Diploma of Higher Education

Muslim Culture & Civilisation (Validated by Middlesex University)

Religion, Culture_ Civilisation are the three components of a course that studies educational and social diversity of religious culture in relation to religious traditions (in this case Islam) within a global, national and personal context. There is in particular an increasing demand for qualified scholars with an understanding of Islam and the Muslims from a cultural point of view. This has been acknowledged in a report to the Minister of Lifelong learning, further and Higher Education which has highlighted the opportunities available for potential students particularly those modules related to Islamic Studies that can be integrated into wider programs of Study. The Government has designated Islamic Studies as a strategically important subject in June 2007. The Diploma of Higher Education in Muslim Cultures and Civilisation accredited by Middlesex University gives the learners the opportunity to study Islam both as a system of belief, a civilisation and a way of life.

Over the course of two years students will be introduced to a wide range of modules such as Islamic Civilization, Cultural and Social studies, Muslim Art & Architecture, Muslims in Africa, Muslims in the Indian Subcontinent & the Far East, Social Impact of Sufism in the Muslim world, Islam & Human rights, Muslims in Britain and the Concept of Citizenship. These will complement the more traditional modules such as the History of the Islam, Life of the Holy Prophet, Islamic Ethics Muslims and Political Thought. Arabic and Persian languages incorporates in the course are necessary tools for understanding Islamic literature and text.

The course is entirely based on optional modules to be chosen by the students but modules can only be taken if there are five students enrolled for that particular module. Successful completion of a module in each semester earns students 20 or 10 credits, depending on the scope of the module and the level of the module is indicated by the module code. Each module is allocated a fixed credit weighting and a level which gives an indication of the workload associated with that module. For a year-long module, credit is gained only after the completion of the second part of the module in the second semester. A total of 240 credits would be needed for the Diploma of Higher Education.