MEd in Islamic Education: New perspectives

This programme is designed to examine in depth the historical, theological and philosophical aspects of classical Muslim educational thought and its institutions. The complexity of challenges facing diverse Muslim communities in Europe, North America and the Muslim world is now widely accepted. Islamic education is the critical long-term investment that will shape our longer-term responses.

Some of these challenges include the relevance of traditional models of Islamic education in addressing contemporary contexts, the perception and contemporary practice of education in the Arab and wider Muslim world, comparative perspectives on faith-based education, and pedagogic responses to religious extremism and radicalisation.

What is distinct about the progamme?

The new programme offers a distinct approach to Islamic education that takes the challenge of contemporary cultural and religious diversity seriously, and looks to move beyond exclusive and oppositional interpretations. A broad educational studies framework that promotes critical and dialogical engagement with both traditional Muslim educational thought and Western secular education will be taught.

The key features of the programme include:

intercultural awareness and competence applying theory and developing good practice in Islamic education developing active learning, critical thinking, and empirical research skills developing competence to think educationally about Islam developing relevant pedagogic (teaching and learning) skills facilitating research-based self-assessment and professional development e.g. action research

Who is it for?

This programme aims to open up professional development pathways for Muslim educators, imams, activists, and youth workers who want to develop effective t learning and teaching skills. The programme welcomes professionals from the wider fields of education and religious education who wish to improve their understanding of the Muslim faith and the challenges involved with the teaching of Islam in contemporary multi-faith Britain.