MA (Civilization Studies) - School of Humanities

This programme is designed to develop graduates who can understand Islamic values and perspectives, and the diverse areas of Islamic knowledge. They should be able to analyse contemporary issues in global context.

The research focuses on a broad range of disciplines, including art in Islam, role & influence of Islamic Civilization in Southeast Asian, Philosophy & History of Islamic Civilization and Islamic Thinking.

Under the supervision of one or more academic members, candidate will create a research proposal and formulate their own methodology for research. This will allow them to develop their creative and analytical skills in solving real-world issues and problems.

Candidates who join this programme have the option of choosing part-time or full-time status to suit their personal and work schedule.

Research Thrust Areas :

• Civilisational Studies
• Cultural Studies
• Comparative Religion
• Intellectual History
• Islamic Civilisation
• Asian Civilisations
• Malay World Civilisation
• Islamic Thought
• Islamic Education
• Islamic Science
• Islamic Treatment
• Malay-Jawi Manuscript Studies
• Psychology of Religion

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Humanities

Applicants should possess the following:

A. Bachelor's degree in related area

1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

a) Research experience for at least one year; or
b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
e) Grade B+ for final year project

3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
e) Grade B+ for final year project

 (Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 154; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 109 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
• Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change