Can you tell us a little bit about the programme in your own words?

The course is quite varied and allows me to explore the lived experiences of Muslims in Britain from historical, theoretical and sociological perspectives. The Public Seminar Series has given me the opportunity to learn about different aspects of Muslim experiences as well as access to recent research in the field. The module seminars are very informative and facilitate discussion with other students.

How has the Jameel Scholarship helped you to fund your studies?

The Jameel Scholarship has been invaluable to my studies, it has given me the opportunity to continue studying and researching my areas of interest. While writing my undergraduate dissertation at the University of Huddersfield, my supervisors encouraged me to apply for the Jameel Scholarship and supported me throughout the application and interviewing process. Applying was relatively straightforward and writing about my proposed research in that early stage proved really useful once I started the course as I already had my initial ideas. After joining the Centre, I have been supported by both staff and other students, and it is a nice environment to study in.

What were your motivations for undertaking a postgraduate degree?

I wanted to continue studying because I felt that there was so much more to learn that would help me in conducting further research. I received encouragement from tutors and after finishing my undergraduate dissertation I wanted to conduct a more in-depth study on my topic.

Why did you decide to do your postgraduate degree at Cardiff?

I chose Cardiff because the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK is here, and I believed that this would be the best option for studying Muslims in Britain. Also, the staff and research being conducted at the Centre was really of interest to me.

What are your main highlights so far from studying in Cardiff?

Firstly, receiving the Jameel Scholarship was very unexpected and has really motivated me to make the most of this opportunity. Also, being part of the Centre has allowed me to meet many academics in the field as well as broaden my outlook on future career options. I have made really good friends both within and outside my studies.

What was the best thing about the MA at Cardiff?

Cardiff is a fantastic place to study, with lots of resources available and history on your doorstep that really brings the Masters in Islam in Contemporary Britain to life. The way the Masters combines a practical in-depth exploration of Islam in the UK with the social science skills needed to research is quite unique, and certainly gave me the confidence and knowledge needed to continue along my career path.

What difference do you think it has made to your career choice?

The Masters really gave me an idea of what would be expected from postgraduate research, both at doctoral and post-doctoral level. This helped me to decide that I wanted to continue my academic career, as well as giving me the skills to pursue it.

What skills did you learn?

Alongside the ESRC approved modules on social science research, the Masters also taught me how to approach large amounts of reading, exploring other academic studies and how to link together theory and practice. The latter was particularly emphasised during the dissertation.

What difference has being a Cardiff Jameel Scholar made to you?

The Jameel Scholarship gave me the ability to focus and develop my skills as a researcher and student. Without it, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to pursue a Masters. It also gave me access to a network of other Jameel scholars with whom I could share ideas, learn from and engage with during my Masters.

What was the best thing about being a student at Cardiff?

Cardiff is a great university with a really vibrant student scene. It has everything you would want from a capital city but doesn’t lose the nice local touch that makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.

The Jameel Scholarship gave me the ability to focus and develop my skills as a researcher and student.

Can you tell us a little bit about the programme in your own words?

The course is a combination of social theory, social science research methods and a comprehensive study of contemporary British Islam. It is excellent preparation for students passionate about studying an array of subjects which impact the lived experiences of Muslims in Britain. The study environment is extremely friendly with everyone’s bespoke study area complementing one another. The lecturers possess expertise in their respective fields and we are also graced with a number of guest lecturers.

How has the Jameel Scholarship helped you to fund your studies?

I became aware of the Jameel Scholarship via social media and upon discussing the course with some academics I received positive views about the course. The application process was smooth and I didn’t have any issues in completing the application. The funding has been crucial for me as it has contributed greatly towards the expenses of me and my family living in Cardiff, allowing me to focus entirely on studying

What were your motivations for undertaking a postgraduate degree?

Coming from a theology background, I wanted to explore the social aspect of religion in Britain and more specifically Islam in Britain. The course has certainly emboldened my view that the study of religion and social science are deeply interconnected.

Why did you decide to do your postgraduate degree at Cardiff?

I chose Cardiff University as it is, to my knowledge, the only university that offers such a refined master's programme to study Muslims in Britain. The personnel connected to the department are leading academics in the field and an opportunity to study under them has been a privilege.

What do you think of Cardiff as a place to live as a postgraduate?

Cardiff is an excellent place for postgraduate study. It has all the amenities and services found in any other major city with the advantage of not being too big. There is a cosmopolitan population of not just students but also residents who have fascinating histories with Cardiff. I’ve met many people who’ve decided to settle in Cardiff after their study and I would say they’ve made a good decision.

How do you think your postgraduate course will contribute to your future career plans?

The course has provided me with a deeper insight into the academic world. Through lectures, seminars and conferences we’ve been introduced to a number of professionals in the field, and meeting them has been encouraging.

Has studying for a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University lived up to your expectations?

I would say my expectations of postgraduate study have been met. It is not only a step up from undergraduate but a different mode of study which the department has facilitated well. What really exceeded my expectations was the support from staff who are available to discuss study and non-study related issues.

What have been your biggest achievements as a postgraduate student at Cardiff University?

My biggest achievement to date has been the privilege to present at a national conference organised by Cardiff University alongside seasoned professionals. To even consider sending an abstract was only possible thanks to the encouragement provided by my supervisor.

Can you tell us a little bit about the programme in your own words?

My course is both vocationally and theoretically oriented. What I love most about this programme, is that the skills we are learning go beyond the classroom. We are being trained to collect and create qualitative data, and construct ethnographic research, and we are equipped with the tools to go and carry out our own research, and our own projects that are important to us. Research-based teaching has bolstered my confidence and I am really excited to get out into the field and start my own work, which will take a qualitative approach in considering the relationship between sport and Islam for Muslim girls in Wales. We are very fortunate at the Centre that we have regular contact and support from academics outside the field who have come to our public seminar series, as it is an acclaimed institution. Our lectures and seminars are very collaborative with contributions, discussions and debates between students and lecturers, we have great relationships with one another and it makes the whole process.

How has the Jameel Scholarship helped you to fund your studies?

The Jameel Scholarship has given me so many incredible opportunities and I am so grateful and proud to be presented with such a prestigious award. I first found out about the scholarship when my dissertation supervisor Mansur Ali encouraged me to apply when I was writing my undergraduate dissertation on feminism and Islam. Although I would regard myself as a generally confident individual, without the support and encouragement from Mansur I don’t think I would have believed I was capable of the scholarship. The support from staff throughout the whole process has been incredible. The application process was really straight forward, although it did definitely prepare me for the content of the programme. I knew the area that I was passionate about, and so writing a proposal about this was enjoyable. At the interview I was also put at ease, the staff made me feel so comfortable and I knew they wanted to get the best out of me. When I found out I was awarded the scholarship I was ecstatic, and it has really pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and be more confident in my abilities.

What were your motivations for undertaking a postgraduate degree?

I knew that furthering my study would open up so many opportunities for me. I know the skills I am gaining from my masters can be applied to so many different careers, the opportunities are endless. I feel really supported by staff to explore different career routes and paths.

Why did you decide to do your postgraduate degree at Cardiff?

Having completed my undergraduate degree here I knew the quality of staff and the facilities here. Research-led teaching and the range of different opportunities and placements really appealed to me.

What are your main highlights so far from studying in Cardiff?

There have been so many highlights, being awarded the Jameel scholarship after being so encouraged by my tutors was definitely a highlight, but the experience as a whole has been thoroughly enriching. I have tried my best to make the most of the opportunities here at the university, throwing myself into everything I can. I’ve been working with the Islam-UK centre on the new online course for the general public, that has been really great. I hadn’t had much experience in filming and talking on camera, and it gave me the chance to really improve my public speaking and communication skills, which I know will be of huge benefit for my future career. Attending academic and public conferences and networking with academics and public leaders has been inspiring and so rewarding, I have made some great connections here. In terms of social life, there is so much going on here and plenty of support for all students. I have played netball and continue to do so, my lecturers really support this and are always keen to hear how I get on on a Wednesday afternoon. Lecturers genuinely care about our well being and progress, I feel really valued, and always want to do my best to make the staff here proud.

What do you think of Cardiff as a place to live as a postgraduate?

Living in a capital city is just fantastic. There is always so much going on, and so many great opportunities to network, gain work experience, or attend interesting events, and the university definitely encourages this. I’ve worked for a local MP and built some great connections in the Welsh government, coming from a small rural town in south-west Wales, the close proximity to the Senedd is just one example of how living in a capital city can bolster work opportunities and open up so many doors.

Has studying for a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University lived up to your expectations?

I would say that a postgraduate degree has gone further than my expectations. I knew that further study would be challenging, but the support from staff is second to none, and I feel so much more confident and independent in my own work. Being given the freedom to lead my own research project on matters that are important to me is fantastic, and I can see myself developing more as an independent researcher each week. The only way I think the experience could be improved, is ensuring sport facilities such as clubs and societies are advertised more to PG students. As I spent 3 years previously in Cardiff University I was aware of various societies and clubs, but I don’t think all PG students are aware, as much of the advertising material is aimed at freshers.

Can you tell us a little bit about the programme in your own words?

The programme is theoretically oriented – though lectures have been split in both empirical-based learning and theoretical/research-based considerations – meaning there is a great diversity and variety in what we learn. The study environment has been great as it’s typically been classes of six of us – meaning the opportunity to discuss and enquire during class is much easier to do. The fellow students are all driven and academic-minded people – meaning finally I am having stimulating discussions with students who actually care about the course and what we are learning. This pushes me further to study and understand what I’m learning – more than I did in my Undergraduate. The lecturers are responsive and take any questions we have seriously – I feel respected and of interest to them.

How has the Jameel Scholarship helped you to fund your studies?

The Jameel Scholarship has enhanced my studies an incredible amount. I found the application process to be a rewarding and enjoyable challenge as it made me reflect over all my years of education and volunteering in terms of what I have learnt, gained and stood for. The funding has supported my studies greatly given that in my Undergraduate days I felt held back from investing in books/conferences/resources due to costs. Now I know I can truly explore avenues of learning that I couldn’t before – it should greatly help with the depth and substance of my dissertation. Furthermore I am able to enjoy being a student without having the often distracting or distressing concern about my financial situation like I experienced in my Undergraduate days.

What were your motivations for undertaking a postgraduate degree?

My motivation for undertaking a postgraduate degree began when my Arabic tutor (who had also taught me since first year) told me about the Jameel scholarship and encouraged me to go for it. I was hesitant at first (as I usually am with big decisions), but after reading into it and considering what my best possible way to spend ‘next year’ was, I concluded that doing a postgraduate degree was the best option. I felt that the course in particular would benefit me hugely in challenging my own beliefs or perceptions, exposing me to a diverse community and putting me more in touch with a career ambition of bridging communities and society together. I had felt passionate and interested about the area of study (Islam in the UK) since 2013 – and felt that this was the perfect degree for me to eventually study after so many years of independent research into the topic.

Why did you decide to do your postgraduate degree at Cardiff?

Cardiff has a special place in my heart given that while my mum studied her doctorate here in Psychology – I was a baby at the University nursery/crèche on Park Place! I then grew up in this city and was first inspired to study at Cardiff on a Religious Studies showcasing day at City Hall whilst I was a Sixth Form student. I then had a truly life-changing and self-developing three years for my Undergrad – the best three years of my life as cheesy as that sounds! During my final year, I really felt it wasn’t the time to leave yet – I had such a good community of friends here, a ton of extra-curricular activities and a great support of tutors in my studies. So I barely gave a second thought to choosing Cardiff as my location for the MA.

What are your main highlights so far from studying in Cardiff?

My two main highlights from studying in Cardiff has been the social side and the societies I have joined. I didn’t have the best experience in high school and Uni made up for that with the huge amount of great friends I met. What was better was how Cardiff’s accommodation halls and general student accommodation are so close to each other as is the city centre – so meeting up with friends to do fun activities was so easy. I feel that that is a privilege that you can’t often get at other cities. In terms of societies, I have found that I have developed a huge amount from the experiences of being in and running societies. I was involved in a leadership development society called AIESEC that had me travelling to countries for international conferences and having the courage to speak in front of hundreds of people to get them to volunteer abroad – something I’d never have imagined doing before University.

What do you think of Cardiff as a place to live as a postgraduate?

There is something for everyone in Cardiff in terms of activities and nightlife, and yet it is not overwhelming – it’s like there is just about as much as you need in this city. It’s an easy walk to the city centre from the University and you can live for such a great price so close to the centre also – something I find rare in other UK cities.

How do you think your postgraduate course will contribute to your future career plans?

In terms of my course, I believe its hands-on and experience-based learning methods have really developed skills in myself that some research-only based courses wouldn’t provide. In my course, you can take the lead by leading discussions in our monthly reading group, or by asking questions to the authors of books you’ve read in our Spring Seminar series. It really is a postgraduate course like no other. I have been able to chat with the Sec General of the Muslim Council of Britain and had the option to have dinner with various scholars.

Has studying for a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University lived up to your expectations?

I didn’t give myself many expectations of the postgrad degree – I wanted to surprise myself and take things as they came. But my expectations for how motivated I would be have been exceeded – I haven’t actively found readings so interesting or shared so much in class before.

What have been your biggest achievements as a postgraduate student at Cardiff University?

My biggest achievement as a postgraduate student so far has probably been to pull off my presentation for my dissertation plan after having such a hard time finding and deciding on a topic. I thrived working under the pressure and delivering the best possible speech I could. Afterwards, I almost wanted to do it again!

What would you recommend about studying at the Centre for Islam in the UK?

The Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK is a leading research centre for the academic study of Muslims in Britain. It is the ideal place for anyone with an interest in this area. The support and academic specialisation from the staff is exceptionally strong, while the intellectual activity provided by the small but dynamic community of students is immensely stimulating. The MA and PhD run by the centre are both excellent routes into this field for anyone considering either an academic or a related professional career.

How are your Cardiff studies helping you develop your future career choice?

The MA provided me with academic skills and knowledge that allowed me to successfully apply for PhD funding. Without the specific competencies of this MA it is extremely unlikely that I would have been awarded PhD funding to continue along an academic career path.

What do you enjoy most about your research?

The most enjoyable part of my current PhD research is the relationship I have with the staff at the research centre. While I’m given a great deal of freedom to pursue my individual research interests, along the way I’ve been continually supported with friendly and highly professional supervision.

What is the best thing about being a student at Cardiff?

I enjoy the intellectual vibe at the research centre, with visiting speakers and a variety of other academic opportunities a regular feature of everyday life in Cardiff. My horizons have been significantly widened since studying here.

What opportunities do you feel have opened up to you as a result of being a Cardiff University Jameel Scholar?

With the completion of my PhD I hope to continue along the academic route of lecturing and conducting further research. This would not have been possible without the Jameel Scholarship. It is not an exaggeration to state that the Jameel Scholarship has fundamentally changed my future career path for the better.

I enjoy the intellectual vibe at the research centre, with visiting speakers and a variety of other academic opportunities a regular feature of everyday life in Cardiff.

What would you recommend about studying at the Islam-UK Centre?

Cardiff University’s Islam-UK Centre is a leading hub of national expertise on the topic of Islam and Muslims in Britain. Students benefit from the rigorous standards expected of a Russell Group university in addition to the in-house experience and expertise accumulated by staff over many years. The Centre also enjoys excellent relationships with other departments within the university allowing students to benefit from a broad range of multidisciplinary perspectives. In particular, the Centre’s focus on sociological and anthropological methodology should make it the location of choice for prospective doctoral students wanting to conduct qualitative research on any aspect of Muslims in Britain.

How are your Cardiff studies helping you develop your future career choice?

I’m now in the final year of my PhD and have felt myself become gradually socialised into the world of academia over the past couple of years. My regular supervision meetings have provided valuable insights into the mechanics of the PhD process and ensured that I’ve delivered on the key milestones of the journey to date. In addition, I’ve received encouragement and support to deliver on a number of ‘extra-curricular’ activities. These include book review/chapter/journal article publications, organising and hosting our own conference in Cardiff in September 2014, regularly delivering papers at other conferences around the country and teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. I also helped deliver Cardiff University’s innovative online course Muslims in Britain: Changes and Challenges to over 5000 learners worldwide allowing me to gain the necessary experience to apply for accreditation with the Higher Education Authority. Collectively, I feel this all provides an excellent grounding for a long-term career in the emerging field of ‘British Muslim studies’, or more generally the sociology of religion.

What do you enjoy most about your research?

I love the relationships I’ve cultivated with fellow students and academics both around the country and in Cardiff. I love the way in which my analytical or conceptual ‘lens’ have been enhanced; in other words I now see or think about the same phenomena in a range of different ways. I love the new horizons of knowledge which have opened up through access to the books, resources and journal articles at the university library. And I love the way in which my fieldwork has afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself intensely in the social world of my participants, sharing their lives and experiences in order to adequately comprehend and communicate that back out to the academic and wider communities.

What is the best thing about being a student at Cardiff?

Cardiff is a wonderful city: vibrant, historic and cosmopolitan. Though I don’t live in Cardiff, my regular travel there has been enjoyable and fruitful. The University itself is both historic and modern; some of the buildings are old and architecturally stunning yet have been updated with the latest technology inside. There are also a good number of mosques and halal takeaways catering for the Muslim community which I’ve enjoyed visiting.

What opportunities do you feel have opened up to you as a result of being a Cardiff University Jameel Scholar?

The generosity of the Jameel scholarship allowed me to return back to the world of academia even with three young children to provide for – for that I’m extremely grateful. There’s also a considerable research allowance that comes with the scholarship which funds any research-related activities; I’ve used this to purchase a state-of-the-art tablet, build up my collection of key texts, travel to conferences around the country and pay for my interview transcriptions. So in sum, I think being successful on the Jameel scholarship programme propels students into pole position in terms of providing them with everything they need to be able to focus single-mindedly on achieving excellence in their studies and subsequent careers.

What would you recommend about studying at Cardiff?

The Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK is a fantastic place to be studying at as Cardiff is the site of one of the oldest and most diverse Muslim communities in Britain. The Centre provides a very supportive environment to be researching in with great expertise on conducting qualitative research in collaboration with British Muslim communities. The Centre also has strong and very valuable links with the local Muslim community and provides a welcoming atmosphere. The annual Public Lecture Series organised by the Centre brings a wide range of speakers to Cardiff whose talks have been inspiring and thought-provoking. The travel and fieldwork bursary which accompanies the scholarship is very generous has enabled me to present my research at a wide variety of national conferences, to network widely and to hear about other students’ research, which I have found very valuable.

How are your Cardiff studies helping you develop your future career choice?

I’m hoping to continue researching in the field of Religious Studies after my PhD finishes and my experience at Cardiff has been invaluable. The MA course provides in-depth training in research methods, enabling students to develop and practice these skills over the duration of the course. Also, the RSSDP course run by the Graduate Centre at Cardiff for PhD students provides extremely useful workshops and short courses in areas such as presenting academic research and using data analysis software. I hope that these skills will help me in my chosen career path. Alongside my PhD research, I’ve also been given the opportunity to teach undergraduate seminar classes which has allowed me to gain valuable teaching experience.

What do you enjoy most about your research?

I’ve enjoyed it that my research has allowed me to work closely with members of the local Muslim community and I hope that the research has focused on issues of relevance to the community. Everybody I’ve worked with over the course of my fieldwork has been very helpful and I’ve been very grateful for their assistance with the research.

I also enjoy working in such a supportive and encouraging environment and have really benefitted from working alongside the other Jameel Scholars and being able to discuss and debate ideas with them

What is the best thing about being a student at Cardiff?

It’s been great having such history on your doorstep. For example, whilst preparing a literature review I was reading about the history of Bute town, Loudoun Square and ‘Tiger Bay’ and then later the same month I attended an event held by the local community in Bute town. It’s fascinating being able to learn about the history and development of Muslim communities in Britain and to have part of it on your doorstep.

What opportunities do you feel have opened up to you as a result of being a Cardiff University Jameel Scholar?

I feel very grateful for the opportunity that the Jameel Scholarship programme has given me to develop my skills as a researcher. I hope that the experiences and skills developed during the course of my PhD will be useful in my future career. Without the Jameel Scholarship it wouldn’t have been possible to do this research and without this opportunity I wouldn’t have been able to aim towards my future career.

The Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK is a fantastic place to be studying at as Cardiff is the site of one of the oldest and most diverse Muslim communities in Britain.