MBA Master of Business Administration (Islamic Finance)

Course Overview

Islamic finance is among the fastest-growing sectors in the financial industry, currently valued at over $3.95 trillion. This prestigious MBA qualification offers a comprehensive suite of contemporary modules tailored for individuals with prior management or business experience seeking to excel in this dynamic field.

Regardless of your current industry, this highly regarded postgraduate course will equip you with essential skills for a career in Islamic finance. The program aims to provide a critical understanding of the challenges faced by enterprises and organizations, empowering you with the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to identify innovative solutions—qualities that are highly sought after by leading international employers.

The course covers the evaluation and development of best practices in key areas of business management, as well as the commercial development of both general and Islamic finance products and services. You will have the opportunity to cultivate the skills needed to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

The MBA in Islamic Finance offered by the University of Bolton commences every May and spans 13 months. For information on alternative start dates and course durations, please refer to our related courses.

Highlights

Established Community: Join a well-established postgraduate network focused on preparing for careers in executive management within the Islamic finance sector.
Expert Faculty: Learn from a dedicated team of experienced staff from the Centre for Islamic Finance and the Greater Manchester Business School.
Comprehensive Resources: Access excellent university 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: Participate in sessions led by guest speakers from the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), emphasizing holistic approaches to strategy, risk, stakeholder interests, and financial performance.

Key Features

Advanced Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of strategic management and Islamic finance issues within a global business context.
Islamic Law Concepts: Develop a comprehensive grasp of the methodologies and concepts of Islamic law, and learn how to apply these principles within Islamic business transactions.
Specialized Instruction: Benefit from teaching by a highly dedicated faculty with expertise in Islamic law and banking.
Interactive Learning: Access online course materials to prepare in advance, ensuring that in-class learning remains engaging and interactive.

By choosing to study with us, you’ll enjoy Bolton’s vibrant shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK’s most multicultural and lively cities, is just a 20-minute train ride away. The North West of England is also renowned for its beautiful countryside and rich heritage, making Bolton an ideal base for cultural and outdoor exploration.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for the program, you 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 lack the specified qualifications but have substantial managerial experience, your application will still be considered. We also welcome applications where appropriate work experience can supplement or replace the academic qualifications, in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.

As part of the application process, you will need 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 prestigious postgraduate qualification equips you with the knowledge necessary to thrive in the expanding and sophisticated Islamic finance sector. You will gain a deeper understanding of the industry, its products, performance metrics, and risk management challenges.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop essential skills for effective independent and team-oriented work. The University of Bolton’s expert tutors will guide you in critically evaluating and implementing best practices in business management, including the planning and management of both general and Islamic finance products and services.

Islamic finance has established itself as a robust industry that complements conventional banking. The Islamic market requires specialized expertise that merges strong financial knowledge with insights into Islamic finance. A deeper understanding of this field will enhance your competitiveness in the global financial marketplace.

What Can I Do with This Qualification?

Upon successful completion of this MBA program, you will be qualified for a variety of management roles within the Islamic finance sector, regulatory agencies, and the public, private, and voluntary sectors. A diverse range of employers—including financial institutions, technology companies, blue-chip firms, and SMEs—actively seek MBA graduates specializing in Islamic finance. The universal appeal of this qualification lies in its emphasis on foundational business principles.

An MBA in Islamic Finance is globally respected, making it an excellent choice for those interested in a career in international business, especially since qualifications from UK business schools are highly regarded. This degree can also enable you to specialize further in your current sector or transition to a new industry. If you choose to continue your studies, you may pursue 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 additional postgraduate study. Potential roles include: