About the Centre
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:
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) Islamic Studies major | Melbourne, Griffith, UWS |
| BA Honours (Islamic Studies) | Melbourne, Griffith, UWS |
| Graduate Diploma in Arts (Islamic Studies) | Melbourne |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Islamic Studies) | Melbourne |
| Master of Islamic Studies (Coursework/Minor Thesis) | Melbourne * |
| Master of Arts (Islamic Studies) by Research (MA) | Melbourne, Griffith, UWS |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Melbourne, Griffith, UWS |
* Available from 2009