Master of arts 2 Islamic Studies

Programme Overview

This second year of the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies deepens the study of Islam in its doctrinal, philosophical and spiritual dimensions, and leads the student towards a piece of personal research. Students explore Shiite Islam — its origins, the tragedy of Karbalāʾ and its commemoration, imamology and the rituals of mourning —, classical Muslim theology (ʿilm al-kalām) through its great rival schools (Muʿtazilism, Hanbalism, Ashʿarism) and the paradox of divine transcendence, as well as medieval Arabic philosophy and its reception of Aristotle, from al-Fārābī to Avicenna and Averroes. These teachings extend and deepen the landmarks acquired in the first year, focusing attention on the major intellectual debates that have structured Islamic thought.

The programme combines specialisation courses, methodology workshops, seminars and semester assessments, and culminates in the writing and the oral defence of the single deliverable of semester 4: a research dissertation. The year aims to consolidate the critical analysis of sources, to develop the student's scholarly autonomy and the ability to conduct rigorous and reasoned research. It thus constitutes the culmination of the programme, where the knowledge and methods acquired come together in a personal piece of work attesting to the mastery of the tools of academic Islamic studies.

Year Outcomes

The 2nd year of the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies enables the student to:

• Deepen specialised knowledge in the Islamic sciences.
• Develop a critical analysis of doctrinal and contemporary questions.
• Draw on the tools of research within an interdisciplinary framework.
• Write a reasoned and rigorous academic dissertation.

Targeted Competencies

Scholarly Foundations: Sources, History and Classical Thought of Islam

• Situate Islam within its history and interpret its major classical theological and philosophical doctrines

Norms, Spirituality, Plurality and Interreligious Relations

• Analyse contemporary currents, the plurality of Islam and its relations with other religious traditions

Research Method and Scholarly Production

• Design and conduct autonomous research and write a scholarly dissertation

Second-Year Master of Arts in Islamic Studies

Semester 3

• [2603] General Methodology
• [2660] Methodology workshop 1: Producing a research project
• [2656] Discover Shi'ism I
• [2657] Discover Shi'ism II
• [2658] Medieval Arabic Philosophy and Aristotle: Logic, Ethics, and Politics
• [2659] Islamic Theology

Semester 4

• [2663] Methodology workshop 2: Producing a research dissertation
• Thematic Seminar

Learning Format

The program is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and videos, depending on the course;
• interactive activities (quizzes, exercises);
• discussion forums with instructors and fellow students.

Personalized support is provided throughout the program through a dedicated academic advisor. An expert in their field, the advisor supports the student at every stage of the program, particularly in completing semester assignments, offering tailored methodological and academic guidance.

This support is based on regular interaction, organized through various formats, to ensure individualized, needs-based follow-up for each student.

Assessment Methods

Successful completion of the second year of the Master in Islamic Studies depends on meeting the various assessment requirements. It is based on:

• passing the assessment quizzes for each course, which verify the acquisition of fundamental knowledge;
• passing the semester assessments, including written assignments (deliverables) and oral presentations.
• Completion of the year requires an overall minimum average of 10/20.

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for:

• holders of a Master 1 degree in Islamic Studies, theology, or any other equivalent qualification;
• professionals working in ecclesial, educational, cultural, or social settings who wish to strengthen their skills in analysis, teaching, and mediation.

PREREQUISITES

Admission to the program is open to candidates with a Master 1 degree in History.It also requires a good command of written English, necessary for understanding the coursework and completing the required assignments. 

Compliance with these prerequisites is verified by the admissions office when reviewing the application.

ECTS Accreditation

The program is structured using ECTS credits. In accordance with European standards arising from the Bologna Process, one ECTS credit corresponds to an estimated total workload of 25 to 30 hours, including all required learning activities (instruction, independent work, and assessments).
The total workload for the program is determined on this basis.

Accessibility

The program is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device. For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to all resources.

Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle – cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu. 

Admission Procedure

1. Complete the online admission form.
2. Our admissions office will review your application.
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with the information needed to complete your enrollment.