Islam in Contemporary Britain (PgDip) (full time) (1 year)

Why study this course

This programme offers the social science skills to pursue high calibre research on Muslims in Britain, within the flagship Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK.

Contemporary focus

Gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and conceptual vocabulary surrounding British Islam in the renowned Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK.

Research skills

Training to pursue high calibre research within the second largest faith community in the UK.

Career advancing

Recognised qualification for working in professional capacity with British Muslims.

Practical experience

Opportunities to gain experience - through placement and volunteering - within local Muslim organisations.

Census data shows that Muslims are now the second largest faith community in British society, and they are at the forefront of compelling conversations about the intersection of religion and public life.

Our rewarding MA Islam in Contemporary Britain programme delivers a comprehensive understanding of the development of Muslim communities in the UK, the current challenges they face, and an introduction to the scholarly study of Islam in a modern Western European society.

On this programme, you will gain the social science skills essential to pursue high calibre research on Islam in Britain today within our flagship Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK.

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and conceptual vocabulary surrounding British Islam and the skills to undertake high quality research according to social sciences professional ethics codes.

Our qualifications are recognised as indicators of professional competence to work with British Muslims.

Encouraged to contribute to the Centre’s highly respected public seminar series, you’ll have ample opportunity to connect with scholarly and public networks.

You’re warmly encouraged to undertake voluntary work with Muslim communities in Cardiff in activities ranging from assisting with homework clubs run via local mosques to contributing to the Muslim Council of Wales ‘iLead’ programme which aims to support young Muslims developing leadership skills.

Our Theology and Religious Studies research ranked 10th in the UK’s recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

Where you'll study

School of History, Archaeology and Religion

Curious about the human experience across millennia and cultures, we are seeking to better understand our past, to illuminate our present and improve our future.

Get in touch
+44 (0)29 2087 4470
Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU

Admissions criteria

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 particularly 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 possess or expect to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK Honours degree, or equivalent. However, those able to demonstrate relevant work experience in lieu of a graduate qualification may also be admitted at the discretion of the School. To apply via this route, you will need to have held a position of responsibility relevant to the programme for a minimum period of two years. You will also be required to satisfactorily complete an interview and a 1500 word essay on a subject determined by School staff.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be expected to provide evidence of English proficiency. IELTS exam results showing an overall grade of 6.5 or above are acceptable for this programme, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub score.

We welcome applications year-round but to commence your studies in any given year (starting September), you must submit your application by 1 August.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

access to computers or devices that can store images
use of internet and communication tools/devices
curfews
freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

For this full time PG Diploma you will take 120 credits worth of modules over a year.

This includes three core modules (60 credits) and a further three optional modules (60 credits).

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.

Core modules for year one

Module title	Module code	Credits
Skills and Methods for Postgraduate Study	HST900	20 credits
History and Development of Muslim Communities in Britain	RTT513	20 credits
Contemporary Debates in British Muslim Studies	RTT515	20 credits
Muslims in Britain Today	RTT516	20 credits
Qualitative Research Methods	RTT538	20 credits
Social Theory and Research Design	RTT539	20 credits
Researching British Muslim Communities	RTT543	20 credits

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

Teaching is via lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, audio-visual resources, guest speakers, and optional placement/voluntary work.

You are encouraged to attend and contribute to our Islam UK Centre Public Lecture Series, known for bringing high-profile speakers to the region to discuss a wide range of topical research.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via essays, other assignments (such as book reviews and presentations), or written exams depending on the modules chosen.

How will I be supported?

On enrolment, you are assigned your own Personal Tutor and provided with teaching and learning resources, including Postgraduate Handbook. Additional specific module resources are made available during the programme.

Your personal tutor is your contact point to discuss any problems arising from the course. Further queries should be addressed to the School’s Director of Postgraduate Taught. Our Professional Services team is also available for advice and support.

Feedback:

Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.

What skills will I practise and develop?

In-depth understanding of the theoretical and conceptual vocabulary surrounding British Islam
Skills to undertake high quality research according to social sciences professional ethics codes
Analytical approaches; such as coding and categorizing, conversation and discourse analysis, narrative approaches
An ability to exercise independent judgement on a topic to support an evidence-based argument.
Data generation strategies; such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, working with documents

Tuition fees

UK and EU students (2021/22)

Fees for entry 2021/22 are not yet available.

Students from outside the EU (2021/22)

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year.

Careers and placements

Placements

You are encouraged to undertake voluntary work with Muslim communities in Cardiff in activities ranging from assisting with homework clubs run via local mosques to contributing to the Muslim Council of Wales ‘iLead’ programme which aims to support young Muslims developing leadership skills.

Funding

Postgraduate Master’s Finance

If you’re starting your master’s degree in September 2020 or later, you may be able to apply for postgraduate student finance to support your study at Cardiff University.

Islam in Contemporary Britain (PgDip)