National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies
Faculty of Arts
The National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies (NCCIS) aims to advance knowledge and understanding of the rich traditions and modern complexities of Islam. Its research, teaching and community engagement agenda aims to be at the forefront of responding to Australian and regional needs. Centre staff provide expertise to government, national and international organisations on matters related to contemporary Islam.
Centre’s focus
The NCCIS’s activities focus on issues of significance and relevance to Islam and Muslims in the contemporary period, with a special focus on Australia. The Centre has strong links with Australian Muslim communities, which inform its program and activities.
The Centre’s teaching and research activities promote harmony and cultural inclusiveness.
Centre’s history
National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies
The National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies was originally established as the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies. It was established in 2007 as a collaborative arrangement between the University of Melbourne, Griffith University (QLD) and the University of Western Sydney (NSW). Since 2011, all three universities have gone on to establish their own independent Islamic studies programs or centres.
Arabic and Islamic studies at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne has taught Arabic and Islamic studies for more than six decades. Research is currently conducted through the Asia Institute, in areas such as modern Islamic thought, philosophy, literature, politics, gender and law.
The National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies aims to meet the learning needs of aspiring and existing Muslim community leaders, as well as teachers, students and other professionals interested in Islam and Islamic culture.
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Undergraduate
Our staff are leading scholars with expertise in fields ranging from modern Islamic hermeneutics to economics and finance in Muslim societies.
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Graduate
The Centre’s strategic links with government, leading institutions and professional networks will provide you with access to Australia’s foremost Islamic studies scholars and exciting research projects.
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Enrolling in Islamic Studies
Undergraduate and graduate students can enrol in Islamic Studies through a number of ways.
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Staff research
Information on areas of staff research interest
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Research projects
Information on research projects undertaken by academic staff of the National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies
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Research publications
Academic staff make significant contributions to the understanding of contemporary Islamic studies, publishing widely on numerous topics
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Research supervision
The National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies offers research supervision across a wide range of areas such as modern Islamic thought, philosophy, politics, literature and law.
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Melbourne University Publishing Islamic Studies Series
In conjunction with the National Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies, the Islamic Studies Series of Melbourne University Publishing (MUP) is a research publication series promoting scholarly studies on Islam.
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Research scholarships
Listed are links to various scholarship programs for candidates interested in pursuing graduate research in Australia.
Living in Australia: A Guide for Muslims New to Australia
Authors: A. Saeed, P. Prentice
Published: 2020
For many believers, including Muslims, the process of settlement and integration raises new questions about the essentials of their religious beliefs and the core values that should govern their day-to-day lives. Ultimately, successful integration should involve melding one’s religious beliefs and practices with the new cultural environment. However, it has become apparent that many new Muslim migrants appear to experience theological and practical difficulties as they work towards this. Living in Australia: A Guide for Muslims New to Australia has been designed to address these issues and challenges.
Islamic Teachings on Contemporary Issues for Young Muslims
Authors: A. Saeed, R. Gould, A. Duderija
Published: 2016
This resource is designed to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to question many of the divisive narratives that have emerged in recent times concerning Islam and the relationship of Muslims with those of other faiths. It is divided into eight themes covering core issues related to religion, identity and diversity, as well as more advanced topics such as the meaning of jihad, Islamic teachings concerning governance, the historical phenomenon of slavery, and the challenge of Islamophobia.