Master of Arts in Muslim Cultures

The MA programme at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC)​ in London provides you with expert insight and deep understanding of Muslim cultures and civilisations, both in the historical and contemporary worlds. Our programme gives you the skills to engage critically, in original and creative ways, with the challenges faced by Muslim societies. ​To help ensure that you are fulfilling the objectives of this course, our teaching is student-centred and our academics, who are leaders in their fields, seek to enhance your learning through a multi-faceted approach that applies a framework of world cultures, humanities and social sciences to the study of Muslim contexts.​​​​ The MA is also available for full-time or part-time study

Admission Criteria

Under its charter, the ​Aga Khan University is open to ​all academically qualified candidates. The University is non-denominational and admission to its academic programmes is needs-blind and based strictly on merit. 

Applications for full and part time study are open from the beginning of September to the last Friday in January for admission in the autumn semester. Applications for part time study only are also open in the spring from April to the last Friday in June.​

Candidates wishing to apply for the MA in Muslim Cultures must complete an application form, including a personal statement, giving their reasons for wishing to enrol in the MA Programme and submit it with a copy of their degree and transcript(s). Please note that referees should submit the references directly to the Education Office, no later than end of January 2023 (at 12 noon UK time).  Shortlisted candidates will be asked to participate in an interview.

Tuition Fees​​​​

Tuition Fees: £150.00 per credit (full-time students in 2022-2023 pay £1800/semester for 12 credits)

​Financial Assistance

​Through its Financial Assistance Programme, the University aims to ensure that no individual be denied entry because of inability to pay tuition, living expenses and other costs.

​Assistance will be provided through loans or scholarships to supplement personal resources. This is based upon the evaluation of a student’s need from financial data provided