Post Graduate Diploma in Islamic History

Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit:

1. Pre-Islamic Arabia and the Rise of Islam

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Analyse the political, social, economic and religious conditions of pre-Islamic Arabia.
2. Examine the major tribal structures, cultural traditions and commercial activities of Arabian society.
3. Evaluate the factors that contributed to the emergence and spread of Islam.
4. Assess the historical significance of the early Islamic message within the Arabian context.
5. Critically interpret historical sources relating to pre-Islamic Arabia and the rise of Islam.

2. Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Early Islamic State

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Examine the major events and stages in the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
2. Analyse the social, religious and political significance of the Prophetic mission.
3. Evaluate the development of the Muslim community in Makkah and Madinah.
4. Assess the foundations and institutions of the early Islamic State.
5. Analyse the historical impact of the Seerah on the development of Islamic civilisation.

3. The Rashidun Caliphate: Political and Administrative History

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Examine the establishment and historical development of the Rashidun Caliphate.
2. Analyse the political leadership and administrative systems of the Rashidun period.
3. Evaluate the major territorial expansions and their historical significance.
4. Assess key political challenges and internal developments during the period.
5. Critically analyse the contribution of the Rashidun Caliphate to the development of Islamic governance.

4. The Umayyad Caliphate: Expansion, Administration and Society

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Analyse the establishment and political development of the Umayyad Caliphate.
2. Examine the expansion of Islamic territories during the Umayyad period.
3. Evaluate the administrative structures and governance systems developed by the Umayyads.
4. Assess the social, cultural and economic developments of Umayyad society.
5. Critically examine the factors contributing to the decline of the Umayyad Caliphate.

5. The Abbasid Caliphate: Politics, Culture and Intellectual Development

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Examine the political development and major historical phases of the Abbasid Caliphate.
2. Analyse the administrative and governmental structures of the Abbasid State.
3. Evaluate the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Abbasid period.
4. Assess the role of scholarship, translation and education in the development of Islamic civilisation.
5. Critically analyse the factors influencing the transformation and decline of Abbasid political authority.

6. Islamic Civilization: Science, Education, Art and Literature

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Analyse the major contributions of Islamic civilisation to science, medicine, mathematics and other fields of knowledge.
2. Examine the development of educational institutions and scholarly traditions in the Islamic world.
3. Evaluate the historical development and significance of Islamic art and architecture.
4. Assess the contribution of Muslim scholars and writers to literature and intellectual culture.
5. Critically evaluate the influence of Islamic civilisation on global knowledge and cultural development.

7. Islamic History in Al-Andalus and Muslim Spain

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Examine the establishment and political development of Muslim rule in Al-Andalus.
2. Analyse the social, cultural and economic development of Muslim Spain.
3. Evaluate the intellectual and scientific achievements associated with Al-Andalus.
4. Assess interactions among Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities within the historical context.
5. Critically analyse the factors contributing to the decline of Muslim political authority in Spain.

8. Islamic History in South Asia: From the Early Sultanates to the Mughals

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Examine the emergence and development of early Muslim political authority in South Asia.
2. Analyse the political and administrative structures of major South Asian Sultanates.
3. Evaluate the establishment and expansion of the Mughal Empire.
4. Assess the cultural, architectural, religious and intellectual contributions of Muslim societies in South Asia.
5. Critically analyse the political and social factors that influenced the transformation of Muslim rule in the region.

9. The Ottoman Empire and the Later Islamic World

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Examine the origins, expansion and political development of the Ottoman Empire.
2. Analyse Ottoman systems of governance, administration and military organisation.
3. Evaluate the social, cultural and economic developments of the Ottoman world.
4. Assess the role of the Ottoman Empire in the wider Islamic world.
5. Critically analyse the internal and external factors contributing to the transformation and decline of Ottoman authority.

10. Modern Islamic History, Colonialism and Contemporary Muslim Societies

Upon completion of this unit, the Learner will be able to:

1. Analyse major political, social and intellectual developments in the modern Islamic world.
2. Evaluate the impact of colonialism on Muslim societies, institutions and political structures.
3. Examine movements for reform, independence and political transformation in Muslim-majority regions.
4. Assess the historical factors influencing contemporary Muslim societies and communities.
5. Critically evaluate key challenges, debates and developments affecting the Islamic world in the contemporary period.