The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World (Alwaleed Centre), is an interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach centre. The Alwaleed Centre is focused on promoting a better understanding of Islam and the contemporary Muslim world. Based in the University of Edinburgh's School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, the centre is affiliated to the department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. The Director of the Centre is Professor Frédéric Volpi.

Study Programmes

The Centre offers the MSc: The Globalised Muslim World, exploring the dynamics of contemporary Muslim societies in an increasingly interconnected world. Scholarships are available for this programme (based on merit) on an ad hoc basis, see funding tab on the course web page for further information on how to apply.  

The Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies department (IMES) also offers various Undergraduate and Masters level degrees, including an MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. 

The Centre has a number of Fellowships available for Early Career Researchers. 

Open Access Resources and Events

The Alwaleed Centre has a number of major research projects, each with various open access outputs; including reports, and videos. Some highlights specific to Scottish Muslims include: Dr Khadijah Elshayyal’s report on Scottish Muslims, and a series of animations highlighting the lived experiences of anti muslim hate crime in Scotland.

Additionally, Syrian Futures is a notable project which offers Scottish Syrians of all ages advice, support and training to help them access higher/further education and find their way to fulfilling jobs and careers. The project has produced digital teaching materials, in the form of 5 short films, to aid teachers and educators in 'connecting Scots with New Scots'.

Finally, the Edinburgh and the World of Islam Interactive Walking Tour is an excellent online resource if you are visiting Edinburgh and are interested in learning more about the city’s connection to the World of Islam.  

Alongside conducting interdisciplinary research, the Centre has a series of outreach projects to promote a better understanding of Islam and Muslim culture locally, nationally and internationally. For example, as part of its annual Programme of outreach in local schools, the centre delivers free workshops, lectures and training programmes for Secondary School students and staff across Scotland.

There is also an ongoing free public seminar series, hosting academics and experts from across the world. These seminars are advertised on the Centre's mailing list and social media.

The Centre has developed a free online 5-week course on The Sharia and Islamic Law on FutureLearn. The course explores some of the diverse roles that the Sharia and Islamic law have played in Muslim life, both historically and today, encouraging students to think critically about the nature of religious law and its many manifestations.