Course duration
Two years part-time
Entry Requirements
A level(s), Access to HE Diploma, Open University Foundation Year Credits, BTEC National Diploma and similar vocational qualification(s) may be used in support of an application. Mature applicants without formal qualifications may be able to secure a place through the University of Leeds Alternative Entry Scheme. Applicants MUST have GCSE English grades A-C or equivalent - if you are unsure about whether you meet this criteria or what you need in order to do so we will be happy to advise you.
Course Information
This undergraduate programme is aimed at those students who are interested in starting their Higher Education on a part-time basis and who would benefit from the support available from the Lifelong Learning Centre. It is equivalent to the first year of a full-time degree. Students may then be able to continue onto the BA Islamic Studies programme in the Department of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at Leeds, where they would complete their degree with an additional two years full-time study.
The Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Islamic Studies is two years part-time and is taught at the University of Leeds campus on Wednesday afternoons. Click here to download the teaching timetable for the academic year 2012/13.
What will I study?
Islamic Studies is a distinctive and highly relevant programme for today’s multi-cultural society. It explores the classical Islamic disciplines whilst also providing insight into the way Muslim scholars and intellectuals today are seeking to re-interpret Islam in the light of modern challenges. You will be introduced to Islamic theology, culture and history and will have the opportunity to explore topics such as Islamic law and women in Islam. The Certificate also includes an introduction to the Arabic language.
For more information about the different modules you will be able to study as part of the Cert HE please click here.
How will I be taught?
Teaching takes place in groups that are small enough to give plenty of opportunity for discussion. Tutors are enthusiastic experts in their field who will be keen to extend your knowledge and thinking and to support your journey through the programme.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments include essays, coursework and exams. They are designed to stimulate your interest in the subject and help develop your skills for successful university-level study.
Progression to an Honours Degree
Successful completion of the Cert HE represents the first third, or level, of an Honours Degree. Students may then be able to continue onto the BA Islamic Studies programme in the Department of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at Leeds, where they will complete their degree with an additional two years of full-time study.
Career development and employability
There is growing recognition of Islamic Studies as a subject of great importance in our multi-cultural society. A qualification in this field from the University of Leeds opens a wide range of opportunities for career development in a global market.
University of Leeds graduates continue to have a very good reputation amongst employers. According to the 2012 High Fliers survey, Leeds is the 11th ‘most-targeted’ university by the UK’s top graduate employers, and in the 2011 QS World University Rankings Leeds ranked 51st for the employer review score and came 13th out of the UK universities.
To read more about how to maximise your employability please click here.
Fees and finance
You will not have to pay anything upfront as you will be able to borrow the entire cost of tuition fees, making study free at the point of entry for students who are taking a programme which is at a higher level than any qualification they already hold. Repayment of the sum borrowed is more like a tax than a standard loan:
- Repayments do not begin until April in the fourth year after the commencement of your course.
- You will not have to repay anything until you are earning over £21,000 per year as an individual.
- Repayments are affordable. They are only calculated on income above £21,000, for example those earning £25,000 will only pay around £6.96 per week.
- Repayments cease whenever your income drops below £21,000 and if you have not repaid your loan after 30 years it is written off.
The University has set a standard tuition fee for undergraduate programmes of £9,000 per level for UK/EU students. A Certificate of Higher Education is one level, meaning the fee per year is £4,500.
What our students say
The flexibility of studying Islamic Studies part-time with the Lifelong Learning Centre fitted in with my employment. The courses were very interesting, taught in a very relaxed and professional manner and not too intense. I was then able to progress to the full-time degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. Asim, BA Arabic and Islamic Studies graduate
Without a doubt, the Lifelong Learning Centre gave me the confidence I needed to progress into the unknown world of university; without it university would have just been a building to me where others obtain degrees. Kareema, BA Islamic Studies graduate
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are keen to support those who have the potential to succeed but whose personal circumstances may have affected their levels of achievement.
Further information
If you have a general enquiry or would like to be sent an application pack please contact us using the details below. Please note that we are now accepting applications with a view to interviewing applicants in March 2013 for entry onto the programme in September 2013. If you would like to speak in more depth to the Programme Manager, Dr. Samar Al-Afandi, you can contact her on 0113 343 3188 or by emailing s.al-afandi@leeds.ac.uk.
Phone: 0113 343 3212email: is@leeds.ac.uk
