Bachelor of Islamic Studies

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Islamic Studies provides students with an advanced level of knowledge of Islam, including theological, jurisprudential, historic, practical, contemporary and spiritual aspects of islam.

CSU's Bachelor of Islamic Studies was developed in response to a growing need for an understanding of the Islamic faith in Australian communities, as well as a lack of formally recognised training education in Islamic traditions.

It aims to provide Islamic education within the Australian context, while staying true to Islamic traditions.

Students in this course will study from a classical and contemporary perspective, developing an advanced level of understanding of Islam that can be beneficial in a diverse range of professions.

Students in this course will cover Islamic theology, Islamic jurisprudence, spirituality, Qur'anic studies, hadith, history and contemporary issues, as well as Arabic language.

Graduates of this course will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of Islam in theology, Islamic practices, history, spirituality and contemporary issues
• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the specialised fields of Qur'anic exegesis (Tafsir) and Prophetic Narrations (Hadith)
• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of Islamic legal theory, jurisprudence and its application, particularly in financial and family law
• demonstrate an intermediate level of proficiency in the Arabic language
• demonstrate proficiency in reading and understanding the Qur'an in its original Arabic language
• demonstrate knowledge of traditional and contemporary resources on Islam
• demonstrate an understanding of the expectations and requirements of successful university study
• exhibit a level of academic writing and information literacy appropriate to university study.

The University Certificate in Islamic Studies and Associate Degree in Islamic Studies are exit point degrees, should a student decide to withdraw from the Bachelor of Islamic Studies.

These courses are offered by distance education through the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA) in Sydney. In each session there is a compulsory two-day residential school, and optional lectures are held at the ISRA centre each week.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Career opportunities

This course is beneficial to anyone who requires an understanding or appreciation of the Islamic faith, in a range of careers in the humanities or teaching fields.

Graduates may pursue religious teaching opportunities in mosques, private study circles, schools or other institutions.

This course can also provide an academic career path in areas such as Islamic Studies, Islamic Theology or Islamic Law.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2; Session 3