Official List of International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) Courses 2025/2026 available For Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Certificate, Diploma, Short Courses, and Distance Learning Programmes.
IPSA courses offered 2025, IPSA admission entry requirements, IPSA online application 2025, IPSA prospectus 2025, IPSA application fees for 2025 Intake.
All candidates seeking admission to study at the IPSA For 2025 are hereby direct to check the list of available programs (courses) that has gained accreditation before submitting an application.
List of Courses Offered at IPSA 2025
COURSES
HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN ISLAMIC STUDIES (HCIS)
Introduction, including accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Department of Higher Education and the South African Qualifications Authority as a qualification at National Qualification Framework 5 (post-matriculation).
This qualification is available to all matriculants who do not have a university pass (see BA Islamic Studies for those who obtained a university pass).
The duration of the programme is one year.
The Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies (HCIS) is aimed at providing students with the social, cognitive, and emotional skills that are essential components of coping strategies to face the challenges of daily life.
It will concentrate on character strengths that enhance moral competence while giving students a solid grounding in Islam.
Central to the development of character strengths and coping skills is the example of the Prophet (SAW), who is described in the Qur’an as:
‘Indeed, you (O Muhammad) are on an excellent standard of character’ (Q68:4)
WHAT DOES THE HCIS PROGRAMME PREPARE ME FOR?
A cursory glance at the character-building and skills training built up during the period will make you realise that these are transferable skills that can be used anywhere in society, personally and academically.
- It will make you more resilient to face the challenges of society
- It will make you manage relationships better
- It will improve your ability to pursue further studies
- It will enable you to hone your skills in life coaching
HOW DO THE MODULES ASSIST TOWARDS CHARACTER AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT?
The Global Leadership and Life Orientation
This is essentially a life coaching course which deals with life coaching, positive thinking, goal setting, self-esteem, time management, etc.
Interpersonal Interactions and Marital Relations
This course looks at fostering good moral values such as justice, equity, and sacrifice and detestable social habits such as arrogance, uncontrolled anger, and hypocrisy, particularly in marital relations.
Academic Skills
It covers critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, writing skills, oral presentations, etc.
Sīrah (Biography) of Muhammad (SAW)
The biography of the Prophet (SAW) enables us to consider his conduct under different circumstances throughout his life.
The meanings of Qur’an, Qur’an literacy, Qur’anic recitation, and memorization
Learn to recite the Qur’an with Tajweed and memorise the short suwar of the Qur’an.
Engage with the Higher Objective of the Qur’an, Interfaith Responsibilities, Spiritual and Moral Welfare of Society, Socio-Economic Welfare, etc.
Learning Arabic through the Qur’an
The meanings of the Qur’an are considered through understanding the Surah Ḥujurāt (also known as Suratul Akhlāq) and Surah Yusuf.
Devotional Arabic
A collection of selected duas made on various occasions such as janaazas, weddings, birthdays, etc.
Islamic Laws of Worship
This covers the laws and accompanying duas, including the Arkaans of Iman, Islam, and Al-Ihsaan.
Tohaarah, Salaah (including Jumuah and Janaazah), Zakaah, Saum, and Hajj, and four Mathahib, are covered.
Aqeedah (The Creed of Islam)
Getting to know Allah (SWT) through the Asma ul-Husna (the divine attributes of Allah), the attributes that are waajib (essential), mustaheel (impossible), and attributes that are jaa-iez (possible) for Allah.
Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies (HCIS): minimum 1 Year full-time and minimum 2 Years part-time
The HCIS programme aims to enhance spiritual consciousness and provide a deeper understanding of Islam. A student will gain a solid introduction to the various fields of Islamic knowledge, including literacy, research skills, and leadership capabilities, which ultimately aim at inspiring moral regeneration. The programme, thus, acts as a catalyst for change.
Since 2014, the Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies Programme (HCIS) has included a specially designed ‘Leadership & Youth Development’ module. Completing the HCIS successfully allows entrance to the IPSA Bachelors of Arts in Islamic Studies programme.
Our courses that are run part-time are during normal class hours, which are:
Monday to Thursday, 8am to 3pm
Friday, 8am to 12pm.
MODULES
Arabic through Qur`ān
Qur`ān Literacy
Devotional Arabic
Principles of Qur’an Recitation and Memorization
Fiqh: Islamic Laws of Worship
‘Aqīdah (Islamic Belief)
Meanings of the Qur’ān
Sīrah: Prophetic Biography
Islamic Interpersonal Relationships
Global Leadership & Youth Development
Critical Reading & Writing Skills Development
TOTAL 150 CREDITS
*ALL CREDITS MUST BE OBTAINED TO GRADUATE IN THIS PROGRAMME
The HCIS Programme is run over two semesters, with the above-listed modules offered in both semesters one and two throughout the year. See the IPSA Student Handbook for further details.
Bachelor OF ARTS ISLAMIC STUDIES
MINIMUM 3 YEARS FULL TIME OR MINIMUM 5 YEARS PART-TIME.
The ultimate purpose of the BAIS programme is to produce graduates with a core set of skills and knowledge that meet the needs of those seeking a deeper and more thorough understanding of Islam. The programme acts as a platform for further postgraduate and other studies in the field and provides a thorough basis for those wishing to become religious functionaries. This course will enable the student to major in two main fields in Islamic Studies: Sharī`ah Law and Arabic.
The programme aims at delivering:
- Core knowledge of the major Islamic
- Key disciplines of Islamic Law, Qur’anic Exegesis, and Prophetic
- Induction into Arabic, the language of Islam’s primary sources and the principal language of its scholarship.
- Tertiary academic conventions through specific modules of academic development, research and writing
- A key set of academic skills and a thorough sensitivity to the South African context in which this knowledge is
- Through Islamic history, religious studies, and the contextual nature of Islamic law, students are made fully cognizant of issues relating to diversity and context.
| Year One | Year Two | Year Three |
|---|---|---|
| Major: Arabic Modules | Major: Arabic Modules | Major: Arabic Modules |
| Elementary Arabic | Intermediate Arabic level one | Advanced Arabic level one |
| Pre-intermediate Arabic | Intermediate Arabic level two | Advanced Arabic level one |
| Principles of Qur’anic Recitation | Textual Readings: Qur’an | Textual Readings: Islamic Law |
| Basic Textual Reading: Phrophectic precepts |
Textual Reading: Phrophectic precepts |
Textual Readings: Islamic Theology |
| Major : Islamic Studies Modules | Major : Islamic Studies Modules | Major : Islamic Studies Modules |
| Islamic Laws of Worship | Muslim Personal Law 1 | Classical Islamic Commercial Law |
| Laws of Worship: Applications | Muslim Personal Law 2 | Islamic Banking & Finance |
| Legislative History | Principles of Jurisprudence | Islamic Law of Succession and Bequests and Endowments |
| Phrophetic Precepts: Ulum al-Hadith | Qur’anic Studies | Qur’anic Studies 1 |
| Phrophetic Precepts: Ulum al-Hadith | Qur’anic Studies 2 | |
| Phrophetic Precepts 1 | ||
| Phrophetic Precepts 2 | ||
| Humanities Modules | Humanities Modules | Humanities Modules |
| History: Source Methodology in the Sirah and the Makkan Perion |
History: Themes from classical Mulim civilizations |
Contemporary Islamic Thought |
| History: The Madinan Period | History: Islam in South Africa | |
| Academic Development 1 | Religious Studies: Ancient, Eastern and African Religions |
|
| Academic Development 2 | Religious Studies: Semitic Religions |
TOTAL CREDITS: 360
The BA programme is run over two semesters. Some modules are presented in one semester, while others are presented over two, with some being pre-requisites for others. See the IPSA Student Handbook for further details.
Units under the Arabic Module include Nahw (Arabic Grammar); Sarf (Science of Morphology); Muhadathah (Conversation); Qira’ah (Reading & Comprehension); Insha (Writing & Composition); Khatt & Imla (Writing & Dictation); and selected Arabic Textual Reading.
*ALL CREDITS MUST BE OBTAINED TO GRADUATE IN THIS PROGRAMME
The BA programme of each academic year is run over two semesters. Some modules are presented in one semester, while others are presented over two, with some of them being pre-requisites for another. See the IPSA Student Handbook for further details.
Units under the Arabic Module include Naḥw (Arabic Grammar); Ṣarf (Science of Morphology); Muḥādathah (Conversation); Qirā’ah (Reading & Comprehension); Inshā (Writing & Composition); Khatt & Imlā’ (Writing & Dictation); and selected Arabic Textual Reading. All Arabic units must be passed to fulfil the requirements of the module in order to succeed at the next level.
BA HONOURS DEGREE IN ISLAMIC STUDIES (BAHIS)
MINIMUM 1 YEAR (FULL TIME)
It is aimed at bringing together Islamic and western, old and contemporary, traditional and critical scholarships within a framework of shared values. Each student is expected to make original contributions during their course of study based on their unique professional and academic experience.
The focus of the BAHIS programme will be to develop the methodology, framework, and research skills required for further postgraduate study at the masters level. IPSAs educational philosophy and approach is one that is firmly rooted in Qurán, Hadith, and the rich history of fifteen hundred years of traditional scholarship, while it will essentially favour a contemporary and future orientation over an historical orientation. It will emphasise a holistic approach over simplicity, moral values over literalism, a multi-dimension approach over binarism, re-construction over deconstruction, and purposes and principles over rules.
We are very excited about this new revised BAHIS programme. We hope that you enjoy your journey with us, and we look forward to hearing about your experiences and reflections on it.
DURATION OF PROGRAMME AND LECTURE TIMES
The Bachelor Honours Degree in Islamic Studies offered at IPSA is a postgraduate specialisation qualification at NQF Exit Level 8. It is essentially aimed at preparing students for research-based postgraduate study at the Masters level. The honours qualification is generally undertaken after a student has completed a 3-year bachelor degree or similar qualification at NQF Exit Level 7 in an appropriate field. The BAHIS programme also serves as the first year of postgraduate study in Islamic Studies at IPSA. It provides the opportunity for further intensive academic pursuit of Islamic studies.
The primary purpose of this qualification is to consolidate and deepen the student’s understanding and expertise in the Islamic studies discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. It aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, prepare graduates to contribute to the scholarly study and advanced application of Islam to contemporary challenges, and provide students in South Africa, the Muslim world, and beyond with new methods of dealing with these challenges.
The Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Islamic Studies develops advanced research skills in Islamic studies through the successful completion of a substantial scholarly research project. The course develops skills in Islamic studies methods, critical analysis of relevant literature, cogent and sustained argument, and clear, precise writing. Students will learn to work under supervision and take up research in a specialised Islamic studies field.
DURATION OF PROGRAMME
1. The minimum duration of the programme is one full academic year consisting of two semesters. Individuals registered as full-time students are expected to complete the programme in one academic year.
2. Students registered for part-time study may complete the programme in no less than two years.
COURSE CHOICES
| Code | Title | NQF Level | NQF Credits | Lecturer Hours | Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | ISL408S | Research project (Compulsory) | 8 | 30 | 20 | 2 |
| ISL401F | Research Methods and Theoretical Approach to the Study of Islam (compulsory) | 8 | 24 | 30 | 1 | |
| ISL402F | Readings in Maqasid Al-Shariah (compulsory) | 8 | 24 | 30 | 1 | |
| Group B | ISL403F | Contemporary Islamic Thought (elective) | 8 | 24 | 30 | 1 |
| ISL405S | Contemporary Law (elective) | 8 | 24 | 30 | 2 | |
| ISL408S | Contemporary Muslim Societies and Organisations (elective) | 8 | 24 | 30 | 2 | |
| ARA404F | Advanced Arabic Level 3 (elective) | 8 | 24 | 30 | 2 | |
| Total Credits Required | 126 |
ELIGIBILITY, APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
TARGET GROUP
Graduates in Islamic Studies, religious studies, or a related field where the study of Islam is a significant component and students interested in a more detailed study of Islam, as well as teachers of this discipline at schools and other tertiary institutions, are strongly advised to do the BAHIS programme.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
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- Unless IPSA Council decides otherwise, candidates will be required to meet the following criteria to be enrolled for the degree: Bachelor of Arts Honours:
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- Students in possession of a qualification at NQF exit level 7 in Islamic Studies, religious studies, or a related field wherein the study of Islam was a significant component and have obtained an average of at least 60% in the final assessment of the final year courses for the bachelor’s degree.
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- A graduate in an area of study that the IPSA Council considers appropriate for this college or another institution recognised by the IPSA Council for this purpose may be admitted to a programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
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- A person who has in any other manner attained a level of competence that, in the opinion of the IPSA Council, is adequate for the purpose of admission as a candidate for the degree.
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- Sections (a) and (b) above are subject to IPSA’s Extended Honours Programme and RPL admission pathway.
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- A candidate shall attend and complete the BA Honours programme in a field of study specified in the rules for the degree concerned.
RPL AND PATHWAYS TO HIGHER LEARNING
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- IPSA has aligned the BA Honours programme’s admission criteria to keep in line with the National Plan for Higher Education’s (NPHE’s) goal of widening access to higher education by setting equity.
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- This policy provides, where possible, for flexible entry routes, which include RPL, as well as additional requirements for the programme, where applicable.
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- IPSA has further introduced an extended honours programme for students who may need to fulfil certain pre-requirements in order not to compromise the general standard and quality.
- The details of these pathways are published in a policy document on RPL and Alternative Pathways.
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