Islamic studies to become a “strategic” subject in Higher Education - Rammell
04 June 2007Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell today announced that Islamic studies at degree level will be designated a 'strategically' important subject. This is in response to the findings of the independent review “Universities in England – meeting the needs and investing in the future” by Dr Ataullah Siddiqui which has been published today.
Islamic studies is to be designated “strategically” important because of its contribution to the UK's political and cultural capital through its role in promoting understanding of Islam in the context of the world today. This would in turn contribute to preventing violent extremism in the name of Islam and improving community cohesion. A strategically important subject is a subject where there is a national interest (for the economy or society) in safeguarding research and/or the supply of graduates with the right knowledge and skills. Dr Siddiqui’s review as well as other reports and conferences on Islam in higher education have told us that Islamic studies departments are concentrating too much on a Middle Eastern focus and ignoring the realities of Islam in modern multi-cultural Britain. This risks focussing on “out of date and irrelevant issues” In response Mr Rammell has said that The DfES will work with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the University sector to develop a comprehensive long term project to address the gaps in Islamic studies teaching and research. £1 million has been committed from HEFCE to start this work. He has also called on the HE and Further Education sectors to work more closely with Muslim communities on pastoral support for Muslim students and to build links between Islamic seminaries and mainstream education.Bill Rammell said:
“Dr Siddiqui’s review provides a thoughtful and helpful contribution to a particularly complex and sensitive subject. The effective and accurate delivery of Islamic studies within our Universities is important for a multitude of reasons including wider community cohesion and preventing violent extremism in the name of Islam which is why I am announcing that I have asked HEFCE to designate Islamic studies as a Strategic subject.” “Islamic studies has existed as a subject within our universities since 1632 and is a subject which has had sustained academic interest since that point. But, it is important that the study of Islamic studies within Higher Education is up to date and focuses on relevant issues. Dr Siddiqui’s review as well as other reports and conferences on Islam in higher education have told us that Islamic studies departments are concentrating too much on a Middle Eastern focus and ignoring the realities of Islam in modern multi-cultural “ “The wider findings of Dr Siddiqui’s review will also contribute to the government’s action plan to promote shared values and community cohesion. Education plays a powerful role in promoting faith understanding which is why we have placed a duty on schools to promote community cohesion and it is why we are currently consulting on guidance to help this process. “
Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'
1. The Siddiqui review was commissioned by Bill Rammell because discussions with Muslim students and Islamic studies departments showed there was a concern that information on Islam available in universities through Islamic studies departments was too theologically narrow. Dr Siddiqui was asked to recommend measures to improve, the quality of information about Islam that is available to university students and staff; improve the nature of spiritual advice and support that Muslim students can access; and identify any gaps between the needs and aspirations of Muslim students and the programmes of study currently available at universities in England.
2. The full review can be located at the following link: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/publications/3. The Prime Minister Tony Blair will today meet Muslim leaders from all over the world at a major conference on Islam and Muslims, hosted by the University of Cambridge. The conference in London on 4th and 5th June aims to explore ways in which greater unity and understanding might be fostered between Muslims and non-Muslims in the societies in which they live. Participants from more than 30 countries will be attending.
Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Press Notice 2007/0099
