Have you ever wanted to explore the depths of Islamic seminary (ḥawza) studies but faced barriers like time constraints or the need to learn Arabic? The Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies (PGDip.) at Al-Mahdi Institute offers a unique opportunity to engage with core Islamic disciplines— theology, law, philosophy, mysticism, Qur’an, and ḥadīth—delivered entirely in English with a critical, academic approach.
Grounded in AMI’s renowned Hawza Programme, this online programme is designed for those with some background in Islamic studies or related fields, blending traditional seminarian content with rigorous academic methodology. You’ll not only learn what Muslim scholars have said but also analyse why, how, and in what contexts their ideas evolved.
Ideal for professionals and part-time students, the PGDip offers flexible online study with only 3 hours of live teaching each week. Led by expert instructors trained in both seminary and academic settings, the programme equips you with authentic insights and scholarly tools through four core modules:
Led by Prof. Seyed Mohammad Fatemi, this module explores Islamic legal theory across Sunni and Shīʿī traditions, from classical Ḥanafī and Imāmī schools to modern reformist approaches, examining scripture, reason, and contemporary relevance.
Led by Dr. Zoheir Esmail, delve into Islamic philosophy’s evolution from Greek roots to Mulla Ṣadrā, alongside Shīʿī mysticism, exploring classical texts and their impact on contemporary Islamic thought.
Led by Dr. Wahid Amin, this module examines theological debates on God’s nature, divine justice, and human agency across Muʿtazilī, Ashʿarī, Māturīdī, Atharī, and Shīʿa schools, connecting classical ideas to modern thought.
Led by Dr. Haidar Hobballah, explore the history, compilation, and interpretive methods of the Qur’an and ḥadīth, engaging with diverse scholarly approaches to build a critical understanding of Islam’s primary sources.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies is taught online across two 14-week terms, running from October to May, with just 3 hours of live teaching each week. Students complete four core modules, alongside an optional Academic Writing and Research Methodology module, which is required for international students and those continuing to the MA pathway. Designed with flexibility in mind, the programme enables you to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments.
Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies (PGDip.) by Al-Mahdi Institute and become eligible to apply for AMI’s fully funded MA in Islamic Studies scholarship, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, part of the Russell Group of Universities.
For a full breakdown of modules and term dates, please download the prospectus below. For further information, please email us at education@almahdi.edu.
Designed for flexibility and academic rigour, the PGDip combines authentic Islamic learning with critical scholarly skills to support your personal and professional growth.
Study from anywhere with just 3 hours of live teaching per week, perfect for busy schedules.
Learn from scholars with dual expertise in seminary and academic traditions, offering authentic and rigorous insights.
Graduates are eligible to apply for AMI’s fully-funded MA in Islamic Studies with the University of Birmingham.
Scholarships covering up to 90% of tuition fees ensure accessibility for all.
To join the Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies, you should have:
Prior experience in Islamic Studies or a background in Humanities or Social Sciences.
English proficiency at IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) if you are a non-native speaker.
A strong interest in Islamic Studies and commitment to the programme.
Students without prior experience in Islamic Studies are encouraged to enrol in AMI’s Islam and Self-Development Programme (Cert.), a 10-day residential summer course that provides a unique opportunity to critically explore faith, reason, and self-discovery while tackling some of the most profound questions in Islamic thought. Find out more.
The tuition fee for the Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies is £2,000. Generous scholarships of up to 90% are available, awarded on the basis of academic merit. As funding is limited, we encourage you to apply early to maximise your chances of support.
For further details, please contact education@almahdi.edu
Applications open annually in May each year and close at the end of August. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces and funding opportunities.
Complete the application form and upload your transcripts or certificates along with any required supporting documents.
Attend an online interview to assess your suitability for the programme and potential funding opportunities.
If shortlisted, complete the scholarship agreement form online and pay your tuition fees to secure your place.
Start learning online via our online learning platform, with full access to modules, resources, and support.
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