is the dissertation, the essays and the individual student presentations that are the most effective here due to the reality that the student will receive written, personal feedback on these assignments and will also be formally assessed. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter Learning Environment, which enables students to access course material at home and in various formats. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. The ability to think and work independently at am advanced level; | The personal/transferable/employment skills and knowledge (ILOs C8-11) are developed via readings, lectures, and class and group discussions where students will be presented with problems to debate and literature to review. | The MA in Islamic Studies utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the personal and key skills. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. The assessment methods include essays (ILOs C8-11), student presentations (ILOs C8-11), reaction papers (ILOs 8-9) and a dissertation (ILOs C8-10). |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate Degrees
Class I 70% + Distinction 70%+
Class II Division I 60-69% Merit 60-69%
Class II Division II 50-59% Pass 50-59%
Class III 40-49%
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
Learning Resources The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.
- University Wellbeing Service - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support.
- Student Health Centre - We are a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.
- Student Services Centre - in the Forum is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of 12 student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility. You can access the SID team 12 hours per day during term time between 8am – 8pm plus 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Out of term time we are open 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday.
- The Student Engagement and Skills - team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter’s Learning Environment (ELE).
- Owlets (Streatham campus)provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff.
- Student Advice Centre - : (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
- TheStudents’ Guild is the students’ union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and more.
- Student complaints procedure.
- Chaplaincy offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.
- The International Student Support Office supports non-UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.
- INTO University of Exeter partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
- AccessAbility offers advice and support to students with specific learning disabilities (eg. dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.
- Employability and Graduate Developmentthe Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Islamic Studies
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 10/12/2020 |
Date of last revision |
|---|
