Final deadline for applications for 2019/2020 Academic Year: 28 September 2019.
MASTER’S PROGRAM IN ISLAMIC STUDIES
Study guide (download)
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.
- The WINTER SEMESTER starts: 1 October
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Classes end: mid-January
- Exam period: mid-January to mid-February
- The SUMMER SEMESTER starts: end of February
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Classes end: mid-June
- Exam period: mid-June to mid-July
- 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