Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism

Program Description

Learning Outcomes

Requirements

Program Structure

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Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism
Institution
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Location
Qatar
Total Tuition
$ 24725
Intakes
September
Application deadline
February
Application Fee
69
Program Description

The Master of Science (MS) in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism is a multidisciplinary program that aims to equip future designers, curators, and historians with a critical and informed understanding of Islamic art and architecture across centuries, spanning from Andalusia to Central Asia into the present era.

This program encourages research towards safeguarding Islamic heritage by examining the diversity and the contextual history of Islamic material culture. In addition, graduates will investigate notions of rapid urbanization, designing civic spaces, spatial humanities, migration and urbanism, crosscultural art influences, heritage preservation, and more, qualifying them to pursue careers in Islamic art history, contemporary mosque architecture, sustainable urbanism fields, and related career pathways.

Hosting Institution

Graduates are expected to achieve specific analytical and practical competencies :

  • Critical Analysis: Develop tools to analyze buildings, public spaces, and historical objects at various scales.
  • Practical Application: Apply advanced skills in architectural design and urban planning specifically for Islamic contexts.
  • Heritage Safeguarding: Conduct research aimed at protecting and documenting Islamic cultural heritage.
  • Curatorial Expertise: Gain hands-on experience with artifacts—often through sessions at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha—to manage and display historical collections.
  • Sustainable Solutions: Formulate innovative urban design solutions that integrate traditional Islamic values with modern environmental ethics.

 

– Applicants seeking admissions to the Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism should have a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized institution in the related fields of Art History, Archaeology, Interior Architecture/Design, Architecture, and Urban Planning.

– Proof of English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL :79

First Year – First Semester

AHIA601 – History of Islamic Art and Architecture I (650–1250) – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA603 – Research and Design Methods – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA605 – Survey of Architectural Typologies of the Islamic World – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

AHIA602 – History of Islamic Art and Architecture II (1250–1900) – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA604 – Interpreting Environments: Habitat Values and Sustainable Practices in Islam – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA606 – Ahkam al-Bunyan: Building Ordinances – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

AHIA607 – Independent Project Modelling – 3 Credit Hours

Specialization Course 1 – 3 Credit Hours
(Chosen from one of the specializations below)

Specialization Course 2 – 3 Credit Hours
(Chosen from one of the specializations below)

Second Year – Second Semester

Elective Course – 3 Credit Hours

THES700 – Master’s Thesis – 6 Credit Hours

Specializations (Choose One Track – 6 Credit Hours)

Specialization I: Islamic Arts – History and Cultural Display

AHIA611 – Islamic Objects and Manuscripts – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA612 – Museum and Exhibition Studies – 3 Credit Hours

Specialization II: Contemporary Mosque Architecture

AHIA621 – Islamic Architecture and Urbanism in the 20th and 21st Centuries – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA622 – Mosque Architecture Design – 3 Credit Hours

Specialization III: Sustainable Cities of Muslim Societies

AHIA631 – Contemporary Cities for Muslim Societies – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA632 – Globalization, Cities, and Urban Policies – 3 Credit Hours

Electives (Choose One – 3 Credit Hours)

AHIA641 – Sustainable Islamic Urbanism: Past and Present – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA642 – Urban Interventions in Historic Islamic Cities – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA643 – Physical Spaces and Spatial Humanities in Digital Societies – 3 Credit Hours
AHIA644 – Types and Typologies of Domestic Architecture – 3 Credit Hours

Program Overview
Study Format
Full-time
Program Level
Master's
Language Of Materials
English
Language Of Teaching
English
Mode
On-campus
Duration By Months
24
To request more information about the program

Contact Admission
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Phone Number
97444540000
Email
admissions@hbku.edu.qa

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