The Open University Validates Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership and Islam and Psychology Programmes

We are overjoyed to announce the successful completion of the validation process for both the Cert HE in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership – Level 4 and the PGCert HE in Islam and Psychology – Level 7 programmes by The Open University. This journey began in November 2024 and came to a conclusion last week.

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.

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. All 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, ultimately resulting in the panel determining our programmes to be aligned with the Quality Code of higher Education in the UK, and therefore suitable for validation.

Commenting on this milestone for the college, Dr Zainab Al-Khatib, Quality Assurance Manager and programme validation lead, said:

“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.

“Alhamdulillah, from September 2025, 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.”