Undergraduate

Leading Islamic Studies program

Our staff are leading scholars with expertise in fields ranging from modern Islamic hermeneutics to economics and finance in Muslim societies.

You will be encouraged to develop your interest in Islamic Studies alongside an additional, complementary area of study such as anthropology, Arabic Studies, cultural studies, history, philosophy, political science or sociology.

You will expand your knowledge and understanding, develop transferable skills for further higher degree study and enhance your career options.

Islamic Studies major

The University of Melbourne offers a complete undergraduate ‘major’ sequence (specialisation) in Islamic Studies through the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. We encourage you to research the broad range of study options available at each university in Islamic and Arabic Studies, and the numerous complementary study areas available.

The Islamic Studies major will offer students a comprehensive study program in the key disciplines of Islam. It will provide them with an analysis of theological, legal, philosophical, historical, social and political issues relating to Islam and Muslims. Building on a solid historical and theoretical foundation introduced in the first year, the major will move progressively into looking in more depth at some of the topics and disciplines that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of classical and modern Islamic Studies. Students will also gain the necessary tools and methods to develop a systematic approach to researching Islam. View the Bachelor of Arts Islamic Studies major Handbook entry.

Information and application details on the Islamic Studies major

Islamic Studies minor

For the latest information on the Bachelor of Arts Islamic Studies major and minor (Handbook entry) at the University of Melbourne, please see below:

Program features

Research experience
Individual subjects provide an integrated approach to theoretical and applied research through projects and essays.

Capstone experience
A final year ‘capstone’ subject draws on the research expertise of the Centre, allows you to critically reflect on your undergraduate studies and equips you with transferable skills in research methodology.

Community experience
You will have the opportunity to visit and experience Islamic communities, mosques, schools, organisations and cultural events in Melbourne.

E-learning experience
All undergraduate subjects will utilise e-learning technologies, provide on-line subject delivery, and access to e-library collections and resources in Islamic Studies.

Breadth experience
You will have the opportunity to study alongside students from all undergraduate disciplines through the University of Melbourne’s ‘Breadth’ program. Breadth students can choose core and/or elective subjects in Islamic Studies, depending on prerequisites.

Career Outcomes
Our program offers significant preparation for careers where an understanding of Islam and Islamic cultures is a professional advantage, including foreign affairs, international trade, immigration, journalism, translation, health professions, social work and education.

Islamic Studies subjects

Most undergraduate subjects offered by the Centre are available online. You will be able to access online lectures and media links, and to attend face-to-face tutorials at one of the participating universities each week.

• The Qur’an: An Introduction (ISLM20003)
  Introduces, in English translation, the Qur’an and Prophetic Tradition (Hadith), and examines their overall structure and content; approaches to their interpretation; and their functions in Muslim religious, social and political life. More information...
• Islam in the Modern World (ISLM10002)
  Examines the work of key Muslim intellectuals from the 19th Century till present, their attempts to come to terms with modernity as a Western project, and explores the challenge of shaping a Muslim identity in the modern world. More information...
• Ethical Traditions in Islam (ISLM30003)
  Introduces students to the rich heritage of ethical traditions in Islamic thought. Students will study and critically evaluate the key features and contributions of Muslim theologians, philosophers and Sufis, who attempted to deal with revelation and rationalistic discourse in exploring the meaning of ethical life for Muslims and discussing whether philosophy and religious wisdoms were equals and allies in the pursuit of happiness. More information...

• Islam and Gender (ISLM30021)
  The issue of gender in Islam has for a long time been a point of contestation both within Muslim communities in their country of origin and in the West. This subject will provide an entry point into these debates and look to give students a firm grounding of the key issues as they pertain to Islam and gender. It will begin with a historical exploration of the place of women in Islam and then an account of the key texts (Qur'an & Hadith) and the different ways that these are interpreted across the Muslim world to define the roles of men and women and their relationship with God. Alongside this, the subject will survey a range of key debates, such as Islamic feminism, gender justice, women's leadership, sexuality and gender identity. The subject will also include the exploration of Muslim masculinities and how changes in this space are impacting gender dynamics in Islam. More information...

Student testimonials

Struan Ross Jones