Structure Course of Shi'i Studies

Structure course of Shi'i Intensive Course comprises of 3 parts: Academic Workshop, Social Program and Cultural Tour​

Start Course

Shi'i Studies Course

Shi’i Islam, with its rich and extensive history, has played a crucial role in the evolution of Islam as both a major world religion and civilization. Shi’a Muslims account for approximately 15 percent of the total Muslim population in the world. Shiism has the greatest influence in the contemporary world in Iran where nearly 90 percent of Muslims are Shiite.

The Shi’i Intensive Course endeavors to enhance scholarly attention to Shi’i Islam and offer an original and insightful understanding of its history, doctrines and practices. Combining the classical Shi’a thought and the current political, social, and religious concerns of Shi’a society in Iran, The Shi’i Intensive Course aims to offer an informed and scholarly Shi’a perspective on traditional and contemporary issues that affect Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Shi’i Intensive Course gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge, expand your international experience, and study unique and interesting subjects on Shiism and Iran.

Studying at URD Shi’a Intensive Course is the perfect way to broaden your academic and cultural horizons at an Iran-leading university and is a fantastic option to enjoy one of the world’s most unique cities. Our social programs let you experience the best of the city, while our class schedule gives plenty of opportunity to explore Shi’i Islam in Iran. You could even opt for an extra 4-day cultural tour to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Iran has to offer.

The whole program is accredited by the University of Religions and Denominations. Participants will attend in pre-planned workshops and lectures presented in English, and a special certificate will be awarded to each participant upon the successful participation and meeting program requirements.

Structure course of Shi'i Intensive Course comprises of 3 parts: Academic Workshop, Social Program and Cultural Tour

This 5-day workshop is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge, spiritual understanding, and critical thinking skills required to understand Shi’ism in the contemporary world. The workshop aims to connect scholars from a variety of disciplines and countries to study the role of Shiʿa Islam in modern Iran.

The class topics aim to immerse participants into the rich intellectual and spiritual traditions of Shi’a Islam in order to provide them with the holistic grounding and vision of Shi’a in Iran. Topics will include Shi’i doctrines, rituals, ethics, mysticism, political thought, and contemporary challenges.

The goal is to not simply provide an academic overview of the subjects, but to continuously put these various aspects into conversation with the Shi’a Islamic thought. Participants are expected to gain the opportunity to discuss contemporary Islamic issues with renowned scholars in their respective fields.
★★★★★ 5/5

Academic Workshop

In the Social Program we are taking full advantage of our location at one of the pinnacles of Shi’ite civilization, the city of Qom.

For those interested in Shi’a Islamic Studies, very few places are as exciting as Qom. The city is counted as one of the focal centers of the Shi’a both in Iran and around the globe, and is considered holy for embracing the Shrine of Lady Fatemah Ma’soumah (peace be upon her).


Qom is the largest center for Shi’a scholarship in the world, and is a significant destination attracting around 15 million pilgrims yearly from across the country and the region.

The social program lets you experience the best of Qom in your spare time. With our handpicked social activities, you can explore the history, beauty and religious atmosphere of Qom and have an enriching adventure to complement your academic course.

★★★★★ 5/5

Social Program

For those who pursue to enrich their experience of Iran, this optional 4-day tour of Iran would be of interest.

Follow in pilgrims’ footsteps and explore the history of old Persia and the spirit of the new Iran. Discover magnificent monuments, artworks, and sights and deeper insight into this ancient land.

Wander the streets of the Capital and spend a memorable night in the wonderful desert, and witness spectacular Mosques, Temples, Synagogues and Churches in Iran.
★★★★★ 5/5

Cultural Tour