MBA Master of Business Administration (Islamic Finance)

Program Overview

The 18-month MBA in Islamic Finance at the University of Greater Manchester provides a comprehensive and in-depth postgraduate education that combines the core principles of business administration with the specialized knowledge of Islamic finance. This extended program is designed to equip professionals with the strategic and operational skills necessary to excel in the global Islamic finance industry. The curriculum integrates business management disciplines with the ethical and legal frameworks of Sharia-compliant finance, preparing graduates for leadership roles in this expanding sector. The extended duration often includes a significant research component or industry-focused project.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the 18-month MBA in Islamic Finance is structured to provide a robust understanding of both general business management and the specific principles of Islamic finance. Core MBA modules typically cover strategic management, financial accounting and management, marketing management, operations management, and organizational behavior. Specialized modules in Islamic finance delve into areas such as the foundations of Islamic banking and finance, Sharia principles of commercial law (Muamalat), Islamic capital markets and instruments (Sukuk), Takaful (Islamic insurance), Islamic wealth management and estate planning, and the regulatory and legal framework governing Islamic financial institutions. The extended duration allows for a more detailed exploration of these specialized topics and often includes a substantial research project or dissertation focused on an area within Islamic finance.

Research Focus: The 18-month MBA in Islamic Finance program benefits from a research-informed approach, with faculty often engaged in research related to Islamic economics, finance, and banking. The extended duration provides students with more time to develop their research skills and undertake a significant research project or dissertation in an area of Islamic finance that aligns with their interests and career goals. This research component allows students to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in Islamic finance and develop advanced analytical skills. Research areas may include the development of new Islamic financial instruments, the application of Sharia principles to modern financial challenges, the growth and regulation of Islamic capital markets, and the role of Islamic finance in sustainable development.

Industry Engagement: Recognizing the strong growth and global reach of the Islamic finance industry, the 18-month MBA program often incorporates significant industry engagement opportunities. This may include guest lectures from leading figures in Islamic banking and finance, case studies of successful Islamic financial institutions, opportunities for networking with industry professionals, and potentially internships or applied projects within Islamic financial organizations. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, providing students with valuable insights into the real-world application of Islamic finance principles.

Global Perspective: Islamic finance is a global phenomenon, with significant markets and institutions across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and increasingly in Western economies. The 18-month MBA program inherently adopts a global perspective, examining the principles and practices of Islamic finance in different regional contexts, analyzing the regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions, and exploring the challenges and opportunities of the global Islamic financial system. The diverse student body, often including professionals from various countries with established or emerging Islamic finance sectors, further enriches the global learning environment by bringing different perspectives and experiences to classroom discussions.