Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Arabic Intensive and Alimiyyah Programme
This is an intensive Arabic language programme that deals with the learning of the language from a variety of facets. It will start you from the very basics of the Arabic language and by the end, one will be able to read, write and understand Arabic with a considerable ability in speaking Arabic despite not being in an Arab country.
If you have the dedication and enthusiasm, and put the time and effort, this seemingly difficult dream transpires gradually into reality throughout the course of just one year in the full-time programme while it takes two years in the part time programme. You will study intensive modules in Arabic grammar and literature, along with modules dedicated to the language of the Quran and hadith and spoken and written Arabic. In addition to this, three modules of the science of Tajweed are also taught along with the Arabic language course. This is to also contribute to the proficiency of one’s pronunciation and phonetics.
What are the pre-requisites for the Arabic Intensive Programme?
- Applicants must be 16 or over.
- It is essential that students have a basic foundation in reciting the Qur’an.
- Applicants must have achieved or be predicted 5 A-Cs in GCSEs including English.
- The course is also perfect for anyone who intends to take a gap year from studies or a career break. As a basic minimum, students must be passionate and enthusiastic about studying the Arabic language and most importantly it should be remembered that it is designed to be intensive so you should be wary of the fact that it will take up a lot of your time and will require serious dedication.
- International applicants must have achieved the equivalent qualifications in their respective country.
For the Arabic Intensive Programme, which books do you teach from?
Over the years, our team of scholars have developed a new syllabus for this course from various books creating a hybrid variation of the different resources out on the market. We do not feel any one book “ticks all the boxes”. Our course is much more diverse and engaging than going through a book cover to cover. The teaching is very interactive which contributes to a very interesting and interactive learning experience.
Are there any other subjects that are taught?
Though the Arabic language is the focus, we also wanted to cater for the essential knowledge that all are required to know. Hence, a comprehensive set of modules covering Aqeedah and the Fiqh of Purification and Prayer are also part of the programme. However, these cover the foundations. Each of these subjects and more get covered in greater depth and profundity when one proceeds onto the Alimiyyah programme.
What can I do after I have completed the Arabic Intensive?
Anyone that successfully completes the Arabic Intensive course gets the blessed opportunity to study in the Alimiyyah programme. The Alimiyyah programme is an opportunity to delve deeper into the different Islamic sciences. These subjects include Tafsir, Fiqh, Hadith, Ulumul Hadith, Usulul Fiqh, History etc. The Arabic language is a tool that allows the student to venture into the treasures of the Islamic Sciences that are in Arabic.
Alternatively, a student may delve into different matters associated with the Arabic medium from further studies to travelling abroad to study.
I have studied some Arabic before. Would the Arabic Intensive be suitable for me?
If anyone has some background in the Arabic language, then it would be a good idea to allow yourself to be assessed so that your level and depth of the Arabic language can be determined. If based on the interview and assessment one is sufficiently able to read and understand some of the texts that will be taught in the Alimiyyah programme then, in that case, there is no need to enrol into the Arabic Intensive programme, and one may simply just enrol onto the Alimiyyah programme.
It would not be possible to study specific subjects only. Students would have to commit to the entire programme. Students may consider the option to study our part time modular courses to study specific modules.
Can I transfer from full time to part time or vice versa?
Students are permitted to transfer from full time to part time at the discretion of the programme manager, subject to the availability of seats and contents covered.
There is sufficient homework that is allocated for the course. The course time includes sessions which are dedicated as study sessions where one gets the opportunity to do the homework as well as having a teacher present to offer assistance if any require it. These study sessions provide opportunities to minimise the amount of work taken home. The amount of homework time required will differ according to different people. However, one may be expected to do an average of 2-4 hours of homework a day.
What is the Alimiyyah programme?
A multi-disciplinary programme covering the Islamic Sciences aimed at developing sound knowledge and understanding of Islamic law and theology. It is a degree level programme modelled on traditional Islamic curricula taught in the Muslim world and hence uses the best of traditional and modern pedagogical practice to develop in students the knowledge and understanding of the letter and spirit of Islam as well as a commitment to actualising the knowledge in their example and practice. Students will be immersed in the Arabic language so that they are able directly access the Qur’an, hadith, and classical texts.
The course also includes relevant modules in the humanities to enable students to contextualise their classical knowledge and be able to apply it correctly to their times.
In addition to covering all the important Islamic Sciences and benchmarking standards against those achieved in traditional institutes in the Muslims world, the course has also been developed to meet the benchmarks of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is thus the equivalent of a British Degree.
What are the pre-requisites for the Alimiyyah Programme?
- Those who have completed the Arabic intensive programme at EC or have the ability to demonstrate equivalent competency in the Arabic language. Applicants must be able to read, understand and translate the Arabic texts taught in year 1 of the Alimiyyah programme. This course is open for men and women over 16 years of age, though anybody younger who displays a good level of maturity and academic aptitude may be considered. Applicants must have a good command over the English language. As a basic minimum, students must be passionate and enthusiastic about studying the Islamic sciences and demonstrating a drive to lead the Muslim community. The course is intensive so you should be wary of the fact that it will take up a lot of your time and will require serious dedication. The drive and desire you illustrate for the Alimiyyah is what will set you apart from the rest of our applicants.
- If you are required to study around your full-time studies or work hours, the part time evening classes are available for you.
The amount of additional homework time required will differ according to different people. However, one may be expected to do an average of 3 hours of homework a day for the full time and roughly half of that amount for the part time.
Which books do you teach from?
Our experienced team of staff are always developing and researching the most suitable resources pertinent to the betterment of the students’ learning. The books taught throughout the course, are reviewed and may be subject to change if any other resources are found to be more suitable.
General Questions
All on campus classes are segregated with a room divider. Tajweed classes are fully segregated.
Are the Programmes run available online and on campus?
Yes, our programmes are available online and on campus. Students can choose their preferred option when applying for the programme.
Where will on campus classes be held?
Our campus is based in London, 57 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NP.
When can I submit my application?
You can submit your application any time throughout the year.
What is the closing date for submitting applications?
Application deadline: 31st of August. Applications can still be submitted after this date, but we cannot guarantee that places will still be available. We always recommend applying as early as possible – the later in the year that an application is submitted the fewer places are likely to be available.
The courses run from September until July.
Holidays are very much integrated within the academic year. Holidays will be scheduled in around normal school term holidays. However, some holidays will be slightly tweaked to accommodate certain Islamic holidays such as Eid holidays.
Is there an enrolment or admission fee?
No, there is no admission fee. You are only required to pay your course fees.
Can I do A levels alongside the Alimiyyah course?
The college does not deliver any A Level subjects.
Yes, it is possible to pay in instalments. Applicants will be required to pay the deposit to secure their placement. The remaining balance can be paid in 7 monthly instalments starting from September to March.
We warmly welcome students from all over the United Kingdom, and beyond. Foreign students would be required to arrange their visas (if necessary) and accommodation separately. We would assist where possible.
I live outside of the UK. Can I be excused from the interview process or have a phone interview?
All interviews are conducted at the College on a face-to-face basis. A telephone interview will be held with international applicants.
Ebrahim College does not currently have any accommodation on site for students. The College has plans to develop its own student accommodation near the College so that students from all over the world are able to come and study here.
Do you keep a waiting list in case students drop-out?
We operate a waiting list system. Due to the intensity of the programme, it is very difficult to make up for missed lessons. As such we will not be filling drop out positions after the first two weeks of the term. However, we may consider anyone that can proficiently demonstrate the knowledge and skill level of the content that is covered up to that time.
There is no dress code that one must adhere to. However, students are strongly advised to dress smart, and to dress in clothing that is in line with the Islamic dress code. Clothing must be of a modest and conservative nature.
Is there financial support for students who can’t afford the fees?
Financial Support is available, click here for more information
Can I apply for financial support?
Any financial assistance granted will be subject to status. Only full scholarships that are granted based on merit and aptitude are an exception. This means that awards will be means tested and applicants will be expected to pay and self-finance what they can and prove that they cannot afford the remainder. This makes it fair for everyone and ensures that no one is refused admission on the basis of lack of affordability and the neediest students receive the support.
As a charity that exists only to serve the community, our aim is simple, people who are able to pay should pay, people who cannot should not be turned away because of it.
How does financial support work?
Applicants are required to fill in the Financial Support Form along with the course application form.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted to arrange a suitable time for an interview. You will be contacted within 10 working days of your application.
Following the interview, applicants will be notified of a decision by the end of July. In most cases, applicants will be notified a lot earlier.
In normal circumstances, loans are not afforded to anyone. However, those in dire extenuating circumstances may be provided with an interest free loan. Our advice is you should apply if you think you cannot afford it and talk to us about your fees and affordability in the interview if you have any issues.
At present, we do not provide grants for any of our courses. Grants have been very difficult to come by, but we are continuously pursuing any avenues to secure grants that our students may be eligible for.
Can I apply for discounted student oyster travel?
One may apply for the discounted student oyster card, but terms and conditions apply.
If your query is not answered in the FAQs, please email us at [email protected].