“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Quran 20:114)
Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies (PGDip.)
Applications are now open for the PGDip. running from 30th September 2026 to 9th May 2027.
An Academic Gateway into the Seminary Tradition
The Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies is a taught, online course offering rigorous engagement with the core disciplines of the Islamic intellectual tradition. It is delivered entirely in English and structured for graduates who wish to pursue advanced study in Islamic thought alongside professional or other commitments.
The programme draws on the curriculum of Al-Mahdi Institute’s flagship four-year Hawza Programme, specialising in the seminary tradition. Students engage with classical and contemporary debates across theology, law, philosophy, mysticism, and the textual sources of Islam, taught by faculty trained in both seminary and academic settings.
The PGDip. offers flexible online study with only 3 hours of live teaching each week, equipping students with authentic insights and scholarly tools through four core modules:
Comparative Islamic Legal Theories
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.
Islamic Philosophy, Theology, and Mysticism
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.
Islamic Theology
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.
Qur’ān & Ḥadīth Studies
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.
Key Features of the PGDip.
Designed for flexibility and academic rigour, the PGDip combines authentic Islamic learning with critical scholarly skills to support your personal and professional growth.
Hawza-Integrated Curriculum
Drawn from AMI's four-year Hawza Programme, providing a grounding in Islamic disciplines, including law, theology, Qurʾānic interpretation, philosophy, and mysticism.
Part-Time Online Format
Three hours of live teaching per week on weekday evenings, designed for graduates with professional commitments.
Taught in English
Open to applicants from any disciplinary background. No prior Arabic or Islamic studies required.
MA Pathway
Graduates are eligible to apply for AMI's fully-funded MA scholarship at the University of Birmingham.
Expert Instructors
Taught by scholars with dual expertise in seminary and academic traditions, offering authentic and rigorous insights.
Scholarships Available
Scholarships covering up to 90% of tuition fees are available on academic merit, ensuring accessibility for all.
Programme Structure & Fees
The Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies is taught online across two 12-week terms, running from 30th September 2026 to 9th May 2027, 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.
The tuition fee for the programme is £2,000, with generous scholarships of up to 90% available based on academic merit, assessed through application materials and an interview. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximise their consideration for financial support.
For a full breakdown of modules and term dates, please download the prospectus below. For further information, please email us at [email protected].
Pathway to an MA in Islamic Studies
Graduates of the PGDip are eligible to apply for AMI’s fully-funded MA scholarship, leading to an MA in Islamic Studies awarded by the University of Birmingham, a member of the Russell Group. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for eligible students.
Entry Requirements
To apply the Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies, students are expected to have:
- An undergraduate degree in any subject, or 300 credits in any modules of AMI’s Hawza Programme in lieu of a degree.
- English proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for non-native speakers.
- A demonstrated interest in Islamic studies and a clear motivation to engage with the course material.
Prior experience in Islamic Studies is not required. Students who wish to build a foundation in Islamic Studies before joining the programme are encouraged to enrol on AMI’s Hawza Programme—a flexible online curriculum rooted in the classical seminary tradition, offering deep engagement with Islamic thought through four levels of study covering jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, Quranic studies, and Arabic.
How to Apply
Applications open annually in May and close at the end of July. The full process from submission to a confirmed offer typically takes four to six weeks. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces and funding opportunities.
01 / Application
Submit the application form with academic transcripts and supporting documents.
02 / Interview
Attend an online interview with a faculty member to assess suitability and funding eligibility.
03 / Offer
Successful candidates receive an offer and, where applicable, scholarship terms.
04 / Enrolment
Confirm your place, complete enrolment, and begin study via the online platform.
Meet Your PGDip. Teachers
FAQ's
The Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies (PGDip.) is a 24-week online diploma that combines core Islamic disciplines such as theology, law, philosophy, mysticism, Qur’an, and ḥadīth, delivered entirely in English with a critical, academic approach.
Yes, graduates of the PGDip. become eligible to apply for AMI’s fully-funded MA scholarship with the University of Birmingham’s MA in Islamic Studies programme.
No, the programme is delivered entirely in English, making Arabic proficiency unnecessary.
The PGDip is delivered online through live, interactive teaching sessions. Classes typically run for approximately three hours per week, scheduled on weekday evenings, making the programme suitable for students balancing work or other commitments. Teaching is supported by guided readings, assessments, and academic support through our online learning platform.
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in any subject. Applicants without a degree may be considered if they have completed 300 credits in any modules of AMI’s Hawza programme. Prior experience in Islamic Studies is not required. International applicants are also required to demonstrate English proficiency—either an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
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.
The PGDip. typically runs once per academic year, starting in October and ending in May. Aplications open in May each year and close by the end of July. Applications are subject to a fixed intake, and funding is limited. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure their place and funding.
Start Your Journey Now
Download the Full Prospectus
Access the full Programme Prospectus for all the details you need to begin. Explore the course structure, schedule, and the opportunities that await you at AMI.
Enquire about Scholarships
Generous scholarships of up to 90% are available, awarded on academic merit. Contact us today to check your eligibility and explore your funding options.
Secure Your Place
Apply today and benefit from our 40% early-bird discount, available for a limited time only. Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative programme.