Markfield Institute of Higher Education

History and ethos

The Markfield Institute was established in the year 2000 and was inaugurated by Prince Charles. The institute aims at promoting understanding between Muslim communities in the West and the pluralistic societies they are a part of through the positive contributions of its graduates. The institute endeavours to “integrate the richness and high standards of traditional Islamic scholarship with the best of Western research techniques, academic rigour and critical inquiry.” Over the years, more than 750 students have graduated from the Institute.

Location

The Markfield Institute is located within the rural village of Markfield in the British Midlands. The village is situated within both National Forest and Charnwood Forest. The institute is roughly 100 miles from London.

Scholars

Previous academic staff

Over the years, many scholars have served as part of the academic teaching staff at the Institute. They include:

• Ataullah Siddiqui (reader in religious pluralism and inter-faith relations)
• Fozia Bora (University of Leeds)
• Dilwar Hussain
• Abdullah Sahin (University of Warwick)

Visiting Lecturers

The Markfield Institute regularly invites scholars to visit and present their research in lectures that are open to the public. Various scholars have given lectures over the years. These include:

• Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Al-Salam Institute)

Two-year BAs for Darul Uloom graduates

With Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), the Markfield Institute allows students with prior training in Islamic studies, such as graduates of darul ulooms, to start their undergraduate degrees from the second year, thus allowing such students to complete a BA in two years.

Facilities

The Markfield Institute Library

The institute houses one of the largest Islamic libraries in Europe, holding over 40,000 volumes of books and journals.

Students of the institute may also use the libraries of the University of Leicester and De Montfort University for reference purposes.

On-site accommodation

Self-catering accommodation is available on site. Separate buildings serve as accommodation blocks for male and female students.

The Markfield Mosque

The Markfield Mosque is located on the institute’s campus. Friday sermons are given by both students and scholars.

Past sermons have been given by notable scholars like Abdal Hakim Murad of the Cambridge Muslim College.

Sports facilities and gym

The campus also has sports facilities that may be used to play football, volleyball, badminton, pool and table tennis. A small gym is also available.

Recognition

The institute is accredited by the British Accreditation Council, reviewed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, and registered with the Higher Education Funding Council for England. In 2015, the institute was shortlisted for The Muslim News Award for Excellence in Education.

References

Bibliography

References

1. "Prospective Students". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
2. "Research Degrees". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
3. "History and Mission". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
4. (2009-01-29). "Introduction to MIHE".
5. "Student Information". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
6. "Dr Ataullah Siddiqui". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
7. "Profile - Fozia Bora". University of Leeds.
8. "Dilwar Hussain".
9. "Dr Abdullah Sahin". University of Warwick.
10. "Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi Addresses Students on Open Day". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
11. "BA Courses".
12. "Facilities". Markfield Institute of Higher Education.
13. Islamic Foundation UK. (2016-09-09). "The Transformative Hajj of Sayyiduna Ibrahim: Khutba by Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad (09/09/2016)".
14. "About us".
15. "The Muslim News Awards for Excellence 2015 Short-list - The Muslim News". The Muslim News.