Are you a current or recent undergraduate student in the UK with a passion for exploring Muslim cultures and civilizations?
In partnership with the “Arabic Pasts: Histories and Historiographies” conference, the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) invites you to participate in the
New Voices: AKU-ISMC Undergraduate Essay Competition.
This competition seeks essays of 2000–3000 words that delve into the pre-1800 CE Middle East and North Africa.
Essay Subjects and Academic Disciplines
In this competition, we seek essays of 2000–3000 words that delve into the pre-1800 CE Islamicate societies of the Middle East and North Africa.
We are particularly interested in essays that explore how different societal groups commemorated their pasts or which critically reflect on the methodological potential of digital tools for exploring pre-modern Islamicate societies.
Subject to approval, applicants can submit a relevant piece of coursework already submitted as part of their undergraduate degree if it relates closely to the above questions.
To enquire if a previous submission of coursework is suitable, please contact us by writing to
ismc.events@aku.edu by 21st June 2024.
Students may apply from any academic discipline, and the following subjects are particularly relevant: History, Islamic Studies, Digital Humanities, Middle Eastern Studies, Arabic Studies, and Arabic Language.
Why Apply?
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Boost your CV: By listing the accomplishment of winning the competition, your CV will stand-out from the crowd and demonstrate your academic potential to future employers and boost your master’s and PhD applications.
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Cash Prizes: The winner will receive a cash prize of £250, while three runners-up will each receive £100.
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Conference Opportunity: The winner and runners-up will be automatically provided free entry to the 2024 Arabic Pasts Conference in London, and the winner will receive standard public transport within the UK and three nights’ accommodation to attend the conference.
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Internship Shortlisting: All finalists will be considered for an AKU-ISMC Undergraduate Summer Internship, providing valuable research experience to those seeking to study a master’s or PhD.
How to Apply
Submit your entry via our
Google Form by 1st July 2024. Ensure your essay is anonymised, includes a 250-word abstract, employs Harvard referencing, and features a complete bibliography.
Eligibility, and Terms and Conditions
The competition is open to current or recent undergraduate students from UK institutions, including those who have graduated within the last two years.
Contact Us
For any inquiries or guidance regarding eligibility or essay topics, please email
ismc.events@aku.edu with the subject line “New Voices Competition – Your Name”. Requests for guidance must be made by Friday, 21st June 2024. Any inquiries after this date may not receive a response.
Copyright of image: Source Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Wetzstein II 716, 2r.