“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Quran 20:114)
The Hawza Programme
A flexible online curriculum offering deep engagement with Islamic thought and a pathway to an MA in Islamic Studies with the University of Birmingham.
What is ḥawza?
A ḥawza is a traditional Islamic seminary, a centuries-old institution dedicated to the advanced study of Islamic sciences. Originating in the early centuries of Islam, ḥawzas serve as centers for the rigorous training of scholars in fields such as jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (kalām), philosophy (falsafa), and Arabic language. These seminaries historically evolved in regions like Iraq, Iran, and the Levant, fostering a scholarly tradition that emphasises textual analysis, debate, and the preservation of Islamic intellectual heritage.
Typically structured in levels of study, ḥawzas offer a curriculum that includes classical texts and oral transmission of knowledge, often spanning years of intensive learning. The Hawza Programme at Al-Mahdi Institute adapts this model for the modern era, providing an online platform to explore these disciplines academically, accessible to students worldwide seeking a deep understanding of Islamic thought.
Why Choose AMI's Hawza Programme?
Flexible Learning
Study at your own pace and in your own time, with access to all lessons and learning material for 365 days.
Expert Guidance
Gain personal support through weekly tutorials with our faculty to guide you through your learning journey.
Global Recognition
Advance your studies and qualify with an MA in Islamic Studies from tthe University of Birmingham.
Affordable Access
Enjoy world-class learning at a reduced cost with a 65% fee waivers. Additional waivers are available on request.
Course Structure
Rooted in the Hawza tradition, our four-level curriculum takes you from foundational studies to advanced mastery, with rigorous training in classical Arabic throughout. Download our prospectus to learn more.
Level One Courses
Introduces historical and theoretical foundations of Islamic studies, with initial Arabic training.
| Course Name | Code | Credits |
| Arabic Level One | ARB1ONE | 20 |
| Qur’anic Studies | QUR1INT | 10 |
| Ḥadīth and Rijāl Studies | HAD1INT | 10 |
| Introduction to Muslim Theology and Philosophy | THE1PHI | 10 |
| Introduction to Sufism and Islamic Mystical Traditions | IRF1INT | 10 |
| Introduction to Islamic Ethics | ETH1INT | 10 |
| Introduction to Islamic Law and Legal Theory | USL1INT | 10 |
| Islamic History: From Pre-Islamic Arabia to the Prophetic Period | HIS1ONE | 10 |
| Islamic History: From the Four Caliphs to the Umayyad Period | HIST1WO | 10 |
| Total credits | 100 |
Level Two Courses
Intensifies Arabic study, covering al-ʿAllāma Muḥammad Riḍā al-Muẓaffar’s al-Manṭiq (logic), al-Shaykh Muḥammad Bāqir al-Īrawānī’s al-Fiqh al-istidlālī (jurisprudence), and Ibn Sīnā’s al-Ishārāt wa-l-tanbīhāt (Sufism section).
| Course Name | Code | Credits |
| Arabic Level Two | ARB2TWO | 20 |
| Logic 1: Conceptual Discussions | LOG2MM1 | 10 |
| Logic 2: Syllogisms | LOG2MM2 | 10 |
| Logic 3: Five Arts | LOG2MM3 | 10 |
| Muḥammad Bāqir al-Ṣadr’s Legal Theory | USL2HAL | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Ritual Purity | FIQ2F01 | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Prayer | FIQ2F02 | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Fasting, Prescribed Alms and Taxes | FIQ2F03 | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Pilgrimage, Religious Warfare and Enjoining Good | FIQ2F04 | 10 |
| Philosophy of Mysticism: Ibn Sīnā’s al-Ishārāt wa-l-tanbīhāt | IRF2ISH | 10 |
| Total credits | 110 |
Level Three Courses
Delves into al-ʿAllāma al-Ḥillī’s Kashf al-murād (theology), al-ʿAllāma al-Muẓaffar’s Uṣūl al-fiqh (legal theory), and legal maxims (al-qawāʿid al-fiqhiyya).
| Course Name | Code | Credits |
| Arabic Level Three | ARB3THR | 20 |
| Theology 1: The Existence and Attributes of God | THE3KM1 | 10 |
| Theology 2: Prophethood and Imāmate | THE3KM2 | 10 |
| Theology 3: Eschatology | THE3KM3 | 10 |
| Legal Theory 1: Linguistic Discussions | USL3UF1 | 20 |
| Legal Theory 2: Rational Discussions | USL3UF2 | 20 |
| Legal Theory 3: The Authority of Evidence | USL3UF3 | 20 |
| Legal Maxims (al-qawāʿid al-fiqhiyya) | FIQ3QAW | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Marriage and Divorce | FIQ3F05 | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Financial Transactions and Leasing | FIQ3F06 | 10 |
| Jurisprudence: Equity Partnerships and Trustee Financed Partnerships | FIQ3F07 | 10 |
| Total credits | 150 |
Level Four Courses
Features al-ʿAllāma al-Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s Bidāyat al-ḥikma (philosophy), Dāwūd al-Qayṣarī’s Muqaddima (theoretical mysticism), and advanced texts like al-Shaykh al-Anṣārī’s Makāsib and al-Shahīd al-Thānī’s al-Lumʿat al-Dimashqiyya.
Qualify with an MA in Islamic Studies
AMI’s historic partnership with the University of Birmingham makes it the first UK Islamic seminary to integrate a Hawza programme with an academic MA. After three years of online study, students progress to a fourth year on campus, engaging with cutting-edge modules while bridging traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary research, supported by flexible study options and fully-funded scholarships.
How to Apply
Begin your journey with ease: explore our full range of courses, choose the modules that inspire you, complete your enrolment securely, and unlock immediate access to your learning platform. For any additional support, please contact us at [email protected].
01 / Apply
Click Apply Now to explore our full course catalogue, ranging from Level 1 beginner to Level 4 advanced courses.
02 / Select
Select your modules; new students are encourgaed to start with Level One courses.
03 / Enroll
Enrol securely online and benefit from 65% fee waivers on all courses. Additional fee waivers are available on request.
04 / Done
Get instant access to class recordings, study materials, and tutorials for 365 days via our online learning platform.
Advanced Entry Pathway
The Advanced Entry Pathway is designed for students who already have prior training in Islamic studies at a seminary or university. It recognises previous learning and provides a tailored route into AMI’s Hawza Programme, equipping students with academic writing and research skills while filling any gaps in study. This pathway prepares students for progression to the MA in Islamic Studies at the University of Birmingham, with opportunities for scholarships that may cover tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
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FAQ's
The Hawza Programme is an intensive seminary-style course rooted in classical Islamic sciences, designed to develop critical thinkers and scholars. It integrates the traditional curriculum of Najaf and Qom with academic rigour and modern approaches to the study of Islam.
Yes. Students who obtain 450 credits on the Hawza Programme are eligible to progress to an MA in Islamic Studies through AMI’s partnership with the University of Birmingham.
The programme is divided into four levels ranging from introductory to advanced Islamic subjects, and is delivered entirely online, allowing flexible study.
Standard entry requires completion of secondary education and basic Arabic reading skills. Advanced entry is also available for students with prior seminary study.
The Hawza Programme is delivered fully online. Students receive access to all recorded lectures, learning materials, and weekly tutorials through Al-Mahdi Institute’s online learning platform for 365 days from the date of enrollment.
Yes. Applicants with prior seminary or Islamic studies experience may be eligible for the Advanced Entry Pathway into the Hawza Programme. This pathway allows students to enter at a level appropriate to their existing knowledge and skills, rather than starting from the introductory level.
Graduates of the Hawza Programme pursue a range of pathways, including academic research, postgraduate study, teaching, community leadership, faith-based advisory roles, and further advanced Islamic scholarship. The programme develops strong skills in critical thinking, textual analysis, research, and ethical reasoning that are transferable across religious, educational, and professional settings.
Fees for the Hawza Programme are charged per course, with each course costing £400. Al-Mahdi Institute offers a 65% fee waiver on all Hawza Programme courses, with additional financial support available on request. Students are encouraged to contact [email protected] to discuss funding options.
The Hawza Programme is self-paced and therefore students can enroll at any time. Once enrolled, students gain access to all recordings and learning materials for 365 days.
Start Your Journey Now
Download the Full Prospectus
Download the full Hawza Programme Prospectus to get all the information you need to get started. Explore course details, structure, and the opportunities awaiting you at AMI.
View Fees and Funding Available
We offer a 65% fee waiver on all courses to make them accessible to everyone. Additional waivers and scholarships are available by contacting [email protected]
Check Requirements for Entry
The Hawza Programme welcomes all learners proficient in English and able to read Arabic, ensuring accessibility for diverse learners seeking to deepen their Islamic knowledge.