SOAS, University of London, launches unique Master’s program in “Islamic Humanities”

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London has received widespread academic acclaim after launching a Master’s program in Islamic Humanities, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.

The program takes a multidisciplinary academic approach to studying Islam beyond the traditional framework, with a focus on the social, cultural, and intellectual history of the Islamic world.

With a legacy spanning over a century, SOAS is known for its critical stance on European colonialism and its rejection of Eurocentrism, making it one of the world’s leading research centers in Islamic studies.

Commenting on the new program, Professor Ayman Shihadeh, Head of the School of History, Religions, and Philosophies at SOAS, stated: “We wanted a program that breaks away from the narrow scope of traditional Islamic studies, offering students a broader and deeper understanding of Islamic heritage in a global context.”

The program stands out for its combination of academic study and field experience. It goes beyond theoretical learning, incorporating visits to manuscript libraries in London and research based on rare sources unavailable elsewhere. Graduates of this program are in high demand at global institutions such as the British Islamic Council and the United Nations.