Islamic Studies BA | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Overview

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 Critical Muslim Studies.

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 facilities

Our departmental archive contains Arabic manuscripts and as many 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 free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines.

With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research.

Course content

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.

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, fees and applying

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
Cambridge Pre-U

M1, M1, M2.
International Baccalaureate

34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

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 a contextual 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 contextual admissions.

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

If you don't have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to this course, you may be able to progress through our Arts and Humanities foundation year.

https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/g294/arts-and-humanities-with-foundation-year-ba

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. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

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.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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.

Career opportunities

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 about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

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.