McGill University

Overview

McGill University offers a comprehensive program in Islamic Studies that emphasizes rigorous coursework and in-depth research on diverse texts, histories, societies, and philosophies across the Islamic world. Students have the opportunity to align their studies with the university’s research strengths, focusing on areas such as Islamic theology, philosophy, law, and contemporary Middle East studies. The program is available at both the Master's and Doctoral levels, allowing for specialization and scholarly exploration.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

• M.A. in Islamic Studies (Thesis)
• M.A. in Islamic Studies (Thesis) with Option in Gender and Women’s Studies
• Ph.D. in Islamic Studies
• Ph.D. in Islamic Studies with Option in Gender and Women’s Studies

Core academic areas

• Arabic Literatures
• Arab American / Arab Canadian Literatures
• Persian Literature
• Urdu Literature
• South-Asian Literature
• Islamic Theology
• Islamic Philosophy
• Islamic History
• Islamic Law
• Islam and Politics
• Islam in Africa
• Ottoman and Turkish Studies
• Shi‘i Studies
• History of the Modern Middle East
• Anthropology and History of Modern Iran
• Science in Islamic Societies
• Women and Gender in Islamic Societies
• Safavid History

Research component

• Master’s students will complete a thesis under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
• Doctoral candidates are expected to produce a dissertation based on original research and extensive scholarly work.
• Course selection will be tailored to align with individual research topics and the expertise of supervisors.

Entry requirements

Admission to the graduate programs in Islamic Studies at McGill is competitive, requiring a strong academic background, research compatibility, and a compelling application.

Academic background

• For the MA: a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in fields such as Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, History, Literature, Anthropology, or closely related disciplines.
• For the PhD: a pertinent master’s degree (or equivalent) is generally expected, along with demonstrated research capabilities.

GPA

• Minimum GPA requirements vary by program; applicants should meet or exceed the department’s specified minimum for graduate admission.

English language proficiency

• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 86 (or equivalent)
• IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 (or equivalent)

Required documents

• Online application and application fee
• Official academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Writing sample or portfolio (as required by the program)
• Evidence of a potential research supervisor fit (if applicable)

Career prospects

Graduates from the Islamic Studies program at McGill University are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, public policy, cultural institutions, and international relations. The diverse skill set developed throughout the program equips students to engage meaningfully with contemporary issues related to the Islamic world and its global interactions.