islamic studies: the way forward in the uk queen elizabeth ii conference centre, london 17 april...
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
17 April 2008
Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive
![Page 2: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Why are we looking at Islamic studies?
Government action:
• Siddiqui report – April 2007
• Designated as a strategic subject by government
– June 2007
• HEFCE asked to allocate up to £1 million in
support
• PM’s proposal to establish a European centre of
excellence in the UK – November 2007.
![Page 3: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
• HESA data – provision specifically identified as Islamic studies
• Student trends
• Increased numbers (635 total)
• Predominance of Asian/Asian British
• Provision dispersed
• Few specialist staff.
What do we know?
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2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
Academic year
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ents
![Page 4: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
• Extent and range of research provision beyond Religion and Society Research programme
• Extent teaching provision is embedded within other subjects
• Number of students studying Islamic studies as part of other courses
• Other related activity
Qualitative survey will help fill gaps in knowledge.
What do we not know?
![Page 5: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
• Initial seminar - November 2007
• Discussion with other funders
• Consultation before decisions
• Today’s conference
• International report
• Further policy development.
What are we doing?
![Page 6: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
• Desk-based study of eight countries: UK, France,
Germany, Netherlands, US, Australia, Malaysia
and Turkey.
• Key themes:
• Interdisciplinary and trans-regional centres
• Networks of scholars
• Links between scholarly community and
faith leaders
• Flexible and introductory modules to
increase access.
International report
![Page 7: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
• Considering the report of the international study – publication May 2008
• Looking at options
– Identifying priority areas
– Considering different approaches
• Continuing to work with other government departments on developments.
Where are we going?
![Page 8: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
• Continue consultation
• Bring experts together
• Chance to influence HEFCE’s programme
• Help us address appropriate areas with appropriate focus.
Today’s event
![Page 9: Islamic studies: the way forward in the UK Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 17 April 2008 Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE Chief Executive](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081520/5697c0031a28abf838cc3d92/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
• Seminar today
• Follow up on feedback
• Report back to Board – July 2008
• Proposals to our Strategic Development Fund – September 2008
• Programme of support to start thereafter.
Timetable