• Charles Sturt University will offer two new first-of-their-kind in Australia Islamic studies graduate certificate courses for online study from 2022
• The skills, knowledge and insights students will gain will boost their employment opportunities and enhance their understanding of a diverse, multicultural society
• Charles Sturt has a strong reputation in Islamic education, and students learn from lecturers with extensive experience in this specialised field

Charles Sturt University will offer two new online courses in 2022 to improve understanding of Islam and interaction with Muslims in the Australian context.

The Charles Sturt Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation will offer the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Psychology and the Graduate Certificate in Islam, Culture and Society for study online from 2022.

Senior Lecturer and Course Director Dr Zuleyha Keskin (pictured, inset) in the Charles Sturt Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation said the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Psychology is the first degree of its kind in Australia despite the growth of this sub-disciplinary area in other countries, including the US and the UK.

“Charles Sturt University has a strong reputation in Islamic education, and students will learn from lecturers with extensive experience in this specialised field,” Dr Keskin said.

“Indeed, we established the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation in partnership with the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA), so students will learn from experts who have been investigating this field of inquiry for many years.

“Students will develop advanced analytical skills and have the opportunity to take their careers further.”

Dr Keskin said the course explores a network of knowledge and allows students to investigate the intersection of several disciplines: Islamic studies, psychology, and spirituality.

Students will explore novel connections between the disciplines to formulate a holistic understanding of Muslim experience, and gain professional and personal development.

The skills, knowledge and insights students will gain in this course will boost their employment opportunities and enhance their understanding as a member of a diverse, multicultural society.

“The unique skill set you gain from this graduate certificate will be invaluable if you work in counselling services for Muslim clients,” Dr Keskin said.

“However, the knowledge you’ll leave with will enhance any career that involves engaging diverse audiences, and the advanced communication, analysis and writing skills you’ll graduate with can be used in any role – and increase your employability when you go for a promotion.”

Senior Lecturer and Research Coordinator Dr Derya Iner in the Charles Sturt Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation said the new Charles Sturt Graduate Certificate in Islam, Culture and Society is designed for non-Muslim students to develop cultural awareness about Islam and Muslims, especially in the Australian context.

“This is currently the only course offered in Australian universities to provide professional information about how to interact with Muslim clients, customers and co-workers,” Dr Iner said.

The course will be launched by international guest Professor John Esposito as part of a webinar, ‘Conflict and Cohesion - Islam-West Relations in the Last Two Decades’ from 12pm to 1pm on Tuesday 23 November.

An information session about the Graduate Certificate of Islam, Culture and Society will be held in December.