There are four key areas in which you will develop:
Students conduct a field research project of their own, leading to a 10,000-word dissertation as the culmination of the initial two-year MA at the IIS. A grant is provided for fieldwork travel during the summer of the second year*, in order to give students the opportunity to carry out original empirical research that can serve as a basis for further postgraduate study or career development.
* All study abroad components are subject to travel advice by the UK Government and students obtaining the necessary visas. In the event a student cannot travel, alternative study arrangements will be made in the UK. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the field research component may need to be converted into desk-based research if fieldwork is no longer feasible.
The trip is focused on visits to Muslim architectural monuments of Andalusia. The field trip also allows the students to witness the contemporary use of these architectural sites, developing their visual literacy and contributing to learning about the formation of political and religious identity as well as art and architecture. With the help of an academic lead, the field trip brings to life places students have read about. Sites visited include:
The Spain field trip is subject to UK Government travel advice and students obtaining the necessary visas. In the event a student cannot travel, alternative study arrangements will be made in the UK.
GPISH prepares graduates to pursue a PhD in Islamic studies and related areas of the humanities and social sciences, or to seek careers beyond academia that aim to address issues faced by contemporary Muslim societies.
Leadership Workshop and Careers Seminars
A Leadership Workshop, held at the start of Year 2, helps students begin to integrate academic learning with the development of leadership skills congruent with today’s globalised and highly mobile workforce.
Postgraduate Research Fellowship (PGRF)
This fellowship is available to applicants interested in working with Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Boards (ITREBs) after completing their GPISH studies. Based on their HR needs, ITREBs may sponsor students to undertake the PGRF training, which aims to help GPISH graduates acquire specific knowledge, analytical tools and skills to contribute more effectively to the needs of the Jamat and ITREBs.
PhD Scholarships
For those students who are interested in deepening their analysis and contributing intellectually to the academic world, as well as to the Institute and the Ismaili community, the IIS offers a limited number of scholarships to pursue studies at doctoral level.