The program is designed for students who wish to familiarise themselves with debates on modern Islam as a preparation for employment in international organisations, government, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, media organisations, or private sector companies in which some knowledge of Islam and contemporary Islamic issues would be of value. The program is also a pathway for PhD study, providing students with the background and research skills necessary for completion of a higher research degree.

The Master of Islam in the Modern World is a unique program in its interdisciplinary approach, global focus and flexibility and draws on the strength of the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (Middle East and Central Asia) in its integration of the study of Middle Eastern and Central Asian contemporary politics, history, culture, political economy, economics, and the religion of Islam within the broader framework of the changing global order. The Centre fosters the study of the region's most relevant languages of Arabic, Persian and Turkish and also focuses on issues pertinent to Australia's interests in, and the development of, its commercial, scientific and industrial ties with its areas of coverage.

This program will:-

Provide detailed understanding of the complex and diverse issues that are common to Muslim societies across the world; and

Develop critical methods for the study of the modern Muslim experience.

The degree will be focussed on modern Muslim societies, including Muslims in minority situations; and be trans-regional in its coverage.

The Master's would normally be completed over two semesters of full-time study or 3-4 semesters of part-time study.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Applicants for direct entry to Master of Islam in the Modern World should have obtained a Bachelor degree in the social sciences, history, Islamic studies, relevant languages, or area studies with at least second-class, division A, Honours, or its equivalent, from an approved tertiary education institution. In cases where applicants have not undertaken an honours degree, ‘equivalence' may be met by:

• A very good 4 year bachelor degree.
• A very good 3 year bachelor degree and a very good graduate diploma.
• A very good 3 year bachelor degree and substantial relevant experience demonstrating capacity for analysis and research in international affairs.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.