Diploma in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies
The Diploma in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies is a programme that combines Arabic language proficiency with Islamic studies knowledge. Offered at the Islamic University of Kenya and Umma University, the programme prepares students for careers in education, religious leadership and community service.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 99,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Arabic grammar, Arabic morphology, Quranic studies, Hadith sciences, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), Islamic theology (aqeedah), Islamic history, Arabic literature, Quranic exegesis (tafsir), translation, communication skills, ICT, entrepreneurship and research methods. Students develop both Arabic language competencies and Islamic studies knowledge.
Kenya's Muslim community requires qualified Arabic language and Islamic studies professionals for education, religious leadership and community guidance. The programme responds to the need for individuals who can teach Arabic and Islamic studies, provide religious guidance and support Islamic educational institutions.
The programme is delivered through lectures, language laboratory sessions, Quranic text analysis, seminar discussions and independent study. Students develop their Arabic language skills and Islamic studies knowledge through structured instruction, text analysis and scholarly discussion.
Graduates pursue careers as Arabic and Islamic studies teachers, madrasa instructors, religious educators, mosque administrators, Islamic organisation staff, translators and community development officers in schools, madrasas, mosques, Islamic NGOs and Muslim community organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies or related degree programmes.
Prospective students should have an interest in Arabic language and Islamic studies, with a commitment to serving the Muslim community through education and religious guidance. The programme is suitable for students seeking a combined foundation in language and religious studies.
What you study
7 subjects- Arabic Grammar and Morphology
- Quranic Studies and Tafsir
- Hadith Sciences and Islamic Jurisprudence
- Islamic Theology and History
- Arabic Literature and Translation
- Communication Skills and ICT
- Entrepreneurship and Research Methods
Modules
6 in the programmeArabic Grammar and Morphology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Arabic grammar rules, noun and verb forms, morphological patterns, sentence structure and grammatical analysis of Arabic texts.
Quranic Studies and Tafsir
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Quranic sciences, Quranic vocabulary, principles of tafsir, methods of Quranic exegesis and analysis of selected Quranic passages.
Hadith Sciences and Islamic Jurisprudence
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Hadith terminology, Hadith classification, principles of Islamic jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh), major schools of fiqh and applied jurisprudence.
Islamic Theology and History
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Islamic theology (aqeedah), articles of faith, Islamic history, the Prophet's biography, the caliphate era and Islamic civilisation.
Arabic Literature and Translation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers classical and modern Arabic literature, poetry, prose, literary analysis, translation theory and Arabic-English translation practice.
Communication, ICT and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers communication skills, ICT applications, research methodology, entrepreneurship and project management for Islamic studies projects.
Specialisations
Quranic Studies
Focuses on Quranic sciences, tafsir methodology and Quranic text analysis for careers in religious education.
Islamic Jurisprudence
Specialises in fiqh, usul al-fiqh and applied jurisprudence for careers in religious guidance and legal consultation.
Arabic Language Education
Focuses on Arabic language teaching methods and pedagogy for careers in Arabic language education.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on Arabic grammar or Quranic studies, followed by a text analysis session studying Quranic verses or Hadith. Afternoon sessions may include a seminar discussion on Islamic jurisprudence, a translation exercise from Arabic to English, or a group presentation on Islamic history. Students also work on Arabic writing assignments and research projects on Islamic topics.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme combines Arabic language with Islamic studies, providing a comprehensive foundation for serving Kenya's Muslim community. | Career opportunities are primarily within the Muslim community sector, which may have limited formal employment positions. |
| The programme is offered at two universities, providing some choice in institution and fee structure. | The programme is only offered at private universities, with no public university option for this specific combination. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies or Arabic Language with credit transfers. | — |
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
IUK 99K, Umma 60K/yr private (mwafrikah.com, umma.ac.ke). Public: none found.
Students can access HELB loans. Both universities may offer internal financial aid for qualifying students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Certificate in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies or related field from a recognised institution.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Umma University, Islamic University of Kenya.
Including Umma University, Islamic University of Kenya.
Including Umma University, Islamic University of Kenya.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering Arabic grammar, Quranic studies and Islamic jurisprudence.
Text Analysis and Translation Exercises
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of Quranic text analysis, Hadith classification exercises and Arabic-English translation practice.
Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A research project on a topic in Arabic language or Islamic studies, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the Islamic University of Kenya and Umma University.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesArabic and Islamic Studies Teacher
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teaches Arabic language and Islamic studies at primary, secondary or madrasa level, developing students' Arabic and Islamic knowledge.
Madrasa Instructor
Low demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 80,000
Provides instruction in Arabic language, Quranic studies and Islamic sciences at madrasas and Islamic educational institutions.
Religious Educator
Low demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 70,000
Provides religious education and guidance in mosques, Islamic centres and community organisations.
Translator
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Translates Arabic religious texts, documents and communications for Islamic organisations, publishers and educational institutions.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as Arabic and Islamic studies teachers, madrasa instructors and religious educators in schools, mosques and Islamic organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
- Montessori EducatorEducation15Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme is only for aspiring imams.
While the programme supports religious education, graduates work in diverse roles including teaching, translation, community development and Islamic organisation management.
Arabic and Islamic studies has no relevance in modern Kenya.
Kenya's significant Muslim population, trade links with Arabic-speaking countries and growing Islamic finance sector create demand for Arabic and Islamic studies professionals.
The programme is only for Muslims.
The programme is open to all students interested in Arabic language and Islamic studies, regardless of religious background, as these fields have academic and professional relevance.
A diploma in Arabic and Islamic studies cannot lead to further study.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, Arabic Language or related degree programmes with credit transfers.