Department of Graduate History and Civilization Studies

Praise be to Allah Alone and peace be upon the Last Prophet,

The College of Shari'ah and Islamic Studies in Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah was founded by King Abdul-Aziz bin Abd Al-Rahman Al So'ud (may he rest in peace) in 1369 A.H. It is the center of higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it is noted for being one of the first colleges to teach postgraduate Islamic laws, history and civilization as a rich field for scientific research in Islamic studies. Following the opening of the department of Islamic history and civilization in 1385 A.H., the Department of Postgraduate Studies was founded as part of the Department of History in 1396/1397 A.H. It became an independent department in 1403 A.H.  

Throughout thirty three years, the department has witnessed rich intellectual progress, leading academic performance, affluent academic production, cultural contributions as well as contributions in raising awareness. Researchers in this department have put human and civilizational history throughout the ages (ancient, Islamic and modern history, all aspects of Islamic civilization, history of sciences, Islamic architecture, arts, writings, sculpture and systems) under close examination and study.  

In fact, the Department of Graduate Studies in history and civilization is an extension of the Department of History. The Department of History represents an academic growth to the Department of Graduate studies as both departments cooperate and integrate in administration, teaching, supervision and discussion of theses. The Department of History includes around 50 teaching staff in all branches of knowledge in history and civilization.    

The Department has undergone various improvements; it has enhanced the curricula and kept up with the developments that higher education witnessed in its syllabuses, systems, regulations and programs. The Department was therefore a key element in the recent cultural advance of our country. Distinguished MA and PhD holders have witnessed this development. The teaching staff in the Department has reached 10 professors, MA holders 96 male and 82 female researchers, PhD holders 85 male and 34 female researchers. Moreover, 83 students have registered for their MA and there are numerous academic papers presented by academics affiliated to the department in all significant historical and civilizational specializations, and they are distinctive for being original and creative.   

Peace be upon the prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.  

1. Establishment:

The department was founded in 1395/1396 A.H. It included two subclasses: Islamic history and Islamic civilization. At first, it only granted MA degrees for male students, and the first student graduated in the year 1399 A.H. /AD 1977. Graduate studies in history began to be taught in the female students' department on 1396/1397 A.H. In 1400/1401 A.H, the PhD program was put into effect. The department was founded as part of that of the Islamic history until it became a separate one in 1403 A.H. when the first head of department was appointed. It awards students MA and PhD degrees in history. The history subclass is exclusive to male students.