UNIVERSITY OF EXETER · UNITED KINGDOM
MA Islamic Studies
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS 1234
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€30k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 3rd in the UK for African & Middle Eastern StudiesRankings
- Top 3 for student satisfaction in six out of seven themesStudent Satisfaction
- Home to Europe's most important research collection on the Arab worldResearch Facilities
- Masters Excellence Scholarships availableScholarships
The MA Islamic Studies program at the University of Exeter offers an advanced opportunity to delve into the study of Islam with leading academics in the field. This flexible program allows you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and develop independent research skills. You will explore key issues and debates within Islamic studies and gain training in research methodologies specific to the field. The Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (IAIS) is a prominent centre for Middle Eastern, Islamic Studies, and Arabic research, offering a vibrant community and opportunities to engage in various academic activities. Graduates will possess advanced knowledge and expertise valued by employers in both public and private sectors, and will be well-prepared for further academic pursuits.
Curriculum
The MA Islamic Studies equips you with essential research skills, knowledge of sources, and theoretical tools relevant to the study of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Muslim world. You will be introduced to key theorists and learn to make informed choices in your research, fostering theoretically-aware and interdisciplinary work. Students complete 120 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules, with the possibility of taking up to 30 credits of undergraduate modules (Level 6).
- Masters
- MA DissertationARAM027
- New Approaches to Islamic ThoughtARAM103
- Theorising the Middle EastARAM232
- Dissertation SkillsARAM233
- From Home Lands to Host States: Migration, Displacement and Diaspora in the Middle EastARA3043
- Nationalisms in the Middle EastARA3129
- The History and Political Development of IraqARA3136
- Armed Islamist Movements: Jihadism and BeyondARA3158
- Britain in the Middle East, 1798-1977ARA3162
- Politics and Reform in the GulfARA3163
- The Arabian Nights: Perception and ReceptionARA3197
- Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/IsraelARA3200
- Queer Theory in a Global ContextARA3203
- The Politics of Authoritarian RuleARA3204
- State and Society in the Middle EastARAM054
- Iranian History, 1500-the PresentARAM055
- Independent Reading Course - Semester 1ARAM112A
- Independent Reading Course - Semester 2ARAM112B
- The Kurds: History and PoliticsARAM147
- The Palestine Question: Past and PresentARAM221
- Contemporary History and Politics of the Gulf and the Arabian PeninsulaARAM235
- Sociology and Anthropology of the Gulf and the Arabian PeninsulaARAM236
- Texts and Traditions in Islamic Intellectual HistoryARAM248
- Theorising IslamARAM249
- Philosophising Magic: From Late Antiquity to the Middle AgesARAM257
- Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures (15 credits)EFPM838
- Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures (30 credits)EFPM839
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MA Islamic Studies program?
- Applicants need an Honours degree or equivalent with a 2:2 or above. All academic backgrounds are welcome, and supporting documentation is required for an initial application decision.
- What are the tuition fees for the MA Islamic Studies program?
- For 2026/27 entry, full-time international students will pay £25,550 per year, and part-time international students will pay £12,775 per year. Home students pay £12,650 for full-time and £6,325 for part-time study.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, the University offers Exeter Excellence Scholarships with £7 million available for international students for 2026/27 study. University of Exeter alumni may also be eligible for a 20% tuition fee reduction on their first year.
- How do I apply for the MA Islamic Studies program?
- You apply online by selecting your desired entry year and choosing between full-time or part-time study. Current Exeter students may be eligible for a 'Fast Track' application option.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Applicants need to submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language test scores (if applicable), references, and a personal statement.
Entry requirements
Honours degree or equivalentA 2:2 or above. All academic backgrounds are welcome.
IELTS (Profile B1)Please refer to the English language requirements page for specific scores and equivalencies.
Applicants are welcome from any academic background. Supporting documentation is required for an initial decision on applications.
Fees
Tuition (international)£25,550 full-time; £12,775 part-time
Tuition (home)£12,650 full-time; £6,325 part-time
Living—
Fees are per year for 2026/27 entry.
How to apply
1. Select Entry YearChoose your desired entry year (e.g., September 2026).
2. Select Programme DetailsChoose between full-time or part-time study.
3. Submit ApplicationFollow the online application process. A 'Fast Track' option is available for current Exeter students.
Scholarships
Exeter Excellence ScholarshipsVariable
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship20% of first year tuition fees
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MA Islamic Studies program?
+
Applicants need an Honours degree or equivalent with a 2:2 or above. All academic backgrounds are welcome, and supporting documentation is required for an initial application decision.
What are the tuition fees for the MA Islamic Studies program?
+
For 2026/27 entry, full-time international students will pay £25,550 per year, and part-time international students will pay £12,775 per year. Home students pay £12,650 for full-time and £6,325 for part-time study.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, the University offers Exeter Excellence Scholarships with £7 million available for international students for 2026/27 study. University of Exeter alumni may also be eligible for a 20% tuition fee reduction on their first year.
How do I apply for the MA Islamic Studies program?
+
You apply online by selecting your desired entry year and choosing between full-time or part-time study. Current Exeter students may be eligible for a 'Fast Track' application option.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Applicants need to submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language test scores (if applicable), references, and a personal statement.