The SOAS LLM in Islamic Law is a leading specialisation focusing on a rapidly evolving area of law with significant global relevance. This program delves into issues concerning family law, financial markets, philanthropy, and international relations within Muslim majority countries and diasporic communities. It provides a platform for understanding diverse perspectives from across the Muslim world, exploring the meanings and applications of Islamic law principles in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and transnationally. The curriculum examines jurisprudence, methodologies, family law, criminal law, and financial law, with a critical focus on their intersection with international human rights law. Additionally, it investigates the role of law within society, including aspects of gender, colonialism, constitutional law, and plural legal systems in the region. This LLM is ideal for those seeking expertise in Islamic law or law-related careers focused on Muslim-majority contexts. The demand for this expertise is high in law, finance, media, international organizations, and government. Many students across SOAS School of Law choose modules from this program due to their relevance to contemporary legal practice and policy-making. The LLM offers a unique insight into the complexities of historical and current interpretations of Islamic law, providing a compelling exploration of its diverse legal systems and processes. Each LLM student must complete 180 credits, comprising 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit, 12,000-word dissertation on a specialized topic. The program is open to applicants from various academic backgrounds, not exclusively those with a law degree.
Students must complete 180 credits in total, consisting of a 60-credit dissertation and 120 credits of taught modules. Taught modules are valued at either 15 or 30 credits. To graduate with a specialization in Islamic Law, students must take at least 60 credits from the designated specialist modules, and their dissertation topic must align with this specialization. Please note that module availability may vary annually.
This program equips graduates with expertise highly sought after in legal, financial, media, international organisations, and governmental sectors, particularly for roles focused on Muslim-majority countries or contexts.
References are not required but can strengthen applications for candidates with non-traditional qualifications or those falling below the standard degree requirement. The LLM is open to applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, not limited to law degrees.
Fees are subject to change.