Higher Arabic and Islamic Studies

Academic Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below. Any of the following: The Higher Arabic and Islamic Studies Programme is an innovative course for students

• 120 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level
• Islamic Seminary Training
• Teaching experience within formal and informal community based educational settings (Islamic schools and supplementary education sector like Madrassas and Maktabs)
• Prior, relevant study in the last 5 years through self-learning or short courses

Non-standard applicants who do not meet the above-mentioned criteria are welcome to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirement

Students whose first language is not English will need to show proof of English language proficiency. Evidence may take one of the following forms:

• Successful completion of a minimum of twelve months’ education in a country that we consider to be 'majority English speaking;’
• Successfully completed a qualification containing English, which we consider meeting the CEFR B2 level in all four language skills;
• Passed one of the English language tests accepted by ILCD. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum level of 6.5 and 6.0 in each component, as well as a ESOL B2 qualifications.
• Successfully passing our English test.

The Arabic and Islamic Studies programme is an innovative course for students seeking to acquire a thorough understanding of the Islamic faith. Along with developing learner understanding and furthering their knowledge base across a broad range of areas, the course acclimatises this learning and knowledge to the dynamics of contemporary global issues. It is a distinct programme in which theoretical knowledge and understanding are complemented with the practical skills of applying this learning to the real world. It is suitable for students with a rudimentary understanding of Arabic and a basic knowledge of Islamic Studies who wish to study both and the theological aspects of Islam to an advanced level.

Year 1 of the programme introduces learners to the Arabic language through the theoretical study of key linguistic concepts and through practical application in the Language Skills module and the study of a range of literary genres. Learners will also examine the historical beginnings of Islam while also exploring key religious scriptures within the Islamic tradition.

Year 2 provides a greater depth of coverage and investigates underlying principles for scriptural acceptance in Islam, along with the study of Islam’s dogmatic theology, its canonisation and codification. Through critical analysis of Arabic texts from different periods, learners will further their language proficiency and literary comprehension while applying their Arabic skills to study and evaluate the works of classical Islamic scholars across a variety of disciplines and areas.

Year 3 offers learners the opportunity to carry out extensive research in a particular area of Islamic Studies or the Arabic language for their dissertation project. Developing the theoretical concepts from Year 2, learners will apply their previous learning to determine solutions for contemporary legal and ethical issues facing Muslims and subsequently, the wider community.

Overview

Overview

A .Knowledge and understanding:

After this programme learners will have knowledge and understanding of:

• K1 The linguistic description of Arabic using grammatical, morphological and stylistic frameworks;
• K2 The pragmatic factors which determine the use of Arabic;
• K3 Different approaches to translating a variety of Arabic registers;
• K4 The historical context in which Islam developed;
• K5 A selection of doctrinal and jurisprudential frameworks in Islam;
• K6 A range of approaches to scriptural analysis and their juristic/theological implications;
• K7 The Key concepts in Islamic Legal Theory and their application to modern legal and ethical issues.

Teaching/learning methods

Knowledge and understanding are acquired and developed through formal teaching which may take the form of lectures, seminars, and individual feedback or a combination of these methods, along with recommended reading, and the writing of essays and a dissertation.

Assessment

The summative assessment of knowledge and understanding take the form of a combination of methods including coursework, formal examinations, a dissertation and oral presentations. Formative assessment is ongoing throughout the programme and will usually include feedback in classes and seminar based tasks.

B. Intellectual/Cognitive Skills – Able To:

• C1 Critically evaluate, examine and appraise evidence, sources and texts to judge their value, validity and significance;
• C2 Analyse materials from a variety of registers and genres for learning, teaching and research purposes;
• C3 Confidently apply own criteria of judgement and is able to challenge received opinion/question orthodoxy with sound arguments. Can seek and make constructive use of feedback;
• C4 Discriminate between various theoretical frameworks to determine their suitability to a given purpose

Teaching/learning methods

Skills will be introduced in lectures and developed through selective and focused reading, writing of essays and the dissertation and examinations. Critical modes of enquiry will be developed and fostered through the study of specific topics, workshops, personal study and seminar discussions. Through the preparation for essays, projects, and the dissertation, learners’ research and analytical skills will be reinforced. Group work and the subsequent peer assessments will advance learners’ ability to give and receive constructive criticism and build on feedback. The dissertation module allows learners to work with primary texts in a critical and resourceful manner.

Assessment

Essays, collaborative assignments and projects assess all areas of intellectual skills, while summative examinations and formative tests assess the ability to collect and process information and arguments under strict time constraints. Independent study and the Dissertation allow the evaluation of wider personal and independent research and independent interpretation.

C. Practical Skills – Able To:

• P1 Utilise advanced receptive and productive Arabic skills for effective communication;
• P2 Efficiently use IT software for language acquisition and teaching;
• P3 Apply a variety of Islamic legal concepts and judicial maxims/principles to assess contemporary issues;
• P4 Evaluate current and new ideological trends purporting Islamic values;
• P5 Autonomously access technical and discipline specific material in the Arabic Language from a range of fields; from the classical to contemporary;
• P6 Utilise bibliographical and library tools effectively.

Teaching/learning methods

Practical skills are developed through seminar classes, the writing of essays and group projects.

Assessment

These skills are assessed through examinations and in the dissertation.

The institute offers learners extensive support for their learning via a variety of services, including the institute library, 1:1 tutorials, skills workshops and online portals. The workshops provide learners with opportunities to develop their academic skills and thinking by delivering carefully planned content across an array of topics including, academic writing, referencing, critical thinking and effective study skills.

Learners can book sessions with their tutors for 1:1 for academic or non-academic support. These tutorials allow the individual needs of learners to be assessed an appropriate action plans to be developed by the staff. Tutorials may be booked by staff if they feel it is required.

Learners will acquire and develop a broad range of transferrable skills:

T1. Intrapersonal skills

With minimum guidance can work professionally within the discipline area and manage own learning using full range of resources for the discipline. Can manage and efficiently utilise a wealth of information for a variety of purposes including learning, teaching and research.

T2. Interpersonal skills

Can interact effectively within a team in a variety of contexts and identify factors which augment team-work.

T3. Self-evaluation

Can take responsibility for own research, study and work, criticise it and constructively build on feedback.

T4. Communications

Can engage effectively in discussion and use a range of mediums to efficiently communicate information and opinion in a manner appropriate to the environment.

T5. Problem solving

Is flexible in identifying, defining and predicting complex problems and confident in applying appropriate knowledge, skills, methods and tools to their solution.