Final deadline for applications for 2019/2020 Academic Year: 28 September 2019.
MASTER’S PROGRAM IN ISLAMIC STUDIES
Islam in Europe
Fall 2019 intake
MA in Islamic studies “Islam in Europe” at the Faculty of Islamic Studies of University of Sarajevo is designed to offer students a broad overview of the key themes in Islamic theology and jurisprudence within contemporary European societies. The program is comparable to the study program in Islamic theology at a number of Turkish, German, and UK universities. Compatibility with these programs will facilitate mobility for students and professors. In addition to similar academic training, this program will provide ‘training in the community’. Language of instruction is English. The program was approved by the Council of Muftis and Riyasat of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Program Structure
The Master’s program lasts two academic years, organized over four semesters, one preferably to be taken at a partner institution. Completion carries a total of 120 ECTS points. The program will be offered in both full-time and part-time formats. An option for distance learning is also envisaged once the necessary technical infrastructure is in place.
The first two semesters are flexible in structure to allow students coming from different educational backgrounds to fill any gaps with regard to the core Islamic disciplines in their respective educations. When choosing courses, attention will be paid to the students’ career plans, so that students planning careers working in the community will be streamed primarily towards the courses meant for prospective Imams. It is planned that students will spend their second semester at a partner institution, with the option of auditing a second set of elective subjects at the Faculty instead.
The third semester is focused on contextualized Islamic studies in five subject areas (Qur’an and Sunnah Studies, Islamic Jurisprudence, Islamic Philosophy, Studies in Islamic Civilization), while students will focus during the fourth semester on their master's theses, taking in addition one subject from their academic area of specialization.
Courses
It is expected that students enrolling in the program will come from different academic backgrounds, and will have different expectations. Consequently, the first year of the program is designed to be flexible enough to allow students to fill any gaps in their education related to core areas of Islamic studies, while at the same time covering the subjects they will need for progression in their careers and their further academic development. It is expected that students will likely form two groups, one primarily interested in the group of subjects of interest to future imams (Qira'a, the Islamic jurisprudence of ritual, the Imamate/leadership, and Preaching/rhetoric and so forth), the other with a greater degree of interest in subjects of a more general and theoretical nature. For more, please see Student guide.
Criteria for enrolment
Enrolment in the Master’s program in Islamic studies is open to candidates who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree (BA) in Islamic theology, Islamic sciences, or Islamic studies, and so have acquired a total of at least 180 ECTS study points. Students who have graduated from a four-year BA program i.e., acquired 240 ECTS points during their BA level will be exempted from the first year of study. Enrolment is also open to graduates of a three-year undergraduate degree in Islamic religious education, religious pedagogy, or other programs of study that include a significant number of subjects from the field of Islamic studies, subject to additional exams. Students with 240 ECTS points from their BA level will receive a credit of 60 ECTS points.
Language Requirements
Proof must be provided of adequate mastery of English (at least a B2 level, under the Common European Reference Framework for Languages) in the form of one of the following certificates: a TOEFL certificate (a minimum of 78 points on the Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT), a IELTS certificate (a minimum score of 6) or a Cambridge certificate of Advanced English Test (minimum level of B).
The following are exempt from the above requirements to prove linguistic competence:
- candidates whose native language is English;
- candidates who have already completed a program of study in English, and
- candidates who have accumulated 30 or more ECTS points on subjects taught through English during their undergraduate studies.
Candidates must also demonstrate a good knowledge of Arabic (at least a B2 level or 120 contact hours as part of their undergraduate degree). Students with only a B1 level knowledge of Arabic may be enrolled, on condition that they complete a course in Arabic during the first semester, leading to a B2 certificate.
Students intending to work in the community as imams, muallims, or in a similar capacity, will be tested on Qur’anic recitation (Qira'a or Tilawa).
The Master’s program is open to students of both sexes and all faiths or belief systems.
Modes of Study
The program can be registered on a full time or part-time basis.
Important deadlines
Early June 2019: First round of applications (exact dates to be confirmed by the University)
September 2019: Intensive Arabic language course for those not having B2 Arabic
September 2019: Second round of applications for any remaining seats (dates to be announced by the University)
Last week of September 2019: Registration
7 October 2019: Classes start
Cost and Scholarships
Tuition Fee: 3,300 Euros. Estimated cost of living in Sarajevo for a student: 280-435 Euros per month or 3,400-5,200 Euros per annum). The Faculty has secured a number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students who cannot afford to pay the tuition fee or take full care of their living expenses.
Foreign Diploma Recognition Process
All foreign diplomas have to go through the process of recognition at a local university. While this process takes some time and paper-work, graduates of accredited institutions should not experience any problems in the process.
Other Useful Information
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
- The WINTER SEMESTER starts: 1 October
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Classes end: mid-January
- Exam period: mid-January to mid-February
Dates usually vary and must be checked with host institution.
- The SUMMER SEMESTER starts: end of February
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Classes end: mid-June
- Exam period: mid-June to mid-July
Dates usually vary and it is needed to check the announcements.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY BREAK(S)
- UNSA is closed for public holidays on the following dates:
- New Year: 1-2 January
- B&H’s Independence Day: 1 March
- Labour day: 1-2 May
- B&H Statehood day: 25 November
VISA AND RESIDENCE PERMIT
Please contact the B&H Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence regarding visa arrangements. Please note: citizens of the European Union are not required visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, RESIDENCE PERMIT is required and it must be regulated upon your arrival to Sarajevo. Instructions are given at the: http://www.erasmus-unsa.ba/residencepermit/. In order to regulate your residence permit you must bring the following documents: 1) passport and 2) non-criminal record certificate. This document must be issued by an institution in charge of such matters from the state of your residence, issued within six (6) months from the expected time of arrival to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, it must be issued by the state ministry or similar official institution at the state level – a document issued by a regional, county or municipial institution is not accepted. Staff members who are EU citizens arriving for a mobility of several days or a maximum of two months are not required a visa or residence permit.