Durham University Business School is reimagining its MSc Islamic Finance programme, set to launch in September 2025. The updated programme will integrate a stronger focus on sustainable development, climate risk, financial technology (fintech), and social governance. These enhancements are designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges facing the Islamic finance sector, with the addition of crucial skills for ethical decision-making and socio-economic understanding in the wider finance industry.
The MSc Islamic Finance programme, which has been offered since 2009, has earned a reputation as a leader in its field. The recent curriculum modifications aim to equip students with the specialist knowledge needed to excel in the Islamic finance industry, while also enhancing their capacity to address global socio-economic challenges. These updates are particularly timely, given the increasing importance of sustainability, fintech, and social responsibility within financial markets.
Programme director, Professor Mehmet Asutay, emphasised that the updates reflect the need for the programme to adapt to a changing global landscape.
“Our goal is to stay ahead in Islamic finance education,” says Professor Asutay. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential that we equip our students not just to navigate, but also to lead the way forward. This updated curriculum integrates key global issues such as climate change, fintech, and social governance, ensuring our students are future-ready.
Addressing Global Challenges Through Islamic Finance
The revamped curriculum will introduce a heightened emphasis on Islamic Social Financing, exploring its role in addressing global crises. Topics such as sustainable development, climate risk, and social governance will be examined through the Islamic finance perspective, highlighting the sector’s capacity to provide solutions during times of global uncertainty. Students will also explore the intersection of Islamic finance and fintech, particularly in terms of accessibility and financial inclusion.
By focusing on these areas, the programme aims to prepare students to contribute to financial solutions that are not only profitable but also socially responsible and sustainable.
Customisable Learning and International Opportunities
The MSc Islamic Finance programme provides flexibility, allowing students to tailor their education by selecting elective modules alongside core courses. Key modules within the core curriculum include Islamic Political Economy, Islamic Law and Financial Transactions, Islamic Banking and Finance, and Financial Management. Electives will expand the scope of the programme, with options in areas such as Islamic Capital Markets, Risk Management in Islamic Finance, and Climate Finance.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an international study tour, visiting leading financial hubs in Europe to gain valuable insight into global markets.
Additionally, students will benefit from free access to the Durham Islamic Finance Summer School (DIFSS), an exclusive programme designed to expand their knowledge and network. The summer school is renowned for offering both training from faculty members and guidance from leading industry professionals, providing students with direct exposure to the dynamics of the Islamic finance sector.
Applications Now Open
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, and prospective students can apply until the end of August 2025. The programme welcomes applications from recent graduates, as well as individuals with professional experience in finance who are looking to specialise in Islamic finance or transition into the field.
