The three new programmes launched by the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) under Hamad Bin Khalifa University are the continuation of its attempts to achieve Islamic renaissance and re-integrate Islamic art and architecture into mainstream practices, the dean has said.

CIS recently launched two masters programmes - Master of Arts in Islam and Global Affairs and Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism, as well as a PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy.

Talking to Gulf Times, CIS dean Dr Emad El-Din Shahin said, “Each programme was conceptualised based on pertinent market needs, keeping our constant attempts to achieve Islamic renaissance, elevate the status of Islam and re-integrate Islamic art and architecture into mainstream practices.”

“Our academic programmes and specialisations are built on unprecedented curricula and a unique multidisciplinary approach that seeks to address current and future local, regional, and global trends. Each individual programme tackles an academic subject area – in this case: global affairs, finance, and design – from an Islamic perspective. This reflection and deep examination aims to encourage knowledge-sharing in areas that carry transformative potential for the local society and beyond,” explained Dr Shahin.

“As they advance through their classes, our students embark on a transformative academic experience. Their progress is continuously refined and monitored through active in-class dialogue with fellow students and leading academics, internship placements with key players in the local industries, and finally their graduate thesis and dissertation submission, which forms the culmination of their research efforts,” the dean continued.

According to the official, students emerge as accomplished researchers with broad critical thinking skills that are transferrable to the booming local industries, thus furthering a culture of knowledge cultivation and economic expertise.

The official pointed out that the graduates from CIS find excellent opportunities, whether they wish to continue their academic pursuits or enter the job market after graduation.

“Statistics for the 2017-2018 academic year indicates that 80% find employment within the first three months after they graduate from CIS and 100% are able to find jobs within the first six months after graduation. Our alumni have already made significant contributions to the industries within which they are employed, including financial advisory firms, educational and research entities, central banks and ministries, as well as investment houses,” highlighted the dean.

For the master’s programmes, applicants are required hold a strong undergraduate degree from a recognised institution and more rigourous requirements apply to applicants seeking admission to the PhD programme. They should have an MA, MBA, MS, LLM or equivalent degree from a recognised institution in a related field of research.

The Master of Arts in Islam and Global Affairs focuses on Islam within a context of international relations,including peace-building, development and human security, international organisations, diplomacy, conflict, governance and institutional reform, sustainability, global health, and related areas.

The Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism provides students with an opportunity to explore how Islamic cultural heritage underpins the external sphere of urban design and art through the ages.

The PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy is an advanced research degree that equips students with the required analytical skills to enter academia as well as wealth management and advisory services in local, regional and global organisations

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