Certificate in Islamic Studies
The Certificate in Islamic Studies provides foundational knowledge in Islamic theology, history, inter-religious dialogue, and the role of Islam in contemporary society. Students learn about the Quran, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, the history of Islam, inter-faith relations, and the Muslim world's engagement with modernity. The programme is designed for individuals seeking to understand Islam for careers in government, NGOs, inter-faith work, or as a pathway to further studies.
Students develop competencies in understanding Islamic theology, Quranic studies, Islamic history, inter-religious dialogue, comparative religion, and the social and political dimensions of Islam. The curriculum covers Islamic fundamentals, Quran and Hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia), history of Islam, inter-religious dialogue, Islam in Africa, and contemporary issues in the Muslim world. Analytical and dialogue skills are developed through seminars and inter-faith engagement.
Kenya has a significant Muslim population, particularly along the coast, in North Eastern Kenya, and in urban centres. Understanding Islam is valuable for professionals working in government, NGOs, education, media, and inter-faith initiatives. The programme, offered through Tangaza University's Institute of Interreligious Dialogue and Islamic Studies (IRDIS), is unique in providing comparative and interdisciplinary training on Islam within a Christian university context.
The programme combines classroom lectures with seminar discussions, inter-faith dialogue sessions, and project work. Students engage with Islamic texts, participate in inter-religious dialogue exercises, and research contemporary issues in the Muslim world. Teaching methods include lectures, text study, group discussions, guest lectures from Muslim scholars, and field visits to mosques and Islamic centres. The programme is delivered in blended mode (online and face-to-face).
Graduates find employment in NGOs engaged in inter-faith work, community development in Muslim-majority areas, government agencies dealing with religious affairs, education, and media. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in Islamic studies, theology, religious studies, or inter-religious dialogue. Some graduates use the qualification to support careers in social work, education, or international relations.
This programme is ideal for individuals interested in understanding Islam for professional or personal reasons, including religious workers, NGO staff, teachers, journalists, and government personnel. The programme welcomes both Muslim and non-Muslim students seeking to engage with Islamic studies in an academic and inter-faith context.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Private, up to
- Ksh 35,000
- Job market
- Low
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Blended (Online and Face-to-face)
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 15 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
10 subjects- Islamic Theology and Creed
- Quran and Hadith Studies
- Islamic Jurisprudence (Sharia)
- History of Islam
- Inter-religious Dialogue
- Islam in Africa
- Comparative Religion
- Contemporary Issues in the Muslim World
- Islamic Ethics and Society
- Research Methods in Religious Studies
Modules
8 in the programmeIslamic Theology and Creed
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational Islamic theology covering the pillars of Islam, articles of faith, Tawhid (oneness of God), prophethood, and core Islamic beliefs.
Quran and Hadith Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to the Quran and Hadith covering Quranic structure, major themes, methods of interpretation (Tafsir), and the science of Hadith.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Sharia)
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Islamic jurisprudence covering the sources of Sharia, schools of Islamic law, key legal principles, and the application of Sharia in contemporary contexts.
History of Islam
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
History of Islam from its origins to the present, covering the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the caliphates, spread of Islam, and major historical developments.
Inter-religious Dialogue
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles and practice of inter-religious dialogue covering dialogue between Islam and Christianity, common ground, differences, and approaches to mutual understanding.
Islam in Africa
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Islam in Africa covering the spread of Islam in Africa, Islam in Kenya, African Muslim societies, and the relationship between Islam and African culture.
Contemporary Issues in the Muslim World
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Contemporary issues in the Muslim world covering modernism, reform, political Islam, gender, extremism, and the challenges of modernity for Muslim societies.
Research Methods and Capstone Project
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methods in religious studies and a capstone research project on a selected topic in Islamic studies or inter-religious dialogue.
Specialisations
Inter-religious Dialogue
Focus on dialogue between Islam and other religions, peace-building, and mutual understanding.
Islamic Jurisprudence
Focus on Islamic law, Sharia principles, and their application in contemporary contexts.
Islam in Africa
Focus on the history and practice of Islam in Africa, particularly in Kenya and East Africa.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on Islamic theology or history with afternoon seminar discussions and text study. Students engage with Quranic texts, participate in inter-religious dialogue exercises, and discuss contemporary issues in the Muslim world. Guest lectures from Muslim scholars and field visits to mosques and Islamic centres supplement classroom learning. The blended format includes online components.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Unique programme offering Islamic studies in an inter-faith context at a Christian university.
- Blended learning mode provides flexibility for working professionals and distance learners.
- Provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in Islamic studies, theology, and religious studies.
Against it
- Career opportunities are relatively niche, with limited direct employment in Islamic studies.
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
- Entry requirement discrepancy between sources (C+ vs D+); prospective students should confirm with the university.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Private: Tangaza 21K-35K/yr (tangaza.ac.ke). Public: UoN offers Arabic cert only, not Islamic Studies.
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities. Tangaza University may also offer institutional scholarships.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- KCSE C+ (per official Tangaza University programme page). Some sources cite D+ for certificate programmes. A letter of recommendation from a sponsor (Bishop, Religious Superior, Imam, or Parents) is required. Prospective students should confirm current requirements with the university.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination40% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of Islamic theology, history, and jurisprudence.
Seminar Participation and Presentations
Project30% of the mark
Seminar participation, text study presentations, and inter-religious dialogue exercises.
End of Semester Examinations and Capstone
Written examination30% of the mark
Final examinations and a capstone research project on a selected Islamic studies topic.
Accreditation
Tangaza University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered through the Institute of Interreligious Dialogue and Islamic Studies (IRDIS).
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Tangaza University is chartered by CUE. The programme is offered through IRDIS.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesInter-faith Programme Assistant
Low demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 50,000
Supports inter-faith dialogue and peace-building programmes in NGOs and religious organisations, facilitating dialogue between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
Community Development Assistant (Muslim Communities)
Moderate demandKsh 17,000 to Ksh 48,000
Supports community development programmes in Muslim-majority areas, applying understanding of Islamic culture and values to development work.
Research Assistant (Religious Studies)
Low demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 55,000
Supports research on Islamic studies or inter-religious topics in academic institutions, think tanks, or research organisations.
Education Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 45,000
Supports Islamic education or religious education programmes in schools, madrasas, or Islamic centres, applying academic understanding of Islam.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment in NGOs, inter-faith organisations, government agencies, and education, with opportunities for progression to diploma and degree programmes in Islamic studies and religious studies.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Islamic studies is only for Muslim students.
Islamic studies is valuable for anyone seeking to understand Islam, including non-Muslims working in inter-faith dialogue, NGOs, government, education, or media.
Studying Islam at a Christian university is contradictory.
Tangaza University's IRDIS is specifically designed for inter-religious dialogue, providing a unique comparative and interdisciplinary approach to Islamic studies.
Islamic studies has no career applications.
Understanding Islam is valuable in government, NGOs, education, media, inter-faith work, and community development, particularly in Kenya's diverse religious context.
Islamic studies is only about religion.
Islamic studies encompasses history, law, politics, ethics, culture, and social dynamics of the Muslim world, providing interdisciplinary knowledge.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Islamic Studies are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.