Islam in the Contemporary West
| Specialisation of: | Theology and Religious Studies |
|---|---|
| Degree: | MA in Theology and Religious Studies |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time, part-time |
| Duration: | 1 year |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60824 |
In the Islam in the Contemporary West specialisation, you will be focusing on the interaction between Muslims and Islam within a minority situation in the West, and the reactions it provokes in the Western societies. You will be studying these relations from different perspectives: legal, political, theological and cultural anthropological. You will be guided in your studies by a teaching staff with extensive knowledge of this subject, both theoretical and practical.
You will for instance be given the opportunity to investigate the increasing orthodoxy among Muslims, including the development of a new branch of Islamic jurisprudence, the fiqh al-aqalliyyât. In the social and political area, you will be studying the degree of organisation of Muslims, as well as the forming of an ‘Islamic’ identity. You will also be considering the legal aspects, such as how Muslims are increasingly trying to find a way to apply parts of the Sharia, for instance the prohibition on the levying of interest and marriage law.
Entry requirements
- BA degree in World Religions, specialisation Islam or Islamic Theology or an equivalent degree from Leiden University or another recognised university.
- BA degree from another relevant discipline (Arts Anthropology, Social Sciences of History) on the condition that they are able to show their knowledge of the field of Islam is sufficient.
- Proof of sufficient proficiency in English: IELTS test level of at least 6.5 or TOEFL score of at least 570/230/88-90, evidenced by an appropriate test.
This requirement does not apply if you have:- completed your education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, or
- an International Baccalaureate, or
- a Dutch VWO-diploma
Students who have a BA in Islamic Theology or World Religions, specialisation Islam from Leiden University do not have to apply for admission.
Applicants with a higher professional education (HBO) degree are not eligible for admission.
Pre-master’s
Students with a bachelor’s degree from a university of professional education (HBO) or a MA degree in another field of study, should contact the study coordinator for information on the possibility of a one-year bridge programme.
