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In light of contemporary developments in the integration of Islamic art and its reformulation in modern architecture, there is a growing need for experts who are able to combine heritage with contemporary techniques and trends by providing innovative architectural and urban design solutions.
The Master of Science (MS) in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism is a multidisciplinary program conducted in collaboration with the University of Oxford. It aims to equip future designers, curators, and historians with a critical and informed understanding of Islamic art and architecture across centuries, spanning from Andalusia to Central Asia into the present era.
This program encourages research towards safeguarding Islamic heritage by examining the diversity and the contextual history of Islamic material culture. In addition, graduates will investigate notions of rapid urbanization, designing civic spaces, spatial humanities, migration and urbanism, crosscultural art influences, heritage preservation, and more, qualifying them to pursue careers in Islamic art history, contemporary mosque architecture, sustainable urbanism fields, and related career pathways.
The MS in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism program is unique in focus, structure, and content, with no similar program offered in the Islamic world.
The program focuses on the critical construction, acquisition, dissemination, and application of art history, architecture, and urbanism to international institutions in general, and more specifically to diverse Islamic societies.
This comprehensive program delves into the art, architecture, and urbanism of a wide range of Islaminfluenced civilizations. It offers specializations that aim to develop critical tools for the analysis of buildings and public spaces at different scales, and advanced skills for their application in architectural design projects. Another track endeavors to develop expertise in the study and display of historical objects and the deep understanding and appreciation required to exhibit such artifacts.
The program utilizes creative platforms outside the traditional classroom, such as collaborative workshops by international figures in the field; provides opportunities to explore a different country in the Islamic world every year; and helps expand the student’s network through encounters with specialists and specialist institutions based locally and abroad.
A 36-credit degree program taught over two years in English that includes:
- Seven core courses (21 credits)
Course Name Ahkam al-Bunyan: Building Ordinances History of Islamic Art and Architecture I (650-1250) History of Islamic Art and Architecture II (1250 -1900) Independent Project Modelling Interpreting Environments: Habitat Values and Sustainable Practices in Islam Research and Design Methods Survey of Architectural Typologies of the Islamic World - A choice of three specializations (6 credits)
Course Name Specialization I: Islamic Arts: History and Cultural Display
- Islamic Objects and Manuscripts
- Museum and Exhibition Studies
Specialization II: Contemporary Mosque Architecture
- Islamic Architecture and Urbanism in the 20th and 21st Centuries
- Mosque Architecture Design
Specialization III: Sustainable Cities of Muslim Societies
- Contemporary Cities for Muslim Societies
- Globalization, Cities, and Urban Policies
- A choice of one elective out of four options* (3 credits):
Course Name Sustainable Islamic Urbanism: Past and Present Urban Interventions in Historic Islamic Cities Physical Spaces and Spatial Humanities in Digital Societies Types and Typologies of Domestic Architecture
*Students can also select an elective course from other specializations within the program.
- Thesis (6 Credits)
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism should have a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized institution in the related fields of Art History, Archaeology, Interior Architecture/Design, Architecture, and Urban Planning.
Please refer to the following table for a summary of the admission criteria:
| Program | MS in Islamic Art, Architecture, and Urbanism |
|---|---|
|
Required Field of Study |
Art History, Archaeology, Interior Architecture/ Design, Architecture, and Urban Planning |
|
Language Proficiency |
IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL:79 Further details about the language proficiency requirement and the process to seek exemption (where this is an option) are available on the website: admissions.hbku.edu.qa |
Tuition Fees
| Program | Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism |
|---|---|
| Total Program Tuition Fees | QAR 72,000 |
| Tuition Fees per Credit Hour | QAR 2,000 |
| Total Program Credit Hours | 36 |
| Program Duration | 2 |