Islamic Studies BA

Islam is one of the most influential and widely practised religions in the world and there is a growing recognition that Islamic Studies is a subject of strategic importance both in the global context and in modern Britain.

This Islamic Studies degree offers you teaching of the highest standard, in a research-intensive environment where scholars and students come together to explore the rich and variegated landscape of Islam, the Islamicate, Muslim societies and cultures.

We combine a number of academic perspectives throughout the degree, including theology, history, philosophy, sociology and political science. The complex and evolving nature of our field of enquiry demands dynamic tools of analysis, meaning that you'll study the conventional analytical tools applied in Islamic Studies alongside other approaches such as decoloniality and critical Muslim studies.

You can choose to study Arabic, Turkish or Persian language modules.

You'll also be able to access a wide range of activities offered by the School's Iqbal Centre for the Study of Contemporary Islam.

Part-time study

Year 1 can be studied part-time over two years through the Lifelong Learning Centre. The remaining years will be completed full-time through the School.

Specialist resources

Our departmental archive contains Arabic manuscripts, as well as 10,000 archaeological artefacts that range from Pharaonic to early Palestinian eras. It’s a fantastic research resource – as is our University Library, which has extensive collections relating to Middle Eastern politics and cultures as well as Islamic Studies. The University Library runs free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.

If you choose to study any language modules during your degree, you’ll have access to the University's Language Zone with digital language labs, audio-visual booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).

This degree comprises all the traditional subjects you would expect of a firmly-grounded and well-designed Islamic Studies degree.

You'll study modules which deal with Muslim theology, Shari’a law, Islamism, Qur’anic Studies and contemporary intellectual trends.

You'll also have the opportunity to explore intellectual traditions, social formations and political discourses that are too often marginalised or excluded altogether from the discipline. Examples include Sunni-Murji’ite theology, proto-Shi’i theology, Hanafi legal thought, sexual ethics, emancipatory readings of the Qur’an by women and Black Muslim liberation theology.

Throughout your degree, you'll benefit from many opportunities to explore your own intellectual curiosities, especially from your second year onwards, when you will be able to formulate your own essay questions within certain modules.

In your final year, you'll be able to put the research skills you have gained into practice in your Final Year Project – an independent piece of research on a topic of your own choosing.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Islamic Studies BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from a variety of teaching and learning styles at Leeds. Our tutors are experts in their fields, and they usually pass on their knowledge through a combination of lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials where you will be able to discuss key issues across your studies. There is also more emphasis on independent learning, meaning you will spend time building your research skills and thinking critically about the information you find.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules will include group work, reports, or presentations. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.

• BTEC

  DDM.

  Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M2.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers or AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

• Other Qualifications

  European Baccalaureate: 75%

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Arabic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies CertHE

This qualification develops your knowledge and understanding of Islam, Middle Eastern culture and the Arabic language and builds your academic confidence by concentrating on research, critical thinking, writing and communication skills. This course is available on a full or part-time basis and is offered by the Lifelong Learning Centre. On successful completion, you can progress on to year 2 of a full-time undergraduate degree in Arabic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.

Find out more.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,250 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

An Islamic Studies degree equips you with a wide range of skills for a variety of careers, as well as deep theological, linguistic and cultural understanding of one of the world’s most influential faith traditions and a region of global significance.

Your knowledge and skills gained through the degree could lead to careers in the Civil Service; FCO; local government; law; Islamic banking and finance; media (television, radio, online and print); education; non-governmental organisations; and business and commerce.

Increasingly, graduates with specialist knowledge of Islam, Muslim communities, Islamic law, theology and contemporary trends in Islamic thought are being sought by policy institutes and think-tanks, international development organisations and the Ministry of Defence.

Postgraduate study at Leeds or at another university allows for further specialisation in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, which can lead to PhD study and a career in academia.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.