The programme is trans-disciplinary in nature and as such can be pursued by candidates from various fields of study, whether from the art-based disciplines such as management, development, economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, communication, history, geography, literature; from the science-based disciplines or from the field of Islamic Studies.

Candidates who have been accepted into the programme will have the opportunity to benefit from the existence of, utilise the facilities offered by, and participate in activities organised by the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) which pioneers this field of study.

Each candidate must accumulate forty (40) credit hours which comprise four (4) compulsory course consisting of four (4) credit hours, and a dissertation which carries twenty (20) credit hours.