Ph.D Islamic Studies

Program Overview

Credit Hours

50

Duration

3 Years

Semesters

6

Attendance

Full-time

The PhD Islamic Studies program at Superior University is a rigorous 3-year research-intensive doctoral degree for Islamic scholars committed to producing original contributions to Islamic thought. The program integrates classical Islamic sciences (Qur’anic studies, Hadith sciences, Islamic jurisprudence) with modern research methodologies and contemporary Islamic thought. Students develop expertise in Occidentalism and engage with emerging global challenges facing Muslim societies. Candidates complete advanced coursework, comprehensive examination, and an original doctoral dissertation contributing original knowledge to Islamic Studies, preparing graduates for academic careers, research institutions, policy advisory, and international Islamic organizations.

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PROGRAM ACCREDITATIONS

HEC Compliant Curriculum

HEC Compliant Curriculum

The primary regulatory body for higher education in Pakistan.

HEC works alongside the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP) to ensure institutes maintain high academic standards

Why Choose Ph.D Islamic Studies at Superior University?
Integration of Classical Islamic Sciences with Modern Scholarship

Integration of Classical Islamic Sciences with Modern Scholarship

Master Qur'anic studies, Hadith sciences, and Islamic jurisprudence alongside contemporary research methods, critical engagement, and interdisciplinary Islamic scholarship.

Expert Faculty with Global Islamic Scholarship

Expert Faculty with Global Islamic Scholarship

Learn from faculty with international expertise including Dr. Ali Akbar (40+ years in Qur'anic and Hadith sciences), Dr. Neelam Bano (Civilizational studies and interfaith tolerance), and visiting scholars like Shaykh Ahmad Dabbàgh and Shaykh Musharraf Hussain.

Research-Focused Environment with Scholarly Rigour

Research-Focused Environment with Scholarly Rigour

Supportive doctoral research atmosphere emphasizing scholarly growth, original knowledge production, and publication orientation with mentoring from HEC-approved supervisors.

Occidentalism Specialization Track

Occidentalism Specialization Track

Specialized doctoral focus on Occidentalism (Critical study of Western perspectives on Islam) alongside traditional Islamic sciences for contemporary critical engagement.

Flexible Study Options & Global Exposure

Flexible Study Options & Global Exposure

Full-time and weekend options for working scholars; access to Superior Go Global initiative for international exposure, partnerships, and global academic connectivity.

Advanced Research Methods

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods

University of Amsterdam via Coursera certification in qualitative research methodology.

Understanding Research Methods

Understanding Research Methods

Coursera certification in research design and ethical research practice for Islamic studies.

Qualitative Data Analysis (NVivo/Thematic)

Qualitative Data Analysis (NVivo/Thematic)

Coursera certification in advanced qualitative data analysis and NVivo software.

Academic Writing & Publication

Academic Writing & Publication

Elsevier Researcher Academy and Saylor Academy certifications in scholarly writing and research publication.

Key Skills You Will Learn
Islamic Philosophy & Inquiry

Islamic Philosophy & Inquiry

Qur'anic Sciences & Tafseer

Qur'anic Sciences & Tafseer

Hadith Sciences & Methodology

Hadith Sciences & Methodology

Islamic Jurisprudence & Ijtihad

Islamic Jurisprudence & Ijtihad

Contemporary Research Methods

Contemporary Research Methods

Critical Islamic Thought Analysis

Critical Islamic Thought Analysis

Occidentalism & Civilization Studies

Occidentalism & Civilization Studies

Scholarly Writing & Publication

Scholarly Writing & Publication

Career Outcomes

Associate / Full Professor

Principal / Head of Islamic Department

Islamic Research Scholar

Islamic Finance Shariah Advisor

International Faculty & Partnerships

Karimia Institute Nottingham UK
World Peace Movement (55 Countries)
Centre for Contemporary Islamic Sciences (CCIS)
International Islamic Studies Research Networks

Academic & Research Tools

Religious Studies & Research Databases


  • Scholarly databases
    Scholarly databases
  • Literature mapping
    Literature mapping
  • Reference management
    Reference management
  • Qualitative Analysis Software (NVivo)
    Qualitative Analysis Software (NVivo)
  • Thematic Analysis Tools
    Thematic Analysis Tools
  • Academic Writing Tools
    Academic Writing Tools
  • Online Research Collaboration
    Online Research Collaboration
  • Islamic Studies Digital Archives
    Islamic Studies Digital Archives
  • LMS & Research Supervision Platform
    LMS & Research Supervision Platform

Admissions & Eligibility

Domestic Applicants

Candidates must have completed 18 years of education, such as an MS or MPhil in Islamic Studies, or an equivalent qualification from an HEC-recognized institution.

International Applicants

Candidates must have completed 18 years of education, such as an MS or MPhil in Islamic Studies, or an equivalent qualification from an HEC-recognized institution.

⚠️ Important

Always refer to the Admissions Office for the current criteria, deadlines and documentation.

NEXT STEPS

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Program Roadmap

Explore courses roadmap in Ph.D Islamic Studies
CourseCredit Hours
Study of the Sciences of Quran and modern trends in Tafseer3 (3-0)
Contemporary Research Methods in Islamic Thought3 (3-0)
Islam in the Contemporary Era3 (3-0)
Fehm-e-Quran I1 (0-1)
Total10
Total Credit Hours20
CourseCredit Hours
Methodological studies of Hadith and Seerah studies3 (3-0)
Principles of Jurisprudence and Its History3 (3-0)
Occidentalism3 (3-0)
Fehm-e-Quran II1 (0-1)
Total10
Total Credit Hours20
CourseCredit Hours
Thesis (Urdu/ English/ Arabic)30
Total Credit Hours30

Research Tracks

Qur'anic Sciences & Tafseer
Qur'anic Sciences & Tafseer
Hadith Sciences & Seerah Studies
Hadith Sciences & Seerah Studies
Islamic Jurisprudence & Ijtihad
Islamic Jurisprudence & Ijtihad
Occidentalism
Occidentalism
Contemporary Islamic Thought
Contemporary Islamic Thought
Interfaith Studies & Civilization Analysis
Interfaith Studies & Civilization Analysis

TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY

Discover your 3C Advantage

Character


Scholarly Integrity in Islamic Thought — Islamic research contributes to understanding Islam's role in contemporary world addressing millions of believers. PhD scholars approach Islamic studies with scholarly integrity — presenting classical texts faithfully, acknowledging diverse interpretations honestly, and avoiding ideological distortion of Islamic knowledge.'

Courage


The Courage to Engage Difficult Contemporary Islamic Questions — Islam's role in democracy, gender, science, and modernity are theologically sensitive and politically charged topics. Islamic studies scholars develop the intellectual courage to engage these questions rigorously, publicly, and with scholarly nuance.'

Competence


Advanced Islamic Studies Research Mastery — Candidates develop expert competence in Qur'anic sciences, Hadith methodology, Islamic jurisprudence, contemporary Islamic thought analysis, Occidentalism, advanced research methods, and doctoral dissertation production — producing Islamic scholars capable of academic leadership and informed engagement with contemporary Islamic discourse.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

3 years full-time (6 semesters) with flexible weekend options available for working scholars.

Download Brochure for Ph.D Islamic Studies