Islamic Studies Growing in Popularity, Report Shows

February 18, 2008

Author: Anthea Lipsett and Natasha Gilbert

Source: The Guardian

http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/news/story/0,,2257754,00.html

The number of students on Islamic studies programmes has risen in the last four years, according to a new report from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce).

The study found students taking Islamic studies, either as a full degree or part of one, rose by 12% between 2002 and 2006, compared with the 7% rise across all subjects.

A total of 635 students were taking Islamic studies across all year groups in 2005/6, 188 of whom were at first degree level.

The findings will help Hefce decide where to allocate the £1m extra funding announced by the government in June to help improve the teaching of Islamic studies in the UK.