School of History, Religions and Philosophies

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Start date
Duration
1 year
Start of programme
September 2025
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £12,220
International: £25,320

Course code
PGTF0302
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

 

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

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This programme covers the social, cultural and intellectual history, literature, religion, philosophy, arts and digital humanities of the Islamic world, past and present. 

Students deploy inter-disciplinary humanities approaches to the Islamic world, and engage seriously with its production in the humanities not as an afterthought to the traditional humanities but as a source of critical insights for a global humanities. Challenging essentialist narratives, the programme fosters an appreciation of diversity – regional, cultural and religio-intellectual – within the Islamic world.

Why study MA Islamic Humanities at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Middle Eastern and African Studies
  • We are ranked Top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for African and Middle Eastern Studies
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

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Students must complete 120 credits of MA taught modules in addition to the compulsory dissertation (60 credits) as outlined below.

Core

Compulsory

Guided Options List A

Minimum of 75 credits from List A

Guided Options List B

Up to 30 credits from List B

Open options

Students can take a maximum of 30 credits from the School-wide open options list, including languages.

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The MA Islamic Humanities is designed both as a professional development qualification and as a platform preparing students for doctoral research.

Students are required to follow taught modules to the equivalent of 120 credits and to submit a dissertation of 10,000 words, worth 60 credits. Modules are assessed through a variety of methods including short and long essays, examinations, oral presentations, and response papers. An overall percentage mark is awarded for each module, based on the marks awarded for individual assessment items within the courses. The MA may be awarded at Distinction, Merit or Pass level in accordance with the common regulations for MA/MSc at SOAS.

We recommend that part-time students have between two and a half and three days free in the week to pursue their course of study. 

Programme learning outcomes

Upon completion of this programme, you will:

  • have understanding of a range of aspects of the history, culture and religion of the Islamic world through different humanities approaches
  • have familiarity with a variety of approaches relating to humanities disciplines
  • have gained factual knowledge about the history, culture and religion of Islam and the Islamic world, past and present, and about the cultural and historical forces that have shaped the Islamic world
  • be able to synthesize different kinds of information, and be precise and cautious in your assessment of evidence
  • have developed effective writing and referencing skills and attention to detail and accuracy in presentation
  • have gained awareness of how to locate materials and use research resources, assess data and evidence critically from a variety of sources, and solve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations
  • be able to work alone in a self-motivated fashion; take feedback and criticism positively and use it as springboard for effective improvement of your work

SOAS Library

Students also benefit from the vibrant learning environment SOAS provides more broadly. The SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. 

Moreover, every year there is a lively events programme that attracts renowned speakers from around the world, allowing students to engage with cutting edge debates on contemporary politics.

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In addition to an understanding of global faiths, histories and cultures, graduates from the Department of Religions and Philosophies develop the skills to analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational and comprehensive manner. These key proficiencies are valuable in many careers and are transferable to a wide range of sectors and roles.

Recent Department of Religions and Philosophies graduates have been hired by:

  • Asia Society
  • British Council
  • Cabinet Office
  • Chatham House
  • Edelman
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • HELP USA
  • King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Princeton University
  • Royal Government of Cambodia
  • The Happiness Factory
  • The Inter Faith Network for the UK
  • The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
  • UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
  • United Nations Development Programme

Find out about our Careers Service.

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