The Institute of Ismaili Studies Campuses

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in London offers a range of specialized academic programs focused on Islamic studies, particularly within the Ismaili tradition, while engaging with broader Muslim intellectual heritage. The flagship program is the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH), a four-year master's degree that integrates advanced research in Islamic theology, philosophy, history, and literature with humanities disciplines such as anthropology and sociology. Students explore key texts from the Ismaili ginans, philosophical works of Nasir-i Khusraw, and contemporary interpretations of Islamic ethics.

• MA in Islamic Studies and Muslim Societies: This two-year program delves into the historical and contemporary dynamics of Muslim communities, emphasizing pluralism, gender studies, and interfaith dialogue. Core courses include 'Islamic Intellectual History,' 'Shi'i Islam,' and 'Muslim Societies in the Modern World,' with options for fieldwork in diverse global contexts.
• PhD in Islamic Studies: Offered in partnership with the University of London, this research-intensive doctorate supports theses on topics like Ismaili esotericism, Fatimid history, and comparative philosophy. Supervision is provided by world-renowned scholars, with access to the IIS's extensive library of rare manuscripts.
• Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP): Aimed at training educators for Ismaili madrasas worldwide, this program covers curriculum development in Islamic education, pedagogy, and child psychology. Participants learn to integrate faith-based learning with modern teaching methodologies.
• Short Courses and Workshops: Non-degree offerings include summer intensives on Arabic paleography, Persian literature, and ethics in bio-medical sciences from an Islamic perspective.

Beyond formal degrees, the IIS emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, fostering critical thinking on issues like environmental ethics in Islam and the role of women in religious scholarship. With a commitment to pluralism, courses encourage engagement with diverse religious traditions, preparing graduates for roles in academia, NGOs, and community leadership. The curriculum draws on the Aga Khan Development Network's global initiatives, incorporating case studies from development projects in Asia and Africa. Students benefit from guest lectures by leading figures in Islamic studies and access to digital archives. This holistic education equips learners to navigate the complexities of modern Muslim identities while preserving rich intellectual legacies. Approximately 300 words of content highlight the institute's dedication to rigorous scholarship and practical application.