Overview
Doctorate of Philosophy (PHD) Islamic Frameworks for Sustainability and Digitalisation
Duration: 3–4 Years Full-Time
Level: FHEQ Level 8 (Doctoral)
Credit Framework: Not typically credit-rated (aligned to 360 UK credits where applicable)
ECTS Equivalent: 180–240 ECTS
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (Online/Onsite at different locations across the world)
Overview
The Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Frameworks for Sustainable Development in the Digital Age (PhD IFSDDA), developed for LISD, is an advanced research programme designed to equip scholars and professionals with the intellectual and analytical capabilities required to address contemporary sustainability challenges through the lens of Islamic thought in an increasingly digitalised world.
While the programme is grounded in a global context, it places particular emphasis on the integration of Islamic ethical, economic, and social principles with emerging digital transformation agendas. It critically examines how Islamic frameworks can contribute to sustainable development (SD) across diverse sectors, including governance, finance, technology, education, and social innovation.
The programme offers a rigorous and systematic exploration of the intersection between Islamic values and key dimensions of SD, such as environmental stewardship, social justice, economic equity, and responsible innovation. It further investigates the implications of digital transformation—including artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital economies-on sustainability practices within both Muslim-majority and global contexts.
In addition, the programme provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary sustainability discourses, including global development frameworks such as those advanced by the United Nations (UN), while critically evaluating their alignment with Islamic perspectives. It encourages original research that contributes to policy development, organisational strategy, and ethical governance in the digital age.
Through independent and supervised research, candidates will develop advanced methodological expertise and produce original contributions to knowledge. Graduates will emerge as highly skilled researchers, policy advisors, and thought leaders, capable of bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with modern sustainability challenges and digital innovation. They will be well-positioned to contribute to academia, international organisations, public policy, and industry, promoting inclusive and SD for the benefit of global society.
A One of-a-Kind Initiative
The PhD IFSDDA is an advanced research programme that equips scholars and professionals to address sustainability challenges through Islamic ethical, legal, and socio-economic perspectives within a digitally transforming global context.
The programme enables candidates to critically engage with global sustainability agendas, including those advanced by the UN, by examining their foundations alongside Islamic principles of justice, stewardship, and collective wellbeing. It explores how these principles can inform more inclusive, equitable, and ethically grounded development in the digital era.
Adopting both horizontal (global frameworks and multi-stakeholder engagement) and vertical (governance structures and institutional relationships) perspectives, the programme provides a structured understanding of SD and digital transformation (DT).
Through interdisciplinary and applied research, candidates will investigate key areas such as digital governance, artificial intelligence (AI), Islamic finance, environmental sustainability, and social innovation. The programme emphasises the integration of classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary policy and technological developments.
Graduates will produce original research and emerge as skilled researchers and thought leaders, capable of contributing to policy, academia, and practice in advancing SD through Islamic frameworks in a digital age.
Related Courses
Location
London Institute of Sustainable Development (LISD), London, United Kingdom


































































