Islamic Humanities - MA

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme covers the social, cultural and intellectual history, literature, religion, philosophy, arts and digital humanities of the Islamic world, past and present.

This is an Islamic studies programme with broad horizons. Students deploy inter-disciplinary humanities approaches to Islam and the Islamic world, and engage seriously with its production in the humanities not as an afterthought to the traditional humanities but as a source of critical insights for a global humanities. Challenging essentialist narratives, the programme fosters an appreciation of diversity – regional, cultural and religio-intellectual – within the Islamic world.

The programme is suitable for students of a diverse range of academic backgrounds, and does not require prior training in Islamic studies or knowledge of the Islamic world, nor proficiency in a language other than English.

Why study MA Islamic Humanities at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Middle Eastern and African Studies
• We are ranked Top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for African and Middle Eastern Studies
• We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021

Programme learning outcomes

Upon completion of this programme, you will:

· have understanding of a range of aspects of the history, culture and religion of the Islamic world through different humanities approaches

• have familiarity with a variety of approaches relating to humanities disciplines
• have gained factual knowledge about the history, culture and religion of Islam and the Islamic world, past and present, and about the cultural and historical forces that have shaped the Islamic world
• be able to synthesize different kinds of information, and be precise and cautious in your assessment of evidence
• have developed effective writing and referencing skills and attention to detail and accuracy in presentation
• have gained awareness of how to locate materials and use research resources, assess data and evidence critically from a variety of sources, and solve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations
• be able to work alone in a self-motivated fashion; take feedback and criticism positively and use it as springboard for effective improvement of your work
  

SOAS Library

Students also benefit from the vibrant learning environment SOAS provides more broadly. The SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world.

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements, please see SOAS website

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees, please see SOAS website