“As a recent (non-Muslim) graduate of the Islam, Culture and Society program, I found all aspects of the course to be engaging and relevant in today’s world. Initially, I was sceptical about how I would find a fit with this course, but the lecturers ensured I not only found my place but in fact thrived. The skills and content, delivered at an appropriate pace, have ultimately allowed me to further pursue my academic interests in this area. I was encouraged to publish an article, which then led to an opportunity to enroll in a Ph.D. (Passed and awaiting conferral) This opportunity only came around with the help of CSU and ISRA. As someone from outside the field who had swallowed much of the mainstream rhetoric surrounding Islam, I have come out of this exercise enlightened, informed, and able to approach the field in an educated and articulate manner. As I by-product, I have gathered a whole new world of friends and acquaintances and for this, I sincerely thank all the lecturers at CSU the and Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) for this allowing me to make the most of this opportunity.”

“As a non-Muslim, living in Malaysia, the chance to study Islam, Culture and Society at CSU (by distance) was a wonderful opportunity for me to better appreciate the religious environment in which I live. The papers were relevant to the 21st Century lived Islam without my having to learn Arabic. I gained insight into the religion without having to spend a great deal of time on the theology. Completing the course helped me relate and better understand life in a Muslim majority country and meant I could show greater respect as I understood the religious environment and customs. Importantly, the programme enabled me to appreciate the unity within the rich diversity of Islam, and an also understand how the religion is lived in New Zealand Aotearoa by a growing minority population. The lecturers were excellent and the material and support provided by CSU made this the best study experience of my life – noting I have a Master of Education and Master of Laws. The teaching motivated me to read widely and the library resources were great and the library and academic staff supportive. My study, being retired, was for interest, and has enabled me to be a better person. I have no hesitation in recommending others who may be interested in finding out more about the programme.“

“I gained a high level of knowledge from the various subjects studied throughout the semesters. I thought the weekly posting online was very helpful. It helped keeping on top of the lecturers and on top of the weekly readings. The lecturers were all friendly, easy to talk to and guided all students very well as to what was expected from them. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend to my family and friends!”

“This degree has given me a new perception of how to apply Islamic principles in contemporary times. Islam is far from being the religion of a classic era rather it is more relevant to the contemporary era as it was when first revealed over 1400 years ago. The Islam, Culture and Society Masters program gave me the opportunity to critically analyse contemporary issues through the lens of Islamic principles, giving me a renewed perspective of the struggles with identity, spirituality, education, and family. All the lectures challenged my thinking process which I feel is a priceless.“