|
Q.1: How much does the MIF cost
The tuition fees for Masters in Islamic Finance is RM20,700 for both local and international students.
Q.2: How long does it take to complete the program?
Full-time: two years; Part-time: four years
Q.3: My primary degree is not in finance, business or economics. Can I apply to do the MIF?
Yes, you can. However, if accepted, the course will assume that you have a comparable background to other class members.
Q.4: What are the minimum admission criteria?
You should have obtained a degree from recognized institutions by INCEIF or Government of Malaysia. If English is not your native language, or you have not undertaken your undergraduate degree through the English medium, you will also need to satisfy the language requirements.
Q.5: Is INCEIF an approved institution of higher learning?
Yes. INCEIF has received the approval from the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) offer degree programmes.
Received MQA accreditation.
Q.6: What is the closing date for applications?
We observe rolling admission, and applications are considered as and when we receive them. Succesful applicants are offered admission to the semester they prefer or to the nearest available semester. We strongly encourage applicants to apply early.
Next programme intake: September 2012 Semester
Submission deadline: 31 May 2012
Q.7: How are candidates chosen?
We do not apply mechanistic rules and strive in the admissions process to create a class that will be balanced in terms of experience and background. The key elements that we will use include your undergraduate (and graduate if relevant) degree results, references and (if relevant) work experience.
Q.8: How is the part-time course different from the full-time course?
The course delivery is in an intensive bloc format. Part-time and full-time students both attend the same course of instruction. Students are classified as part-time when their registered workload is less than 75% of the full work load. Students attending full-time can complete in two years, whereas part-time students can expect to complete the program in four years or less.
Q.9: How do I apply?
A form can be submitted here. Upon receiving the online application, we will notify you on the submission of the relevant documents as well as a one-time-only processing fee of RM50 for Malaysians or USD20 for international applicants.
Q.10: If I am a full-time student, can I work while undertaking the course?
Yes, certainly you may, provided you are able to balance your job demands and the academic workloads.
Q.11: Does the MIF exempt me from any of the CIFP programme?
Yes, subject to future reviews, equivalent courses taken at the MIF would be given exemptions and credit for the CIFP.
Q.12: What is the difference between MIF and an MBA?
A MBA is a generalist degree, which exposes students to a wide variety of business disciplines (accounting, organisational behaviour, marketing et cetera). The MIF programme is a specialist course which is aimed at students who wish to make or advance their career in the Islamic finance industry.
Q.13: Can you tell me about the Graduate Studies Committee?
The committee consists of representatives from academic and the industry.
Q.14: What careers can graduates expect?
Islamic finance is a rapidly growing area, and you will have the chance to gain early experience and make a real contribution to the industry. The programme is designed to give you broad theoretical and practical experience of the Islamic finance. When you have completed the programme, you will have everything you need to make your mark in this exciting emerging sector. Graduates of MIF typically find employment in central banks, Islamic fund management, banking, legal, Takaful and other private institutions.
Q.15: Can you tell me more about INCEIF?
INCEIF was set up by the Central Bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, and received its university status from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. INCEIFís flagship pgromme, the Chartered Islamic Finance Professional, is one of the first post-graduate professional qualification programmes for the Islamic finance professionals. Its objective is to certify professionals in the field of Islamic Finance and Banking and provide an alternative to most programmes which are for conventional banking practices.
Q.16: Can you tell me more about Kuala Lumpur?
INCEIF 's strategic location in the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur ensures that students have access to all the modern amenities of the city such as the Light Rail Transport, buses, shopping malls, banks, restaurants, tourist attractions, and more in the vicinity. With a population of 1.2 million, Kuala Lumpur is a lively busy city with all the attractions of a capital. More detailed information about the city can be obtained from from http://visit-to-kl.com/.
The Masters in Islamic Finance incorporates a variety of teaching methods, to ensure both an intensive and stimulating learning environment. Structured lectures form the bulk of the teaching and are often backed up by additional classes. The lecturing style tends to be participative, and lectures focus on practical applications through case studies, discussions and leading industry practitioners as well as visiting speakers. There are also group work sessions and opportunities for simulation exercises, project work, field investigations, and individual research.
Q.17: Does the teaching have a practical orientation?
Our Masters in Islamic Finance is vocational and career-oriented and is designed for finance professionals. As well as pursuing research in their own fields of interest, members of faculty also act as consultants and advisers to industry, government departments and committees, and hold directorships in a range of organisations. These activities help to maintain the practical relevance and staying attuned to ongoing developments in the business world.
Q.18: Will I be working mainly on my own or in study groups?
You would have both individual assignments as well as assignments that would be completed as part of group effort. You will be asked to complete a number of assignments and other activities in the study groups to which you will be allocated. You will learn a great deal from fellow candidates, because of their varied professional experiences and educational, and cultural backgrounds of the other candidates. One skill that would be acquired in the process is interaction and socialisation skills.
Q.19: What are the course attendance requirements and workload?
You are expected to attend all of the lectures and classes which are scheduled for each of the core and elective courses. This is not a programme where people can opt in and out of sessions. The pace is rapid, and sessions follow a building-block approach, with each lecture building on material covered earlier. Irregular attendance would make it virtually impossible to complete the programme successfully.
Q.20: How many hours will I need to work each week?
Usually full-time candidates will be taking four courses per term. A typical week in the full-time participant first term will consist of about 12 contact teaching hours. In addition, you will need to spend at least 30 hours per week studying on your own or in your study groups, and most people choose to put in even more time than this. Part-time candidates spend about six hours per week in lectures and classes and should also allow at least twice as much time for private study as the time they spend at INCEIF.
Q.21: How is the programme assessed?
Each course will be assessed on the basis of course work and (virtually always) an end of course examination. For the core courses, there will always be an end-of-course examination and this will account for at least 50% of the course grade. Some elective course teachers also grade class participation and oral report presentations. To qualify for the MIF, candidates must successfully complete 13 courses, including all the core courses and the project paper.
Q.22: Can I study a PhD in Islamic Finance after the MIF?
Yes.
Q.23: Do you offer any distance learning programmes?
Our MIF programme is a conventional program and the programme require attendance at INCEIF, Malaysia.
Q.24: What weightage do you place on the various different selection criteria?
We†consider each candidate as an individual within their "round" or admission stage. We look carefully at their academic record, work experience and track record, application form and personal statement, references, and TOEFL/IELTS score. The programme admissions committee will then make a careful, balanced judgement based on all these criteria, both on absolute grounds, and also relative to the other candidates being considered.
Q.25: Can I apply to the MIF before I have taken TOEFL/IELTS?
If the rest of your application is complete you should submit it, even if you have not yet taken TOEFL/IELTS. However you must tell us the date you plan to take the test. Although our†Graduate Studies Committee will not make a shortlisting decision on your application without your English score, it is possible for us to start processing your application and, for example, ask you for clarification on any part of your application that is unclear or if we need any additional documents. Your application will then be placed on hold until you advise us on your English score.
Q.26: Can I be made exempt from taking TOEFL/IELTS?
No, every applicant is required to take TOEFL/IELTS, regardless of their academic background or prior qualifications. This is for a variety of reasons: (i) TOEFL/IELTS provides a useful additional piece of information about you, personally; (ii) we receive applications from virtually every country (and educational system) in the world, so it is very helpful to have one measure for comparison of all candidates in the applicant pool; and (iii) it would lead to inconsistencies and unfairness in our admissions processes if we were to require most applicants to take TOEFL/IELTS but then exempt a few.
Q.27: Are there any exemptions from the requirements for the degree?
You can apply for exemption if the course contents are similar. However, we would recommend that everyone should attend all the courses.
Q.28: What are the IT requirements?
All candidates must have access to a suitable personal computer, and be familiar with standard office suites. In addition, part-time candidates must have off-campus access to the internet, as course work, reading assignments and other communications are distributed to candidates via e-mail.
Q.29: What kind of jobs/careers will the programme prepare me for?
The programme will be of particular interest and relevance to those working in:
- investment banking
- retail and commercial banking
- investment management, security analysis, and broking
- capital markets, trading and risk management
- venture Capital or Private Equity
- hedge Funds
- the finance function, controller's department or treasury operations of industrial, commercial, and service organisations
- corporate finance, and corporate restructuring
- corporate planning and consultancy, where a detailed knowledge of finance is required
- finance within the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, including central banks, local/national governments, and international organisations
- other professional organisations
Q.30: How do†programme graduates find their jobs?
Through a variety of tools including†networking, jobs postings, headhunters, and individual contacts.
Q.31: Will most candidates be paying for themselves or sponsored by their employers?
Most full-time candidates will be self financing, but about 25% are sponsored. Virtually all part-time students are sponsored by their employers. Participation on the programme has benefits not only for the individuals, but also for their employers and it is hoped that this benefit will be recognised by company sponsorship.
Q.32: How much will I need in addition to tuition fees for living in Kuala Lumpur?
Living costs in Kuala Lumpur can vary considerably depending on your lifestyle and the area and type of your accommodation. On average we would recommend that a single person should allow approximately RM1,000 - RM1,500 per month for living expenses; this figure is inclusive of accommodation costs, and assumes sharing a house or apartment with others. The living costs for married candidates and those with children will be higher.
Q.33: How easy is it to find accommodation in Kuala Lumpur?
Rented accommodation in Kuala Lumpur is easy to find, however the quality and location will determine the price. The rent would be around RM600-RM1000 per month for a one bedroom flat/apartment. We normally advise candidates to arrive at least two weeks before the programme starts to allow time to find accommodation. The Academic and Student Affairs Office will give you advice and information on how to find suitable accommodation, and put you in touch with fellow candidates who are looking to share a flat.
|
