Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) in Contemporary Islamic Studies offers students a unique opportunity to enjoy a strong multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary graduate education across a range of core subjects, while also enabling them to pursue a specialization in one important area within the field of modern Islamic scholarship.

The Contemporary Islamic Studies program of the Hamad Bin Khalifa University is tailored to examine traditional Islamic knowledge and place such knowledge in the context of the challenges faced by modern society.

Islamic Studies is a discipline that is widely taught in universities across the world. However, the blended combination of specialties and research offered at HBKU is especially unique.

Program Focus

The MA in Contemporary Islamic Studies program covers Islamic knowledge sources and addresses the role they play in understanding pressing issues in the contemporary world.

The program focuses on teaching the skills required to produce graduates with exceptional knowledge of Islam in the modern context and significant critical thinking.

It develops graduates who can practice the values of moderation and gain an understanding of present-day challenges that have grown more complex as a result of pluralism and globalization.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Islamic Thought

Contemporary Qur'anic and Hadith Studies

Applied Research Methodologies in Islamic Studies

Islam and Modernity

Islamic Thought and Postcolonial Studies

Islamic Law and Society

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-02-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

79

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Credits

36 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ar Rayyan, Qatar

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Theology and Religious Studies Islamic Studies

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Academic requirements

GPA

3

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

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Other requirements

General requirements

A strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized university.

A bachelor's degree or knowledge in Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Religious Studies; or relatable areas within the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences with appropriate experience (for the Specialization in Contemporary Islamic Thought) or Shari’a, Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, or a related area within Islamic Studies, Usul al-Din and Qanun (for the Specialization in Fiqh and Society)

Official electronic copies of transcripts and graduation statements should be submitted as part of the online application

Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation

Applicants should submit a personal statement as part of the online application

Applicants should submit a copy of their current resume or curriculum vitae

All applicants should submit an electronic copy of their passport as part of the online application

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and/or in Qatar, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

36000 QAR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 72000 QAR for the full programme during 24 months.
National

36000 QAR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 72000 QAR for the full programme during 24 months.

Living costs for Ar Rayyan

4230 - 7920 QAR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Contemporary Islamic Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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