The Aga Khan University's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) addresses the past, present and future of Muslim cultures and societies through its master’s degree programme, research, publications and outreach.​

Founded in 2002, the Institute advances AKU’s commitment to academic excellence and to illuminating the complex challenges facing the world today. Based in London’s thriving King’s Cross neighbourhood and housed within the Fumihiko Maki-designed Aga Khan Centre, it is a member of the Knowledge Quarter. This is a partnership of more than 100 academic, cultural, research, scientific and media organisations.

Research

Research at the Institute examines both the history of Muslim civilisations and issues critical to contemporary societies, including those that may be controversial and relatively unexplored within Muslim contexts. Many of the most intractable challenges facing people in the Muslim world revolve around highly contentious topics that can be difficult to discuss openly in the political and cultural contexts in which they matter. Basing the Institute in London was therefore a strategic decision to ensure that free and open enquiry and debate would be enabled. London’s long tradition of freedom of thought and expression make this the ideal city for our Institute, which bridges so many different parts of the globe.​ Learn more

Study

Our master’s degree programme opens new perspectives on Muslim heritage, modernity, culture, religion and society. Our faculty includes specialists in anthropology, archaeology, economics, history, law, literary studies, sociology, international relations and political science. An ISMC education provides deep insight into Muslim cultures and civilisations, and develops the skills for engaging critically with complex questions and debates.

AKU-ISMC offers an MA in Muslim Cultures and a Dual Master’s Degree with Columbia University in New York City. Classes are small, teaching is student centred, and our curriculum examines Muslim societies within a framework of world cultures. Learn more

Publications

AKU-ISMC publications address scholarly approaches to Islam, Muslims and Muslim societies. They create access to scholarship from Muslim contexts, translate work by scholars working in languages other than English, and foster intellectual exchange and dialogue about and between Muslim societies and cultures. The Institute publishes an Occasional Paper Series, three series with Edinburgh University Press, and individual volumes. Learn more

Events and Short Courses

The Institute offers intellectually stimulating short courses a​nd public events that cover a wide range of topics for students, professionals an​d academics. ​We also design and deliver tailor-made short courses for public and private organisations. Learn more