CAS in Philosophy, Theology and Islam

Did you know that Islam and philosophy have for centuries enjoyed a close and mutually enriching relationship? Are you interested in studying this relationship and bringing it to bear on contemporary areas of inquiry?

The Certificate for Advanced Studies (CAS) in Philosophy, Theology, and Islam offers an in-depth survey of Islam’s variegated connections with philosophy, with a focus on both historical as well as contemporary interactions. The program comprises asynchronous online courses as well as an in-person block seminar at the University of Lucerne, together with a final examination and thesis project. The language of instruction is English; students also have the option to submit assignments in German.

Upon completing this certificate, students will have achieved the following:

  • Heightened knowledge of the philosophical and theological dimensions of Islam as a religion.
  • The ability to reflect critically upon problems in the history of Islamic philosophy.
  • Competence in reading and independently interpreting philosophical texts from the medieval, modern, and contemporary Islamic traditions.
  • An article-length piece of academic writing on a topic in Islamic philosophy.
  • The ability to argue in a logical and rhetorically accomplished fashion.

The course of study is intended to supplement basic postsecondary degrees. It is aimed at philosophers, theologians, and specialists in the study of (any) religion, as well as professionals who hold a postsecondary degree and who wish, in view of the increasing relevance of religion(s) in today’s society, to gain a deeper understanding of the history of philosophy and theology and their relationship with Islam.

Duration and Scope

The course of study runs one semester. Students can, following consultation with the program director, start the program in either the Fall or the Spring semester.

The scope of the CAS consists of 15 ECTS (375 to 450 hours of study). 12 ECTS are obtained by attending the online lectures and submitting the associated assignments. The remaining 3 ECTS are obtained by participating in the final examination and the block seminar, and by completing the final thesis project.

Admission

Anyone who holds a Bachelor’s degree in the subject area of philosophy, theology, or religious studies can be admitted to the program. Those who hold Bachelor’s degrees in other fields can also be admitted, provided they have obtained at least 60 ECTS in one of the aforementioned subjects. Interested persons without a Bachelor's degree can be admitted "sur dossier"—that is, on a case by case basis—if they have equivalent qualifications. Please note, however, that submitting an application does not entitle the applicant to admission.