We are delighted to announce that admissions are now open for our Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership (formerly known as the Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership) programme for the 2025-26 academic year. Popularly dubbed as the ‘imam training programme’, this innovative 1-year programme is designed for graduates of Darul Ulooms and other institutions dedicated to the Islamic sciences, in particular and has the following interrelated aims:

  • Understanding contemporary debates around Islam and the role of religion in modern-day society
  • Training students to provide pastoral care
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Enhancing career prospects

 

The programme is subject to significant developments, including:

  • Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership will henceforth be known as the Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership programme
  • Slight change in title as this programme is now subject to validation by The Open University, the process of which should be complete prior to the start of the 2025-26 academic year (September 2025)
  • As such, students graduating from 2026 onwards – i.e. beginning with the Class of 2026 – will do so with an internationally recognised qualification, a Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE)
  • Only 12 places available
  • Scholarships and bursaries are available for this programme; successful applicants will be able to apply for (means tested) student funding. 

 

Prospective students will be heartened to know that there will be no changes to the programme itself, be it the content or mode of delivery.

For more information and to apply, visit our Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership programme page.