We are overjoyed to announce the completion of the validation process for both PGCert HE in Islam and Psychology – Level 7 and the Cert HE in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership – Level 4 programmes. The lengthy, but fruitful, process started back in November 2024 and came to a highly successful conclusion last week, alhamdulillah.
The process began with each academic programme team working with Quality Assurance to review the programme’s objectives, modular content and assessments as well as the relevant academic frameworks, including Teaching and Learning Strategy, Assessment Strategy and all associated policies. This collaborative approach ensured high standards, academically and pedagogically, were maintained across both programmes.
In February of this year, academic consultations were conducted by well-known universities across the UK. The programme teams received constructive feedback aimed to further enhance the standards of these programmes.
In March 2025, all the revised documentation was submitted to The Open University panel deliberating over our application to validate, which included members from The Open University itself and external academics from various universities across the UK, including from the University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, University of Birmingham and the University of Cardiff. Programme content and standards were thoroughly scrutinised during a day-long meeting, in which our programme teams responded confidently to all areas of scrutiny, ultimately ensuring the external panel determined our programmes to be aligned with the Quality Code of higher Education in the UK.
As part of the validation of the Cert HE in CISL programme, the College has also finalised the agreement with the Chaplaincy team in the Cambridge University Hospital at Addenbrookes. Students enrolled in the Cert HE in CISL programme will have the opportunity to participate in a year-long work placement, delivered by highly experienced chaplains working within the healthcare sector.
We are deeply inspired and encouraged after completing these rigorous yet rewarding processes, largely due to the positive and constructive feedback that we received from The Open University throughout. Numerous aspects of the two programmes- as well as the overall atmosphere of the College- were praised by The Open University and the external academics during their visits and meetings.
Commenting on the Cert HE in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership, The Open University assessors said:
“The unique and valuable programme of study provides students with a
varied and distinctive educational experience that sets it apart within the
academic landscape”.
“The work-based learning module, which effectively integrates best practice
elements and provides students with valuable, hands-on experience in
chaplaincy, enriching their academic study with real-world professional
insight”.
Commenting on the PGCert HE in Islam and Psychology, The Open University assessors said:
“This is a unique and valuable programme of study in an emerging field, one which adeptly engages an international audience”
“The diversity of the teaching staff profiles in terms of culture and expertise adds considerable weight to the programme”
“The enthusiasm and dynamic participation of students is noteworthy.”
On the college, it’s environment and culture, The Open University assessors noted:
“The College’s inclusive approach to student-staff engagement, exemplified by
initiatives such as free, shared lunches, foster mutual respect, break down
hierarchical barriers, and promote a strong sense of belonging within a diverse
academic community”.
“The College’s well maintained, and thoughtfully designed campus provides a supportive, accessible, and inclusive environment that enhances the learning experience for students and promotes a positive working atmosphere for staff”.
Alhamdulillah, from this September onward, all our academic programmes will be validated by The Open University, thus ensuring students across academic programmes will graduate with internationally recognised qualifications. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the programme leads, faculty, administrative staff team, students and wider college community for all their hard work and support. May Allah SWT accept all our efforts and may it be of benefit, insha’Allah.