University is first to offer Islamic studies as a major

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) said on Wednesday it had become the first university in South Africa to offer Islamic studies as a major subject for undergraduate students, writes Kim Swartz for Times Live.

Head of Department Professor Ignatius Swart said though modules in Islamic studies are offered at several higher education institutions around the country, students could not take the subject as a major towards an undergraduate programme. UWC is the only university in South Africa and Southern Africa to offer Islamic studies as a major in the BA degree.

Swart said the curriculum was planned to meet the training needs of imams, secondary school teachers, madrasa teachers, community workers and students doing a law degree who may take electives in Islamic studies.
Full report on the Times Live site