The National Centre of Excellence aims to advance the knowledge and understanding of the rich traditions and modern complexities of Islam, and to profile Australia's strengths in the field of Islamic studies. The Centre will also assist in developing a national and regional response to needs in research, teaching and community engagement.

The Centre was established in 2007 with funding from the Australian Government.

Three Universities

The National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies will provide access to academic expertise at the University of Melbourne, Griffith University and the University of Western Sydney.

The University of Melbourne has taught Arabic and Islamic studies for more than four decades. Research is conducted through the Asia Institute and the Centre for Islamic Law and Society in areas such as modern Islamic thought, philosophy, literature, gender and law.

The Griffith University Islamic Research Unit, established with substantial funding from the Queensland Muslim community, has developed a strong relationship and reputation with Australian government agencies and the Muslim community.

The University of Western Sydney also has a substantial program of studies in Arabic at undergraduate and postgraduate level and research expertise in Arabic language, interpreting and translation, sociological and cultural studies.

Internationally Recognised Staff

Our staff are committed teachers and scholars who are internationally renowned for their research in Islamic and Arabic studies, politics, anthropology, economics, linguistics, history, religion and society.

Our academic staff are also widely published and are regularly awarded significant research grants by national and international agencies. Many also hold joint appointments in a range of academic departments including medicine, political science, history and law.

Community Engagement

The National Centre of Excellence is based at the University of Melbourne and is headed by the Centre Director, Professor Abdullah Saeed.

The Centre is advised on community needs by a National Consultative Committee comprising representatives of the Muslim community in Australia, academic staff from the Centre and an Australian Government representative. The Centre is keen to establish a register of interested community members and would be happy to receive your feedback and comments.

State-based consultative committees also represent the Muslim community in each State and provide a forum for matters of importance to local communities.

Leading Degrees

Specialist degrees available at undergraduate and postgraduate level include:

NCEIS' Objectives

• The Centre aims to be a world-class centre of research educational excellence in Islamic studies
• The Centre's activities will focus on issues of significance and relevance to Islam and Muslims in the contemporary period with a special focus on Australia.
• The Centre will function as a source of expert advice for government, national and international organisations on matters related to contemporary Islam.
• The Centre will deliver courses on campus in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and eventually across Australia via distance education or new collaborative arrangements.
• The Centre's courses aim to provide a knowledge and skill foundation for students aspiring to religious and community leadership roles in Australia and will provide opportunities for professional development in relevant areas.
• The Centre's courses will help prepare people for work with and in Australian Muslim communities, for instance schoolteachers, social workers, health professionals, business managers, community leaders and other professionals.
• The Centre will establish international connections and develop research programs that will advance Australian and international understanding of Islam.
• The Centre will have an ongoing engagement with the Australian community, which will inform its programs and activities.
• The Centre's teaching and research activities will promote harmony and cultural inclusiveness.