Outreach
An important priority for the Centre is to facilitate understanding of issues that require knowledge of the culture and civilization of Islam and of contemporary Muslim societies. The Centre’s outreach activities can broadly be divided into five areas:
Short Courses
The Centre runs short courses on Qur'anic Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic. These courses run through the academic year. Applications for places on the course are usually accepted between August and October. The Centre also occasionally runs short (weekend) courses on Islam.
Young Muslim Leadership Programme (YMLP)
This annual intensive residential summer school, organized by the Centre with The Prince’s Charities, is open to British Muslim men and women between the ages of 21 and 30. The aims of the Young Muslim Leadership Programme (YMLP) are to enable participants to become confident in their identity as Muslims living in the United Kingdom, to be aware of their responsibilities to the wider society, and to relate their own personal development more effectively to this context.
Exhibitions
An exhibition gallery is situated at the heart of the Centre, and hosts travelling exhibitions illuminating aspects of Islamic civilisation to academics, students, schools and the general public.
Local and national outreach
In additional to the academic seminars and lectures being open to members of the public, the Centre works with local groups and festivals to host tours of the building and offer talks on Islam. Many Parliamentarians and civil servants visit the Centre to give lectures and contribute to panel discussions and roundtables. Local government representatives and policy makers (including charities, NGOs) of all persuasions are also regular visitors. Interfaith dialogue with local faith communities (including the local Muslim community) and national faith leaders remains a priority. The Centre has also recently launched its School Educational Visits Programme.
International Outreach
Distinguished visitors from different countries and international institutions are regularly received at the Centre. They are briefed on the Centre’s activities and potential future collaboration is discussed. Visiting Fellowship and Scholarship programmes also continue to play a key role in the international outreach of the Centre. Joint conferences with international partners have provided another means of strengthening international links. Members of the Centre attend international conferences and delegations from overseas academic institutions also regularly visit the Centre.