Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Islam in Contemporary Britain (MA/PgDip)

Course Aims

This programme aims to provide students with an understanding of the history and development of Muslim communities in the UK, and the social science training and skills to undertake original qualitative research with and about Muslims in Britain.

Special Features

• Provides an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and conceptual vocabulary surrounding British Islam.
• Develops the skills required to undertake high quality research on Islam in Britain, according to codes of professional ethics in the social sciences.
• Provides a recognised qualification indicating competence to work in a professional capacity with British Muslims.

Course Description

This programme provides an all-round training in qualitative research methods in relation to Muslim communities in Britain. It consists of 6 compulsory modules and a dissertation module for MA students.

The compulsory modules are framed within Part 1 of the course and comprise:

Autumn Semester

• School-wide study skills module = 20 credits
• Qualitative Research 1 (Via School of Social Sciences) = 20 credits (2 hours per week)
• History and Development of Muslim Communities in Britain = 20 credits (10 x 2 hours per week) which includes:
  • A History of Islam and Muslims in Britain to 1900
  • A History of Islam and Muslims in Britain from 1900-1945
  • Migration and settlement of Muslims from 1945
  • Muslims and the Census
  • A History of Muslims in Wales 1
  • A History of Muslims in Wales 2
  • South Asian Muslim reform movements
  • South Asian Muslim reform movements in Britain
  • Middle Eastern Muslim reform movements
  • Middle Eastern Muslim reform movements in Britain
• Researching Islam in Britain = 20 credits (10 x 2 hours per week)
• Principles of Research Design (via School of Social Sciences – is a 10 credit module runs weeks 1-5), followed by Research with British Muslims: theory and method (runs weeks 6-10, 2 hour classes) and comprises:
  • Theoretical Issues I
  • Theoretical Issues II
  • Qualitative research with Muslims in Britain
  • Researching British Muslims: design issues and challenges
  • Conducting sensitive research with British Muslims

Spring Semester

• Contemporary Debates = 20 credits
• Interviews and Interviewing (via School of Social Sciences – is a 10 credit module, 2 hours per week), followed by British Muslims and Society (5 x 2 hour classes weeks 1-5)
  • Social Policy
  • Politics and PREVENT
  • Islamophobia
  • Law
  • Media
• Muslims in Britain Today = 20 credits (10 x 2 hour classes)
  • Education
  • Gender
  • Youth
  • Health and well-being
  • Marriage and the family
  • Chaplaincy
  • Mosques in Britain
  • Religious Leadership
  • Inter-faith relations
  • Arts and culture

Part 2 (MA students only) consists of a dissertation (16,000 - 20,000 words)which can be undertaken on a topic of the student’s choice.

Course Structure

Students taking the Postgraduate Diploma take a total of 120 credits of modules, consisting of:

• 40 credits of core research skills
• 80 credits of modules focusing on Muslims in Britain and advanced research methods

In addition to this, students taking the MA do:

• 60 credit dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff)

8 contact hours per week, Autumn and Spring Semester

Career Prospects

The course offers a wide range of possible career opportunities. It is a highly suitable programme for those who are looking for careers in academic research, the public sector (such as local authorities), the race and community relations industry, inter-faith work, community development and the voluntary sector.

Entry Requirements

The course is suitable for graduates in a wide variety of Humanities disciplines and Social Sciences and those with an interest in understanding Islam in Britain, past, present and future. This programme is also helpful for people who work with, or for, the Muslim community, and those who are keen to develop a research/academic career in this exciting new field.

Applicants should normally have or expect to obtain a First or Upper Second class Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject. Those without a degree from a recognised university may be considered for the programme via the alternative entry route, which requires an examination and interview.

Students are encouraged to undertake voluntary work with Muslim communities in Cardiff, and are supported in doing so. This might include activities such as assisting with homework clubs run via local mosques, or contributing to the Muslim Council of Wales ‘iLead’ programme which aims to support young Muslims developing leadership skills.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

How to Apply

Applications can be made for this course via our Online Application Service. Applicants should use the Personal Statement section of the form to outline their area of interest and, if possible, the topic that they hope to research for their dissertation.

Next intake: September each year

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