University of Greater Manchester

In collaboration with:

Chartered Insurance InstituteIslamic Insurance Association of London

The University of Greater Manchester’s online MBA in Islamic Insurance and Risk Management, developed in collaboration with the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Islamic Insurance Association of London, is ideal for advancing your career in the world’s youngest and most dynamic insurance market. Focussing on good practice in management and commerce, this online learning course aims to prepare you to progress into senior positions in organisations that provide or require Shari’ah-compliant or Takaful insurance.

Course Overview

Islamic Insurance is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global insurance industry, and it is predicted that it will be worth an estimated US$97 billion by 2030. If you have previous management or business experience, this fully online postgraduate qualification offers a suite of contemporary modules designed to prepare you for a career success in this fast-growing and dynamic sector.

Whatever area of industry or commerce you currently work in, this MBA course will assist you in gaining essential skills to work in Islamic insurance and risk management. We also offer you the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the problems and challenges facing enterprises and organisations, alongside the analytical and critical faculties needed to identify potential innovative solutions. Prestigious international employers highly value these qualities.

Our highly-qualified and experienced team will support you as you learn how to evaluate and develop good practice in key areas of business management, focussing on the commercial development of general and Islamic Insurance products and services. You will have the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to work effectively, independently and as part of a team.

Highlights

  • This MBA course is taught online and offers you the chance to join a committed and supportive postgraduate community engaged in developing career prospects in management in the Islamic insurance and risk management sector
  • Teaching and supervision are delivered by a dedicated team of experienced and well-qualified staff drawn from the Centre of Islamic Finance and the Greater Manchester Business School at the University of Greater Manchester
  • You will benefit from access to a research and study skills module that will help to polish your academic study skills, boost your ability to think critically and enhance your communication and presentation skills
  • Guest lectures from across the finance and insurance sectors will provide additional insight into practical application of financial and commercial principles

Key features

We will support you in gaining advanced knowledge and understanding of Islamic insurance and risk management issues in the global business environment

We will guide you as you develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique nature of Islamic financial products, the operations of Islamic insurance and in-depth knowledge of Takaful

You will explore essential business management concepts and practices, including the financing of business enterprises, the management and development of people within organisations, and the development, implementation and adjustment of sustainable business strategies

The course is regularly monitored and developed with input from our industrial advisory board, including representation from the Chartered Institute of Insurance and the Islamic Insurance Association. This helps ensure that the course content is aligned with current industry needs and developments

Teaching is conducted by a highly-dedicated team with specialist knowledge in Islamic insurance, law and banking

We take pride in building strong personal relationships with our students so you can feel confident that you will have access to excellent academic and pastoral support.

Teaching and assessment

As well as online lectures, seminars and tutorials, your learning will benefit from remote guest speakers, masterclasses, discussion groups and case studies. In addition to scheduled time with a tutor, you will spend a lot of time in guided independent study. This involves, for example, engaging in background reading, preparing for scheduled sessions and working on assignments.

The University of Greater Manchester's virtual learning environment (VLE), Moodle, supports your learning, providing secure online access to course materials and links to key resources. Moodle will also allow you to engage in other learning activities and remotely participate in discussions. Assessment tasks are linked to learning outcomes and are completed before the end of the module.

A variety of assessment methods are used including written coursework, project work, oral assessments and portfolios. Formative assessment, which does not contribute to your final mark, is given to help you improve your work in future. Feedback for summative assessment, which contributes to your final result, is usually given in writing. You will then have the opportunity to receive a more detailed verbal explanation.

Entry Requirements

  • You should have at least two years of relevant work experience and a second class (2:2) UK honours degree/postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject
  • We will consider your application if you don't possess the above qualifications but have substantial managerial experience in a financial organisation
  • You will be required to attend an online interview as part of the application process
  • When applying, we may request a reference from your current employer. If needed, the reference should clearly state how long you have been employed by them and give a breakdown of your job content and roles and responsibilities
  • Your application form will need to be accompanied by a personal statement which demonstrates your managerial responsibilities and how you envisage this course will improve your career prospects
  • As this is an online course, you will need access to a computer or tablet capable of running the necessary software and an internet connection. (We recommend a laptop and an internet connection offering at least 1.5 MBps up and down). We recommend that you have at least two devices set up so that you can attend lectures and undertake coursework more easily. You will also need appropriate IT skills. In particular, you will need to be able to access and use the University of Greater Manchester's virtual learning environment, Moodle and the Zoom video communication platform
  • If English isn't your first language, you will also need IELTS 6 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details

Career Opportunities

This postgraduate qualification is designed to help you develop the knowledge required to work in the growing and sophisticated Islamic insurance sector, including an in-depth look at the industry, products, performance and risk management issues.

You will have the opportunity to gain skills in being effective in working independently and as part of a team. As a graduate, you will be skilled in critical evaluation and have extensive knowledge of good practice in key areas of business management. You will also have an in-depth understanding of risk management and the planning and management of general, commercial and Islamic insurance products and services.

Islamic insurance has developed into a solid industry that complements conventional insurance. The Islamic market demands specific expertise that combines in-depth insurance and risk management knowledge with Islamic insurance. A deeper understanding of Islamic insurance can improve the competitiveness of MBA graduates on the international insurance market stage.

What can you do with this qualification?

Completion of the programme will enable you to develop a career in a wide range of management roles in the Islamic insurance and risk management sector or regulatory agencies and the public, private and voluntary sectors. A wide range of employers, including financial institutions, technology companies, blue-chip companies, and SMEs, may recruit MBA Islamic Insurance and Risk Management graduates. The universal appeal stems from the MBA's focus on collective business principles.

An MBA in Islamic Insurance and Risk Management is also highly respected worldwide. If you're interested in a global business career, it could be beneficial, particularly as qualifications from UK business schools are held in such high regard. It can also help you specialise in your current sector or a new industry you want to enter. If you wish to continue your study, you could opt for a research degree (MPhil, DBA or PhD).

Alternative career options

Graduates can use the qualification to step into a range of other careers. Relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required for some of these roles. Potential areas of work include:

  • Product management
  • Banking
  • Accountancy
  • Law
  • Auditing and quality assurance
  • Financial management
  • Consultancy
  • Teaching and education
  • Information systems
  • Market research analysis
  • Global investment

Professional recognition

The programme has been developed in collaboration with the Chartered Insurance Institute and The Islamic Insurance Association of London (IIAL)

Chartered Insurance InstituteIslamic Insurance Association of London

Upon successful completion of the MBA Islamic Insurance and Risk Management programme, you may apply for membership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Please note that terms and conditions apply. More details are available at www.managers.org.uk

Course Specification

Related Courses

Fees

£16,950 over two years (£8,425 per year)

Holders of the CII’s Advanced Diploma in Insurance or Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning may be eligible for exemptions and discounts.

Please contact us for further details.

Contacts

Professor Mohammed Abdel-Haq
Founder and Director of Centre for Islamic Finance
Mohammed.Abdel-Haq@bolton.ac.uk

Dr Saston Kanthonga
Programme Leader MBA Islamic Risk and Insurance
S.Kanthonga@bolton.ac.uk

To Apply