Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations

The Master of Arts in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations is a postgraduate programme offered by St. Paul's University through its School of Theology. The programme provides advanced training in Islamic studies, Christian-Muslim relations, and interfaith dialogue, preparing graduates for careers in religious leadership, interfaith dialogue, academic research, and community peacebuilding.

The programme examines the theological, historical, and contemporary dimensions of Christian-Muslim relations, equipping students with knowledge of Islam, Christian theology, interfaith dialogue, and the social and political dynamics shaping Muslim-Christian interactions. Students develop competence in Islamic studies, comparative religion, conflict resolution, and interfaith engagement.

Core areas of study include Islamic theology and jurisprudence, Christian theology of religions, history of Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith dialogue, Qur'anic studies, comparative religion, religion and conflict, religion and peacebuilding, and research methods. The programme emphasises both theological understanding and practical interfaith engagement.

St. Paul's University is an Anglican university with a long tradition of theological education in Kenya. The ICMR programme is unique in East Africa, addressing the growing need for informed Christian and Muslim leaders who can engage constructively with interfaith challenges. Scholarships are available specifically for ICMR students through university partnerships.

The programme is designed for religious leaders, theologians, educators, and development practitioners seeking expertise in Christian-Muslim relations for careers in religious institutions, interfaith organisations, academic institutions, and peacebuilding. Students complete coursework over four semesters followed by a dissertation.

Graduates are prepared for careers as interfaith dialogue coordinators, religious educators, peacebuilding officers, academic researchers, religious leaders, and community development specialists in religious institutions, interfaith organisations, universities, NGOs, and government agencies.

Skills Required

Islamic Studies
Christian Theology of Religions
Interfaith Dialogue
Qur'anic Studies
Comparative Religion
Religion and Conflict Analysis
Religion and Peacebuilding
Christian-Muslim Relations
Religious Leadership
Research Methods in Religious Studies

Key Subjects

Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence
Christian Theology of Religions
History of Christian-Muslim Relations
Interfaith Dialogue
Qur'anic Studies
Comparative Religion
Religion and Conflict
Religion and Peacebuilding
African Islam
Research Methods in Religious Studies

Certifications

PROCMRA Interfaith Relations Certification
IRCK Interfaith Dialogue Certification

Specializations

Islamic Studies

Focuses on the study of Islam including theology, jurisprudence, history, and contemporary Islamic thought.

Interfaith Dialogue

Covers interfaith dialogue theory and practice including dialogue methodologies, interfaith communication, and interreligious cooperation.

Religion and Peacebuilding

Examines the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding including religious peacebuilding, reconciliation, and interfaith peace initiatives.

Christian Theology of Religions

Focuses on Christian theological approaches to other religions including pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism in Christian theology.

Qur'anic Studies

Covers the study of the Qur'an including textual analysis, interpretation, and the relationship between Qur'anic teachings and Christian-Muslim relations.

Comparative Religion

Examines comparative approaches to Christianity and Islam including theological comparisons, shared traditions, and points of divergence.

Religion and Development

Focuses on the role of religion in development including faith-based development, religious NGOs, and interfaith development cooperation.

African Islam

Examines Islam in African contexts including African Islamic traditions, Muslim-Christian relations in Africa, and African interfaith movements.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 275,600
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence
Christian Theology of Religions
History of Christian-Muslim Relations
Interfaith Dialogue
Qur'anic Studies
Comparative Religion
Religion and Conflict
Religion and Peacebuilding
African Islam
Research Methods in Religious Studies

Modules

10 in the programme

Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines Islamic theology including beliefs, practices, and jurisprudence, providing foundational understanding of Islamic faith and law.
Christian Theology of Religions
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Christian theological approaches to other religions including pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism, and Christian perspectives on Islam.
History of Christian-Muslim Relations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the historical trajectory of Christian-Muslim relations from early Islam to the present, including periods of cooperation and conflict.
Qur'anic Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the study of the Qur'an including structure, themes, interpretation, and the relationship between Qur'anic teachings and interfaith relations.
Interfaith Dialogue
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines interfaith dialogue theory and practice including dialogue methodologies, interfaith communication, and interreligious cooperation.
Comparative Religion
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers comparative approaches to Christianity and Islam including theological comparisons, shared traditions, and points of divergence.
Religion and Conflict
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines the role of religion in conflict including religious extremism, identity-based conflict, and the manipulation of religion for political ends.
Religion and Peacebuilding
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers religious peacebuilding including interfaith peace initiatives, religious reconciliation, and the role of faith communities in conflict transformation.
African Islam and Interfaith Relations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines Islam in African contexts including African Islamic traditions, Muslim-Christian relations in Africa, and African interfaith movements.
Dissertation
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research dissertation on a Christian-Muslim relations topic, demonstrating mastery of interfaith analysis and research, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Islamic Studies
Focuses on the study of Islam including theology, jurisprudence, history, and contemporary Islamic thought.
Interfaith Dialogue
Covers interfaith dialogue theory and practice including dialogue methodologies, interfaith communication, and interreligious cooperation.
Religion and Peacebuilding
Examines the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding including religious peacebuilding, reconciliation, and interfaith peace initiatives.
Christian Theology of Religions
Focuses on Christian theological approaches to other religions including pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism in Christian theology.
Qur'anic Studies
Covers the study of the Qur'an including textual analysis, interpretation, and the relationship between Qur'anic teachings and Christian-Muslim relations.
Comparative Religion
Examines comparative approaches to Christianity and Islam including theological comparisons, shared traditions, and points of divergence.
Religion and Development
Focuses on the role of religion in development including faith-based development, religious NGOs, and interfaith development cooperation.
African Islam
Examines Islam in African contexts including African Islamic traditions, Muslim-Christian relations in Africa, and African interfaith movements.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on Islamic theology, Christian theology of religions, or interfaith dialogue at St. Paul's University's School of Theology in Limuru. Students engage in seminar discussions on Christian-Muslim relations, analysing theological texts from both traditions and contemporary interfaith challenges. The programme includes Qur'anic study sessions where students examine Islamic scripture alongside biblical texts. Students participate in interfaith dialogue practicals, engaging with Muslim students and community members in structured dialogue exercises. Guest lectures from Muslim scholars, interfaith practitioners, and religious leaders provide diverse perspectives. Field visits to mosques and Islamic centres complement classroom learning. Those in the research phase conduct independent research on Christian-Muslim relations topics, working on their dissertation under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Unique programme in East Africa specifically focused on Christian-Muslim relations, addressing a critical need for interfaith understanding.
Scholarships specifically available for ICMR students through university partnerships, reducing financial burden.
Programme addresses Kenya's interfaith challenges and promotes national cohesion, making it highly relevant to contemporary social needs.
Strong industry links with interfaith organisations including IRCK, PROCMRA, and NCCK providing networking and career opportunities.

Against it

Private university fees are higher than public university alternatives for theology and religious studies.
Only one institution offers this specific programme, limiting choice and comparison.
The programme is niche and may be perceived as too specialised for broader career markets.
The dissertation requirement adds a one-off fee of KES 99,000 in the final year, increasing total programme cost.

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 courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private191k to 276k

191k at Africa International University276k at St. Paul's University

Annual 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

UoN 220.5K/yr. SPU 137.8K/sem=275.6K/yr. AIU 191K/yr. Maseno unverified

St. Paul's University offers scholarships specifically for ICMR students through university partnerships, covering partial tuition for new students. PROCMRA may provide bursaries for students focusing on Christian-Muslim relations in Africa. HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students.

Funding options

SPU ICMR Scholarship
HELB Postgraduate Loan
PROCMRA Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

SPU ICMR Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
New ICMR students accepted into the programme, with preference for students from NCCK-affiliated churches. Requires a writing sample about interest in ICMR.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
PROCMRA Bursaries
ScholarshipKsh 80,000
Students focusing on Christian-Muslim relations in Africa, administered through PROCMRA. Availability varies.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes at St. Paul's University Limuru Main Campus. Duration is 2 years (4 semesters). Application fee is KES 3,000. International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency. A writing sample about interest in ICMR is required for scholarship consideration.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, theological analysis essays, interfaith dialogue reports, seminar presentations, and research assignments conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering Islamic studies, Christian theology, and interfaith relations, including essay questions and text analysis.
Interfaith Dialogue Practicum
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment involving participation in structured interfaith dialogue exercises, demonstrating dialogue facilitation and interfaith engagement skills.
Dissertation
Research100% of the mark
Original research dissertation on a Christian-Muslim relations topic, demonstrating mastery of interfaith analysis and research, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by St. Paul's University through its School of Theology, an Anglican university with a long tradition of theological education.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa
Programme partnership
Pan-African organisation promoting Christian-Muslim relations. PROCMRA partners with SPU on the ICMR programme, providing networking and professional recognition.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Interfaith Dialogue Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Coordinates interfaith dialogue programmes for religious institutions, interfaith councils, or NGOs, facilitating Christian-Muslim engagement and cooperation.
Religious Educator
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches religious studies or Islamic studies at universities, theological colleges, or schools, applying expertise in Christian-Muslim relations.
Peacebuilding Officer
Moderate demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 300,000
Works on peacebuilding programmes involving religious communities, applying interfaith expertise to conflict transformation and reconciliation.
Academic Researcher
Low demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts research on Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith dialogue, or religion and society for universities, research institutions, or think tanks.
Religious Leader
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000
Serves as a religious leader with specialised expertise in Christian-Muslim relations, guiding interfaith engagement in religious communities.
Community Development Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 280,000
Works on community development programmes involving Muslim and Christian communities, applying interfaith expertise to development cooperation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as interfaith dialogue coordinators, religious educators, peacebuilding officers, and academic researchers in religious institutions, interfaith organisations, and universities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

BibleWorks
SoftwarePrimary
Bible study software for biblical text analysis, supporting research in Christian theology and comparative scripture studies.
Qur'an Study Software
SoftwarePrimary
Digital Qur'an study tools for text analysis, interpretation, and comparative study of Islamic and Christian scriptures.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing interview data, religious texts, and field notes in interfaith relations research.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources, citations, and bibliographies in religious studies research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme is only for Christians studying Islam.
The programme is open to both Christian and Muslim students seeking to understand Christian-Muslim relations and promote interfaith dialogue.
Studying Christian-Muslim relations is about converting people.
The programme focuses on mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence, not proselytisation or conversion.
Religion causes conflict, so studying interfaith relations is futile.
The programme examines how religion can be both a source of conflict and a resource for peacebuilding, equipping graduates to harness interfaith cooperation for peace.
This degree only leads to religious leadership careers.
Graduates work in interfaith organisations, peacebuilding, development, education, research, and government, applying interfaith expertise across diverse sectors.
Christian-Muslim relations is not relevant in Kenya.
Kenya has significant Muslim and Christian populations, with interfaith dynamics affecting politics, development, and social cohesion, making this programme highly relevant.
You need to be a religious leader to benefit from this programme.
The programme is valuable for educators, development practitioners, peacebuilders, researchers, and anyone working in contexts with Muslim-Christian interactions.