NAME OF PROGRAMME : ISLAMIC CIVILISATION AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Programme Type Status Start Date Description MA by Research Proposal

August and January Todays progress in the modern world is increasingly challenging, and more so for Islamic civilisation. The inaccurate image and misunderstanding of the teachings and practices of Islam, and of the lives of Muslims in the eyes of the world have generally affected the relationship of Muslims with the global community. The western economic model is not providing the expected stability to the worlds economy, and some scholars are now looking for alternative models including Islamic-based economics and finance. In the geopolitical sphere, international unrests and issues are increasingly focused on the Muslim world or Islamic countries, varying from terrorism to the daily lives of Muslims such as the wearing of headscarves. These issues may deteriorate if the Muslims themselves do not rectify the misunderstanding among the non-Muslims about the Islamic religion. It is thus the responsibility of Islamic scholars and experts to guide, debate and protect the image of the religion through research and publication in the international arena. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies serves to produce graduates and scholars to lead the Muslim community in facing the changes and challenges of todays world. The Centre also aims to generate thinkers and intellectuals who can share their views and thoughts on contemporary issues from the Islamic perspective. This graduate research programme is based on a multi-disciplinary approach to Islam and Muslim societies, with special attention paid to contemporary issues. The research should explore trends in Islamic thought and the social, political and historical context within which ideas are shaped. As such, the programme will draw on expertise from the arts and humanities, social and natural sciences. Research Facilities Degree Requirements Access to library collections on various aspects of Islam in UBD as well as other libraries in and outside the country. A research proposal outlining the scope of work by independent research should be submitted. The proposal should include, but not be confined to: Introduction of subject; Research aims and objectives, including any working hypotheses if applicable; Literature review; Methodology, including any data requirements if applicable; Resource requirements, and; Timetable of work. The research proposal should be approximately 1,500 words in length. A relevant, minimum Second Class, undergraduate degree is normally expected. GCE O Level English credit or equivalent. Proficiency in the Arabic language is an advantage. 4-6 students per year

Entry Requirements Language Requirements Planned Intake

PROGRAMME DETAILS Aims and Scope

This MA by Research is designed to develop graduates who can understand Islamic values and perspectives, and the diverse areas of Islamic knowledge. They should be able to analyse contemporary issues in the global context. The research will focus on a broad range of disciplines, including anthropology, cultural studies, history, philosophy, political science and classical studies. Students are encouraged to develop their own area of interest in Islamic studies and to engage in a broader range of subjects. Under supervision from one or more academic members of staff, the candidate will create a research proposal and formulate and follow their own methodology. This will allow them to develop their creative and analytical skills in solving real-world issues and problems.

Structure Duration of Programme Areas of Research / Specialization

The degree is assessed from a submitted thesis of up to 60,000 words. 12 months Candidates will develop their research agenda in line with expertise currently available within the Centre, but may also incorporate expertise from other programmes across the university. The research proposal should focus on contemporary issues and challenges in the Muslim world including politics, mass media, human rights, banking and finance. Based on the knowledge of Islamic civilisation and values, a research candidate may concentrate on Islamic history, Islamic economics, Islam and pluralism, gender issues and family life in Islam, management of mosques, trusts and endowments, Muslims in Brunei Darussalam and the Asia Pacific region, Islamic banking and finance, ethical issues in science and technology, development and environmental issues, post-modernism, governance and administration, issues that challenge the credibility of Islam, fundamentalism and extremism, ethnic relations and ethnic chauvinism and the current challenges of Muslim people. The programme will allow for joint supervision, even with experts from partner institutions or centres, allowing students to develop multi-disciplinary research projects, combining theories and knowledge from more that one subject area.

Attendance Type Period of Candidature Assessment Demand

Full-Time/ Part-Time Full-Time 12 months Part-Time 24 months Examination of thesis is by internal and external examiners. There is no higher education institution in Brunei Darussalam that currently offers Islamic studies for both Muslims and non-Muslims. The growing interest in the study of Islamic civilisation and contemporary issues among Muslims and non-Muslims indicate the demand for such programme to be made available. The programme is also designed for those who work or aspire to work in fields requiring an understanding of Islam, its culture and practices. Examples of such areas include foreign affairs, international trade and diplomacy, immigration, ethnic affairs, journalism/media, social work, health sciences, teaching, translation, public policy, community development and education. The programme also offers a pathway to further research at doctorate level.

Future Development

The programme will continue to develop with demand. Incoming staff will extend the research capabilities to include more issues relevant to the study of Islamic civilisation and values.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact AVC-NII ([email protected]) on behalf of SOAS CIS