The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London has brought widespread academic recognition with the launch of its Master’s program in Islamic Humanities, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.

This innovative program takes a multidisciplinary approach to studying Islam, moving beyond traditional frameworks to explore the social, cultural, and intellectual history of the Islamic world. SOAS, with over a century of academic excellence, is renowned for its critical stance on European colonialism and rejection of Eurocentrism, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in Islamic studies.

Professor Ayman Shihadeh, Head of the School of History, Religions, and Philosophies at SOAS, commented on the new program: “We wanted to create a program that breaks free from the narrow confines of traditional Islamic studies, offering students a broader and more profound understanding of Islamic heritage in a global context.”

What sets the program apart is its blend of rigorous academic study with hands-on field experience. Students will not only engage in theoretical learning but also take part in visits to manuscript libraries in London and conduct research using rare sources that are not available elsewhere. Graduates of the program are highly sought after by prestigious global institutions, including the British Islamic Council and the United Nations.