Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations

Based in London, Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) aims to strengthen research and teaching about the heritages of Muslim societies, with specific attention to the challenges these societies face in contemporary settings. The Institute seeks to provide a multifaceted approach to the study of Muslim peoples through a framework of world cultures, the humanities and social sciences.

The Institute’s research focuses on systems of moral and ethical thought, structures of governance and public life, and all forms of Muslim artistic and creative expressions. AKU-ISMC believes it can make a distinctive contribution to the understanding of Muslim heritages and the emergence of new attitudes among Muslims and non-Muslims toward the concerns of contemporary societies.

Educational Programmes
AKU-ISMC currently offers the following Educational Programmes:

• A two-year Master of Arts in Muslim Cultures
• Short Courses
• Public and Research Lectures

The MA in Muslim Cultures offers distinctive ways of approaching the cultures and societies of Muslim peoples. The MA Programme draws upon the theories and methods of the humanities and social sciences as a framework for study to encourage broad analytical and comparative perspectives. This requires that cultural manifestations such as art, poetry and architecture be examined alongside doctrine, law and religious practice. While the MA Programme endeavours to explore and understand Muslim cultures and societies as they have evolved over time, it also focuses on the complex processes of the contemporary world as they relate to Muslims.

During the two-year MA Programme, students complete a total of 25 courses, consisting of 16 core courses, 6 language courses and 3 elective courses. In addition, the Programme includes a language immersion course outside the UK during the summer of the first year. Students devote the summer of their second year towards research and writing an MA dissertation.

The Professional Programme Unit offers intellectually stimulating and inspiring short courses and public lectures that cover a range of topics from Gender, Law, and the Qur’an, to Material Cultures. These courses cater to a broad spectrum of audiences from those new to Muslim cultures to those already well acquainted with Muslim societies.

Financial Assistance for the MA Programme
Through its Financial Assistance Programme, the University ensures that prospective students are not denied entry due to financial constraints.

Financial assistance is offered through loans or scholarships to supplement personal resources. Assistance is based upon the evaluation of financial need. Unless otherwise stated, every student is expected to make some contribution towards fees, accommodation or subsistence.

Contact us:
The Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
210 Euston Road, London NW1 2DA
Tel No: +44 (020) 7380 3860  Fax No: +44 (020) 7380 3830
Web: www.aku.edu/ismc