Is the Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies a religious qualification?

No. It is an academic diploma. Religious authority is conferred by religious institutions and traditions; this course supports study and understanding rather than ordination or imamate.

Do I need to be Muslim to enrol?

No. The Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies welcomes students from any faith background or none, provided they engage respectfully and academically.

Will the Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies prepare me for chaplaincy work?

It can form part of preparation, but chaplaincy roles usually have additional pastoral training and institutional requirements set by employers and faith bodies. Check the specific path in your country.

What does the peace-studies element actually cover?

It engages with conflict resolution, community cohesion and ethical thinking, connected with Islamic moral and legal traditions where relevant.

Is study in Arabic required?

No. The diploma is taught in English. Engagement with Arabic terms is included where useful, but Arabic fluency is not assumed.

Can I take the diploma online?

Yes. The reading-led nature of the course suits online and blended study well.

Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies | HICL | Harold International College of London

Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies at HICL

Religion is rarely the simple subject public commentary pretends it is. Islamic thought has produced fourteen centuries of legal reasoning, ethical writing, spiritual reflection and political theory — and that intellectual depth is exactly what makes serious study of it useful in contemporary contexts. The Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies is for people who want to engage with that tradition academically while connecting it to the modern conversation about peace, community and coexistence.

This is a respectful, study-led qualification. It is not preaching, and it is not a religious-leadership licence — it is a structured academic introduction to Islamic studies with a peace-studies lens.

Why Pair Peace with Islamic Studies

Conflict resolution, community cohesion, interfaith work and youth mentoring all benefit from interlocutors who understand the religious texts and traditions the communities they serve actually use. The Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies takes the position that nuance matters — that quoting selectively does damage, and that careful reading does the opposite.

Who This Diploma Is For

Community workers, youth workers and social-care staff serving Muslim communities.
Teachers in Islamic schools and madrasas seeking academic structure alongside their work.
NGO and faith-based charity staff working in interfaith or peace-building contexts.
Curious adult learners wanting a serious, academically framed introduction to Islamic thought.

Where the Diploma Leads

Graduates of the Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies typically use it to support roles in community work, religious education, faith-based NGO operations, interfaith liaison and pastoral support, and as a foundation for further academic study in Islamic studies or religion more broadly. The Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies is not a route to imamate, qadi authority or formal religious leadership — those are conferred by religious institutions and traditions, not by an academic provider.

How the Diploma Is Delivered

Reading, written reflection, applied discussion and study of selected primary and secondary texts form the core. Online and blended modes are typically available. Module structure and intake calendar are confirmed at enrolment.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school or equivalent.
IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
Minimum age of 18 at the start of the course.
Genuine interest in scholarly engagement; no prior formal Islamic studies required.

Apply for the Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies

If you want a careful, study-led entry into Islamic thought and peace work, click Enroll Now to start your application for the Diploma in Peace and Islamic Studies. HICL admissions will respond within one working day.