MA-Muslim-Cultures-Prospectus AGA Khan Univ
MA-Muslim-Cultures-Prospectus AGA Khan Univ
MA-Muslim-Cultures-Prospectus AGA Khan Univ
2023
www.aku.edu/ismc
CONTENTS
Welcome
Welcome 33
About Us
About Us 44
Research
Research 55
MA in Muslim
MA in Muslim Cultures
Cultures 6
6
Dual
Dual Degree
Degree Partnership
Partnership 8
8
Meet
Meet the
the Faculty
Faculty 9
9
Aga
Aga Khan
Khan Library
Library 15
15
Student
Student Life
Life 16
16
Victoria
Victoria Hall,
Hall, King’s
King’s Cross
Cross 17
17
Aga
Aga Khan
Khan Centre
Centre 18
18
After AKU-ISMC 20
After AKU-ISMC 20
Applying
Applying to
to AKU-ISMC
AKU-ISMC 22
22
Fees
Fees and
and Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance 25
25
Where
Where to
to Find
Find Us
Us 26
26
2 | AKU-ISMC
WELCOME
The Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC)
is unique. We encourage a diversity of views and opinions, which is why we are
located in the heart of London, a city that celebrates plurality and novel thinking.
Our faculty always bring their research interests to the forefront of lectures and
seminars, demonstrating their willingness to combine practice with theory and
the benefits this commitment brings. This is central to our mission statement,
therefore, we constantly engage students in new ideas to stimulate their intellectual
development. At AKU-ISMC, our students are not just recipients of teaching, they
are the very lifeblood of the Institute.
Prospectus 2023 | 3
ABOUT US
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
AKU-ISMC was established in 2002 to address fundamental challenges across the diverse
societies of the Muslim world and their diasporas. We offer an interdisciplinary Master of Arts in
Muslim Culture that attracts students from around the world to our London campus, where we
explore the diverse histories and cultures of Muslim societies.
London is an ideal location for the Institute, with its international flavour, dynamic cultural scene,
both historic and contemporary. London has thriving arts and academic communities and has long
been a city in which freedom of thought and expression are encouraged and protected.
AKU-ISMC is a member of the Knowledge Quarter, which is a growing partnership of over 100
academic, cultural, research, scientific and media organisations. These organisations are actively
engaged in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge. Like AKU-ISMC, all KQ institutions
are housed within a one-mile radius of the British Library in King’s Cross. They include University of
London colleges, Google, The Crick Institute and The Guardian.
RESEARCH
Strategy, AKU-ISMC identified five priority
areas of excellence which represent not
only areas of existing excellence, but are
also pillars of the wider goals of AKDN:
Prospectus 2023 | 5
MA IN MUSLIM CULTURESS
The programme at AKU-ISMC provides expert insight and
understanding of Muslim cultures and civilisations, both
contemporaneously and historically. Our programme develops
the skills to engage critically with challenges facing all societies.
Our teaching is student-focussed and our scholars seek to
enhance student learning through diverse approaches that apply
humanities and social sciences frameworks to better understand
Muslims in social, historical, cultural and political contexts.
Part-Time Study
The MA in Muslim Cultures can be studied on a part-time
basis. Part-time students take between 6 and 9 credits each
semester. One MA course is normally equal to 3 credits, so
this means part-time students take either 2 or 3 courses per
semester. They must complete their degree within 6 years to
be awarded the MA in Muslim Cultures. Only applicants who
already hold the right to study in the UK can be considered
for part-time study on the MA. Students opting for part-time
study pay tuition fees based on the number of credits they
choose to study each semester.
6 | AKU-ISMC
”
My journey at AKU-ISMC has already strengthened
my language skills, connected me with professionals
in my desired field and challenged me academically.
I am originally from a small town in Kentucky, so
it has been wonderful to collaborate with students
and staff from such diverse cultural and academic
backgrounds, as a supplement to my studies.
Prospectus 2023 | 7
AKU-ISMC & COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
DUAL DEGREE PARTNERSHIP
The Dual Degree Partnership with Columbia University’s The Dual Degree pathway is a two and a half-year
Middle East Institute brings together two of the world’s commitment. Students spend Part 1 of the programme
leading institutions for the study of Muslim cultures, at Columbia University in New York City and Part 2 at
enabling exciting academic exchange between both AKU-ISMC in London and upon successful completion
institutions’ faculty and providing an opportunity for of the programme receive degrees from both institutions.
students to learn from some of the world’s leading Immersed in the vibrant intellectual communities of two
scholars in their fields. The vision is to create a world of the world’s great cities, graduates will be prepared
class interdisciplinary graduate opportunity in Islam for a wide range of careers in government, journalism,
and Muslim cultures for the 21st Century. public policy, international development and academia.
8 | AKU-ISMC
Language Teachers
Luay Mohammed (Arabic)
Sevgi Adak
Associate Professor and Head of Research
Women and gender in modern Turkey; women’s
history and contemporary feminisms in the Middle
East; Turkish politics; history of modern Turkey;
politics of secularism in Turkey; state–society
relations in the Middle East. Stéphane Pradines
Professor of Islamic Art and Architecture
Islamic art and archaeology; Swahili coast and
Sanaa Alimia archaeology in Sub-Saharan Africa; Egypt and
Assistant Professor urban archaeology in Cairo; Muslim fortifications.
Migration in modern South Asia; surveillance;
governance and population control in the modern
Muslim world. Sarah Bowen Savant
Professor of History
Early Islam; the study of religion; historiography;
Alex Bellem late antique Iran and Iraq; prophetic biography;
Language Programme Coordinator and Assistant digital humanities.
Professor
Comparative and theoretical phonology;
phonetics; Middle Eastern languages; Arabic Leif Stenberg
dialects. Dean and Professor of Islamic Studies
Islam and modern science; various aspects
of contemporary Sufism; Muslims in Europe;
Walid Ghali Islamic movements; questions concerning
Head Librarian and Associate Professor theory and method in the study of Islam.
Islamic manuscripts tradition and codicology;
Introduction to Sufism; Islamic poetry; the Quran
in Muslim life. Jeff Tan
Associate Professor
Development studies; Malaysian political
Jonas Otterbeck economy; privatisation; entrepreneurship and
Professor of Islamic Studies innovation; late industrialisation; developmental
Islamic studies; youth culture; gender; Muslims in state theories; governance and corruption.
Europe; migration; culture studies.
Philip Wood
Professor of History and Head of Education and
Gianluca Parolin Learning
Professor of Law Christian Orient; late antiquity; Syriac;
Comparative law; regional governance and hagiography and historiography; ethnogenesis
constitutional arrangements; citizenship in the and communalism; history of the caliphate;
Arab world; maslahah and maqasid al-Shari’ah; diaspora; migration; religious minorities in
fiqh al-aqalliyyat. modern Syria and Iraq.
Prospectus 2023 | 9
TEACHING
&
LEARNING
At AKU-ISMC, you will cover an extensive curriculum
ensuring that you leave us with an excellent knowledge
of Muslim cultures, including historical, political, economic
and religious institutions, beliefs and contexts. Our faculty Structure
are engaged in world-leading research, and you will have
the opportunity to benefit from their extensive knowledge The MA in Muslim Cultures offers core and elective
of their subjects. Within the disciplines of social sciences courses as well as fieldwork opportunities that might
and humanities, you will be introduced to relevant theories take place in collaboration with AKDN, which can
and concepts. You will also study a number of subjects contribute to your thesis. Our courses offer you the
including development studies, economics, political chance to engage with interdisciplinary approaches
science, art, architecture, history, literature, linguistics, to the study of Muslim cultures. We offer courses that
comparative religion and law within Muslim contexts. draw on social sciences and humanities disciplines
including anthropology, archaeology, gender studies,
Throughout the two semesters of coursework, students history, international relations, political science as well
enhance their research skills through two dedicated as religious studies.
courses that include a series of practical workshops
that give students first-hand experience in producing, The research methods courses provide critical
analysing and writing up primary and secondary data. The knowledge and skills that not only equip you to
research skills that students develop at AKU-ISMC are produce high quality original research theses, but
designed not only to help them produce excellent research also enhance your employability and opportunities to
theses, but also to enhance their career prospects through pursue further research studies at the doctoral level.
careful training in transferrable analytical skills. Our faculty
take advantage of the enormous range of opportunities
on offer in London to stretch and challenge our students,
and you are strongly encouraged to attend lectures,
discussions and performances which will enhance
your learning and understanding.
10 | AKU-ISMC
Core Courses
Semester 1: Semester 2:
Semester 3:
• Muslim Societies in a Changing World • Research Methods in the Social Sciences II
• Research Methods in the Social Sciences and (Practical Workshops) • Thesis
Humanities I (Concepts and Questions) • Arabic or Persian
• Arabic or Persian
Elective Courses
• Emperors, Prophets and Caliphs, 500-900 • Religion, Politics and the State in the
• Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East Middle East
• The Islamicate World 2.0:
• Religion, Law and Society in Muslim Contexts • The Politics of Modern Muslim Mobility
Studying Islamic Cultures through
• Development Challenges in Muslim Contexts • International Relations: Race, Racism
Computational Textual Analysis
• Paths in Sufism and Power
• Islam and Creativity • One Hundred Years of Islamic Family
• Authority and Legitimacy in Islamic History Law Reform
• Art and Architecture in Muslim Cultures
Note: The elective courses might vary from one year to another and not all of them will be offered every year. Also, details of the
programme are subject to change.
Assessment
Prospectus 2023 | 13
The Vice Provost Student Affairs and
Services Advisory Committee
14 | AKU-ISMC
AGA KHAN LIBRARY
The Aga Khan Library, London, houses an incomparable
collection of more than 100,000 modern titles in print
and electronic format. These works cover all aspects of
Islamic studies, with particular focus on Muslim cultures
and their worldwide diasporas and Muslim minorities, the
Shia in general and the Ismaili in particular.
Prospectus 2023 | 15
STUDENT LIFE
London
16 | AKU-ISMC
VICTORIA HALL,
KING'S CROSS
Our student residence, Victoria Hall, in the heart of King’s
Cross is an 11-storey building designed by award-winning
London-based architects Stanton Williams. Within the
building you will find stylish communal spaces, which
include a gym, reading room, meeting and A/V room, and
a lounge area. These spaces allow for regular art classes,
film nights and other activities put on for residents to give
them the opportunity to meet other students and relax.
Prospectus 2023 | 17
AGA KHAN CENTRE
AKU-ISMC is housed in the Aga Khan Centre in King’s
Cross, London. The Centre is a place for education,
knowledge, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim
civilisations. The building is designed to represent the
values of openness, dialogue and respect for different
viewpoints (pluralism). The organisations that are located
here work together to bridge the gap in understanding
about Muslim cultures and to connect the public to global
development issues.
18 | AKU-ISMC
Surrounding your accommodation and the academic
building are the green spaces, shops, restaurants,
AROUND
cafes and pubs of King’s Cross, offering cinemas,
fitness facilities and events for you to enjoy. In
addition to access to the Aga Khan Library, which is
AKU-ISMC
rich in rare and important resources, you are eligible
to apply for membership of the British Library.
Prospectus 2023 | 19
AFTER AKU-ISMC
AKU-ISMC’s MA programme is a truly global qualification,
which opens doors to many different career paths. Our
alumni work and study around the world, including
Tunisia, USA, Egypt, Canada, Pakistan and UK.
Education 63%
Development 22% Our graduates are a diverse group and are now following
Civil Service 7% careers in journalism, teaching and business, working
Business 4% for national and international organisations and NGOs,
Journalism 4% including AKDN.
Retail 2%
Social Care 1% Some graduates choose to pursue further studies and
have entered establishments such as the University of
Oxford and Harvard University. Many go on to pursue an
academic career, teaching in universities and continuing
their own research into specific areas of expertise.
20 | AKU-ISMC
”
The impact of the journey I had with AKU-ISMC is
reflected in my everyday experiences as I continue
growing both professionally and personally. The
lifelong lessons learnt at this amazing institution
leave their imprints across various aspects of my life.
No doubt, this was something inimitable, something
similar cannot happen twice.
Prospectus 2023 | 21
APPLYING TO AKU-ISMC
In order to be considered for admission to our MA programme,
you are required to have the following:
22 | AKU-ISMC
HOW TO APPLY
Admission Procedures
• Spring Applications (April - June) 1. An official copy of your undergraduate degree and
attested copies of academic transcripts. (If a document is
- Applicants who have the right to study in the UK already, not in English a fully certified translation must be uploaded.
can apply for full or part-time study in the spring (April - The translation must include details of the translator and
June), for entry in the following September. confirm that it is an accurate translation of the original. It
must be dated and include the signature of the translator).
• Autumn Applications (October - January)
2. Valid proof of English proficiency:
- Applicants who require a student visa can apply for
full-time study in the autumn application window The UK ENIC Statement of Comparability, if your last
(October - January) for entry in the following September. qualification was awarded in a majority English-speaking
country, which can be obtained by going to the UK ENIC
- Applicants who have the right to study in the UK already, website: www.enic.org.uk.
can apply for full or part-time study.
Or
- Part-time students can begin either in September or
January. Applicants whose last qualification was not awarded in a
majority English-speaking country will be required to sit an
- Full-time students must begin their programme of study UKVI Approved IELTS or Pearson exam (pearsonpte.com/
in September. pte-academic-ukvi).
To apply for the MA in Muslim Cultures, you must complete IELTS for UKVI (Academic) tests can be booked by going
the application form online by clicking on the following link: to: ieltsukvisas.britishcouncil.org.
www.aku.edu/apply-online.
NOTE: The test MUST be the UKVI-approved IELTS or
NOTE: You must complete the online application and Pearson exam. You MUST submit the proof of satisfactory
upload the necessary documents within the application language proficiency results at the time of application.
itself. These include:
Prospectus 2023 | 23
24 | AKU-ISMC
”
The superb education provided by AKU-ISMC is
definitely one of the best I have ever had. The rich
resources and convenient environment here are
ideal to develop your research interests and elevate
your knowledge remarkably.
*Tuition Fees: £150.00 per credit (full-time students in 2022-2023 pay £1800/semester for 12 credits).
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Through our Financial Assistance Programme, the University aims to
ensure that every student who is made an academic offer can afford
the tuition fees, living expenses and other costs associated with
pursuing the MA programme. Both full-time and part-time students
are eligible to apply for financial assistance, however, only full-time
students will be eligible for AKU subsidised housing in Victoria Hall.
Prospectus 2023 | 25
WHERE TO FIND US
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1 AKU-ISMC, Aga Khan Centre 7 SOAS 1 AKU-ISMC, Aga Khan Centre 5 Platform Theatre
2 Victoria Hall King's Cross 8 The British Museum 2 Victoria Hall 6 The Guardian Media Group
3 The Guardian Media Group 9 Harrods 3 Lewis Cubitt Park 7 Google UK
4 The British Library 10 Big Ben, Westminster 4 University of the Arts, 8 The British Library
5 UCL 11 The London Eye Central St Martins
6 Lord’s Cricket Ground 12 St Paul’s Cathedral
13 The Shard
26 | AKU-ISMC
Virtual Open Days
Virtual open days are an opportunity for you to speak with faculty members, admissions officers, current students and alumni. We will
be holding them throughout the year. Details will be listed on the website as dates are confirmed.
If you are interested in receiving emails about virtual open days, key dates in the application process and invitations to events – both
virtual and on campus – then sign up to our email list at: www.aku.edu/ismc/about/Pages/sign-up-form.aspx.
@akuismclondon
Special Thanks @AKU_ISMC
AKU-ISMC
AKU ISMC
To AKU-ISMC students and alumni for their valuable contribution.