PhD in Qur’an & Sunnah Studies

The programme is designed to equip the students with advanced knowledge in the field of Qur’an and Sunnah studies. It aims to develop their thinking and analytical approach towards various issues facing the Muslim societies based on the principles derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah. In handling the programme, the department emphasizes integration of knowledge by considering both the Islamic intellectual heritage and modern thoughts in related disciplines. Due attention is given to modern techniques and methods of research so that the graduates may be able to contribute toward societal development in a more effective and meaningful manner.

Programme Description

This is a full time and a part-time programme that requires a minimum of 3 years (6 semesters) and  5 years (10 semesters) respectively to complete. The maximum period allowed for the programme is 6 years (12 semesters) for the former and 8 years (16 semesters) for the latter.

Candidates are trained in research methods, Islamisation of human knowledge and a specialised area in Qur'an or Hadith studies to prepare them for the challenging task of producing original research in the form of a dissertation/thesis. The expected length of the dissertation/thesis is around 80,000 - 100,000 words and it can be written either in Arabic or English. Areas in which supervision is available include classical and modern tafsir, science of Hadith, Hadith commentary and interpretation and contemporary trends in the study of the Qur'an and Hadith.

Curriculum Structure

Entry Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the relevant discipline with good grades from institutions recognized by the Senate of the University.
2. Master’s degree in relevant discipline or its equivalent with good grades.
3. Arabic and English proficiency levels at the following minimum score:
   
   IIUM's Arabic Placement Test (APT) : 7.0
   TOEFL (Paper Based) : 550
   IELTS : Band 6

Notes:

1. A good grade is normally interpreted as a minimum cumulative grade points average (CGPA) of 3.0 on the scale of 4 or its equivalent.
2. Candidates are required to provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting their proficiency certificates before the beginning of the programme. If they fail to do so, they will be required to sit for the IIUM-administered English Placement Test (EPT).
3. Candidates who fail to obtain the required proficiency but are still interested to join the programme must take pre-sessional English courses at the university's Centre for Languages (CELPAD) or other recognized institutions.