The Aga Khan University London, Aga Khan University of London

• Location: London, England,
• Year of foundation: 2002,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of education: joint.

The Aga Khan University London — is a leading higher education institution engaged in research, publications, doctoral training, and public discussion of the historical and contemporary role of Muslims worldwide.

Scientific activity at The Aga Khan University London is organized around the following areas:

• Indian Ocean,
• Iran,
• Central Asia,
• Mediterranean.

Students and staff view geographical regions as dynamic zones of interaction and exchange, studying them within a Muslim context: how culture and religion have influenced these states and territories, their technological progress, migration, and environmental changes.

Research and public activities are based on the core values of the university: effectiveness, quality, relevance, accessibility. Students and staff strive to create works that not only contribute to the development of academic knowledge but also promote broader public discussion and solve pressing modern problems.

The Center for Digital Humanities is unique in that it specializes in the history of the Arabic script tradition and seeks to expand it by including Persian, Ottoman Turkish, Urdu and other languages. The center deals with advanced issues in the field of humanities and computer science, including optical character recognition (OCR), handwritten text recognition (HTR), natural language processing (NLP).

Before the start of their first academic year, students participate in a week-long orientation program: this is an important preparatory period during which students get to know professors, academic resources, cultural attractions, and public events.

Research papers by students and doctoral candidates of The Aga Khan University London are published in leading academic journals in the United Kingdom and abroad. The articles of students and staff are dedicated to current trends in the study of Islam, Muslims, and Muslim societies. Journals where students most often publish include Edinburgh University Press and Journal of Material Cultures in the Muslim World. Some works are included in large printed collections that the university publishes jointly with professional publishers.

The Aga Khan University London was established on the initiative of the first rector of the main university, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

Administrative staff at The Aga Khan University London help students from different countries find suitable accommodation in London, but mostly international students search for rental apartments or rooms on their own. A limited number of places are available in the Victoria Hall student residence: an eleven-story building designed by the London architectural firm Stanton Williams. The campus features a reading room, conference hall, 24/7 gym, lounge area with an open kitchen, courtyard and a rooftop terrace inspired by the gardens of Maghreb and Andalusia.

The administration of The Aga Khan University London is implementing a student engagement program that helps international students adapt more quickly to new living and educational conditions. Together, students attend various events, including excursions to attractions, performances, and day trips around London — for example, they get acquainted with locations such as the British Museum and the British Library, the entertainment districts of the West End and Southbank.

The campus is located near the top universities in the United Kingdom, so students can additionally attend free lectures, concerts and seminars at other institutions of higher education: this helps to broaden their horizons, make useful contacts, and sometimes even expand their career profile.

Entrance to many London museums is free, city shops, cinemas and theaters often offer discounts for students.

• The Aga Khan University London strives to develop digital research in all areas of its activities and programs. A prime example is the Centre for Digital Humanities: it is the first center of its kind dedicated to studying Arabic script and promoting technologies not focused on English and Latin languages.
• Students and future doctoral candidates spend productive time here in a dynamic social and intellectual environment: attending public and closed lectures, going to seminars, conducting research projects.
• Each student is assigned a personal academic advisor who helps with the creation of scientific projects and provides recommendations for current studies.

The Aga Khan University London’s infrastructure includes one of the best research libraries for Islamic studies and Muslim culture in Europe. There are 4 research centers operating on the campus.

Additional expenses for students of The Aga Khan University London: airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, clothing costs, excursions, souvenirs (pocket money).

Applicants to The Aga Khan University London must complete a standard application form and write a statement of purpose outlining their reasons for applying to a Master's or Doctoral program. The list of documents includes a copy of the diploma of previous education and its transcript.

If all documents are in order and the applicant meets all criteria, they are invited for an interview with members of the admissions committee.

Graduates of The Aga Khan University London are successful leaders of the 21st century who build careers in journalism, teaching and business consulting, working in organizations such as the Red Cross, BBC, «Muslim Aid» and the World Bank. Many former students remain affiliated with the university after graduation, helping it to develop and continuing their research. Some graduates continue their education at other prestigious institutions in Britain and around the world, including University of Oxford, University of Victoria, Harvard University, Princeton University.

Master's programs open doors for graduates on the path to a successful international career — this is a truly global qualification that is valued worldwide.

All university graduates become members of the Aga Khan Development Network community.

According to the charter, The Aga Khan University London is open to all candidates with appropriate academic qualifications. The university is non-denominational, so admission to the university does not depend on the needs of applicants and is based solely on academic merit.

English is the primary language of communication and study at the British branch, therefore future students and doctoral candidates must confirm their proficiency level by passing international tests:

• ETS TOEFL certificate — minimum score of 95,
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CPE),
• Cambridge Certificate in Proficiency in English (CAE) — grade A or B,
• Academic IELTS test approved by UKVI — minimum score of 7.0.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision