Studying at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) means that you are part of a small but diverse student body in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world. Both academically and personally, opportunities for growth are endless and student life at the Institute is vibrant and enjoyable.

The Institute’s Student Affairs Office deals with all matters related to student life on campus, not covered within the formal course of instruction. The office is responsible for admissions, advisory services, counseling, financial assistance, extra-curricular activities, accommodation, health and special needs, student and alumni records and other aspects of student life.

Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to consult their advisors for guidance, advice and support on academic issues.

In order to facilitate the next steps in the lives of the Institute’s graduates, career guidance is offered to students. Careers advice is friendly and impartial. Additionally, the Institute makes an effort to create opportunities for students to network with individuals and institutions where job openings may exist.

Orientation Week

Before the start of the academic year, students participate in a one week orientation. This essential preparatory session includes introductory academic sessions, familiarisation with the Institute’s and London’s academic resources and an introduction to the cultural attractions of the city.

During the orientation period students have the opportunity to meet informally with the Institute’s faculty and staff and to become familiar with London. Course participants also participate in organised tours and social activities. In 2007, the students participated in an excursion to Canterbury, a tour of London as well as guided tours of the British Museum and British Library. Learn more about Orientation Week 2007 and Orientation Week 2006.

Co-curricular Activities

Cultural events, field-trips and academic seminars all contribute to a vibrant student life at AKU-ISMC.

The students often participate in field-trips to other parts of the United Kingdom organised by the Institute. In summer 2008, first year students participated in an excursion to Edinburgh and Glasgow. In previous years, students have visited Cardiff, York, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

In April 2008 a group of students participated in an academic excursion to Istanbul as part of their course on Material Cultures, led by faculty member Professor Stefan Weber. During the field visit, students participated in tours of Istanbul, paying particular attention to the architecture and topography of the city.

In May, first year students participated in a field trip to Leighton House Museum at Holland Park in London. The museum was the home of nineteenth century artist Frederic Leighton, and provides a perspective on orientalism and the development of private collections, one element in the formation of Islamic art.

In January 2008, MA student Rahim Bagheri showed two of his short films and held a discussion as part of the Institute's programme of cultural activities. For more information about the film screening.

In November 2007 a number of MA students participated in the Victoria and Albert museum's Festival of Light, a festival celebrating the importance of light across a diverse range of world cultures.

Language Immersion Programme

As part of their language training, during the summer of their first year, students will travel to a relevant country to undertake a four-week intensive language course and complete a language-based assignment.

This important feature of the MA exposes students to cultures, communities and ways of life different from their own. It will help them experience language in its social and lived dimensions while furthering their understanding of diversity and pluralism.

In July 2007 students learning Arabic went to Tunisia (Institut Bourguiba Pour les Langues Vivantes) and students learning Farsi went to Iran. Read more about the 2007 Language Immersion Programme.

Student Representative Body

Students at AKU-ISMC have a student representative body that meets to discuss the needs of students and engage, where appropriate, with relevant faculty and staff in order to share their ideas and concerns in an open and transparent way. Elected each term, the student representative body provides a good opportunity for students to exercise important leadership skills in an academic environment.

Accommodation

Student accommodation is coordinated through the Student Affairs Office.

Cost of Living

London is one of the great capital cities of the world. As a result, the cost of living tends to be higher than that experienced in many other countries. Students are advised to budget approximately £1,000 per month to cover the cost of their accommodation, subsistence and other expenses.