Secondary Teacher Education Programme

STEP extends over two academic years and culminates in two postgraduate awards (Level 7): 

• A Master of Arts (MA) in Muslim Societies and Civilisations, awarded by SOAS 
• A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Teaching and Reflective Practice, awarded by UCL 

Tailor-made for STEP, the MA and the PGDip form a bespoke programme specifically designed with the needs of STEP students, the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Boards (ITREBs) who employ them, and the communities they serve. The programme equips students with the tools and knowledge to take responsibility for their personal learning and continuous professional development beyond STEP. 

The MA is designed to provide in-depth study of Islam and Ismaili heritage within the broader dimensions of Muslim societies and civilisations.

It prepares students to understand and respond analytically to relevant scholarship and research so they can in turn facilitate an understanding and engagement with the philosophical and pedagogical framework of the various secondary curriculum modules published by the Institute of Ismaili Studies. 

The PGDip offers a coherent teacher education programme with an integrated and well-supported teaching placement. The programme supports participants to become skilled classroom practitioners. Additionally, the PGDip offers skills and tools for participants to be able to take responsibility for their personal learning and continuous professional development beyond the PGDip and well into their teaching career. 

Through the Programme, students will develop: 

• Reflective and critical stances, and creativity and independence of thought in the application of knowledge; 
• Sound knowledge of subject matter relevant to the IIS' Secondary Curriculum framework; 
• A holistic understanding of educational practice and effective classroom skills informed through field-based work and practice; 
• A critical understanding of curriculum implementation, evaluation, and assessment, particularly in relation to the IIS’ Secondary Curriculum. 

As students develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of subject knowledge and classroom-based practice, they will be evaluated using a variety of assessment tools, including written and oral examinations, presentations and coursework.