MBA Master of Business Administration (Islamic Finance)University of Bolton

Course Overview

Islamic finance is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the financial industry, currently valued at over $1.5 trillion. This postgraduate qualification features a range of contemporary modules designed to equip individuals with prior management or business experience for success in this dynamic field.

No matter your current industry or commerce sector, this MBA course will help you develop essential skills for a career in Islamic finance. The program aims to provide a critical understanding of the challenges facing enterprises and organizations, while equipping you with the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to identify innovative solutions—qualities that are highly valued by prestigious international employers.

The course will teach you how to assess and implement best practices in key areas of business management, as well as in the commercial development of both general and Islamic finance products and services. You’ll gain the ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.

Highlights

Postgraduate Community: Join a well-established community focused on preparing for careers in executive management within the Islamic finance sector.
Expert Faculty: Benefit from instruction by a dedicated team of experienced staff from the Centre of Islamic Finance and the Institute of Management at the University of Bolton.
Comprehensive Resources: Access the university’s excellent libraries, 24/7 IT facilities, WiFi, and study areas.
Research Support: Engage with a research and study skills module to enhance your academic performance.
Guest Lectures: Attend sessions led by guest speakers from the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), focusing on holistic approaches to strategy, risk management, stakeholder interests, and financial performance.

Key Features

Advanced Knowledge: Gain an in-depth understanding of strategic management and Islamic finance issues within a global business context.
Islamic Law and Business: Develop a comprehensive understanding of Islamic law methodologies and their application in business transactions.
Specialized Teaching: Learn from a dedicated faculty with expertise in Islamic law and banking.
Interactive Learning: Access online course materials to prepare for classes and ensure highly interactive in-person learning.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

Significant work experience in a business or management role.
A UK Honours degree/postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

If you do not meet these qualifications but have substantial managerial experience, your application will still be considered. Additionally, we will evaluate applications where relevant work experience can substitute for or complement the listed academic qualifications, in accordance with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.

As part of the application process, you will be required to attend an interview. Your application must include a reference from your current employer, detailing your employment duration and outlining your roles and responsibilities. Additionally, please provide a reflective overview of your managerial responsibilities to date.

Career Opportunities

This postgraduate qualification is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the expanding and sophisticated Islamic finance sector. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics, products, performance metrics, and risk management challenges.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, while critically evaluating and implementing best practices in business management. You’ll also learn to plan and manage general, commercial, and Islamic finance products and services.

Islamic finance has emerged as a robust industry that complements conventional banking, creating a demand for professionals who possess a unique blend of solid financial expertise and knowledge of Islamic finance principles. A deeper understanding of this field will enhance your competitiveness in the global financial market.

What Can I Do with This Qualification?

Upon completing the program, you will be well-prepared to pursue a variety of management roles within the Islamic finance sector, regulatory agencies, and the public, private, and voluntary sectors. Employers across a range of industries—including financial institutions, technology firms, blue-chip companies, and SMEs—actively seek MBA graduates specializing in Islamic finance. The universal appeal of this qualification lies in its emphasis on core business principles.

An MBA in Islamic Finance is globally recognized, making it advantageous for those interested in pursuing a career in international business, particularly given the high regard for UK business school qualifications. This degree can also facilitate specialization in your current sector or a new industry you wish to explore. If you wish to continue your academic journey, you may consider pursuing a research degree (MPhil, DBA, or PhD).

Alternative Career Options

Graduates can also leverage this qualification as a stepping stone into various other careers, some of which may require relevant experience and/or further postgraduate study. Potential roles include:

Supply Chain Management
Product Management
Banking
Accountancy
Law
Auditing and Quality Assurance
Financial Management
Consultancy
Teaching and Education
Hotel and Leisure Management
Public Relations
Information Systems
Market Research Analysis
Advertising
Risk and Insurance
Purchasing
Logistics
Marketing
Human Resources
Global Investment

With this qualification, you’ll be well-prepared to explore a wide range of career paths in both Islamic finance and beyond.

Modules

The following modules may include a combination of compulsory and optional courses. Please note that not all modules may be available for study as part of the program.