Islamic Banking, Finance and International Business MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

This MSc is designed for anyone who wants to combine a passion for ethical finance with a global business perspective. You’ll learn how Islamic banking and finance work in practice, while also exploring international business strategies — perfect if you’re aiming for a career in finance, banking, or global commerce that values ethical principles.

Curriculum structure
Throughout the year, you’ll dive into a mix of core and optional modules that gradually build your expertise. You’ll start by exploring Internationalisation Strategies and International Business Finance, gaining insight into global trade, investment, and how finance operates across borders.

You’ll then move on to Islamic Business Ethics, Management and Governance and Islamic Moral Economy and Finance, where you’ll understand Shariʿah-compliant financial products, ethical decision-making in business, and the foundations of Islamic commercial law.

Later in the programme, advanced modules like Risk Management in Islamic Banking and Finance and Applied Islamic Banking and Insurance will give you practical skills for managing risk and applying Islamic finance principles in real-world banking and insurance contexts. Optional modules, such as Islamic Financial Markets and Instruments, Digital Islamic Finance and Blockchain Technology, or Business Analytics, allow you to tailor your learning and explore the latest innovations in the field.

Focus areas
Islamic finance principles, Shariʿah-compliant banking and insurance, ethical business governance, international finance, risk management, digital finance innovations, business analytics.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design and manage Shariʿah-compliant financial products, assess risks in Islamic banking, understand global financial markets, and make business decisions that balance profit with ethical responsibility.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
Offered jointly by the University of Dundee and Al-Maktoum College, this MSc blends academic rigor with practical, career-focused Islamic finance training.

Reputation (employability rankings)
This is a unique programme in the UK, giving you a rare mix of Islamic finance expertise and international business insight — highly valued by banks, financial institutions, and global businesses.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc isn’t just about lectures and reading — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for a real career in Islamic banking and international business. From the start, you’ll be engaging in group projects, interactive workshops, and presentations that help you build practical skills like teamwork, communication, and analytical thinking. Plus, you’ll hear directly from industry professionals through guest lectures and workshops, giving you a real sense of what it’s like to work in the field. By combining the resources of the University of Dundee and Al-Maktoum College, you’ll benefit from both cutting-edge business infrastructure and specialised Islamic finance knowledge.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, real-world experience:

Internships: Optional 8-week summer placements (in-person or online) with institutions like the International Waqf Fund, giving hands-on experience in Islamic finance.
Group projects and presentations: Build teamwork, communication, and analytical skills essential for banking and international business.
Guest lectures and workshops: Learn directly from practitioners in Islamic finance, gaining insight into current industry practices and networking opportunities.
Access to dual institutional resources: Benefit from Dundee’s business facilities and Al-Maktoum College’s specialised Islamic finance expertise.
Career support: Receive guidance, attend recruitment events, and connect with global employers through the University’s Careers Service.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc are well prepared to step straight into roles in banking, finance, insurance, or international business. Typical positions include Islamic or international bank analyst, investment or risk management associate, Shariʿah-compliance officer, or financial services consultant. Here’s how the programme and university support your journey into these exciting careers:

University career services: Dundee’s Careers Service offers personalised guidance, workshops, recruitment fairs, and international-student career events, connecting you with over 300 employers each year.
Employability-focused learning: The programme integrates real-world business needs with your studies, helping you build the confidence and skills to secure your first job.
Internships and global exposure: You can take an optional eight-week global internship, often with institutions like the International Waqf Fund, giving practical, hands-on experience.
Globally relevant skills: Islamic finance expertise is in demand worldwide, not just in Muslim-majority countries, so your skills are applicable in conventional banks offering Shariʿah-compliant products.
Long-term value: The joint expertise of the University of Dundee and Al-Maktoum College ensures your degree combines strong academic credibility with practical industry relevance.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue with further postgraduate study, such as a PhD in Finance, Economics, or Islamic Economics. You might also pursue specialised professional certifications in banking, risk management, or finance — especially if you’re aiming for research, policy-making, or senior advisory roles in the global Islamic finance sector.