Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Islamic Art and Architecture

Feb 19
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for senior architects, historians, cultural scholars, heritage experts, and researchers seeking to make an original scholarly contribution to the field of Islamic Art and Architecture. Structured at a level equal to EQF Level 8 and aligned with the third European cycle, the program represents the highest stage of academic research and intellectual specialization.

The program is built to cultivate advanced research capacity, critical theoretical engagement, and independent scholarly production in areas related to Islamic visual culture, architectural theory, urban heritage, conservation sciences, and aesthetic philosophy. It encourages rigorous historical analysis alongside contemporary inquiry, enabling participants to examine the evolution of Islamic artistic and architectural traditions while addressing present-day design, preservation, and sustainability challenges.

Academic Structure

The program consists of seven modules, structured to support advanced academic and research excellence:

Four research-focused modules dedicated to advanced research methodology, historiography, comparative art analysis, architectural theory, academic publishing standards, and interdisciplinary research design.
Two general modules aimed at strengthening global cultural perspectives, heritage governance, leadership in academic and cultural institutions, and strategic thinking in art and architectural discourse.
One specialized module in Islamic Art and Architecture, covering advanced topics such as mosque typologies, Andalusian and Ottoman architectural traditions, geometric systems, calligraphic integration in built environments, material culture, restoration ethics, and contemporary reinterpretations of Islamic design principles.

The program culminates in a comprehensive thesis and structured research activities that demonstrate independent academic contribution, analytical depth, and advanced expertise in Islamic artistic and architectural studies.

Duration and Flexibility

The minimum duration of the program is 18+ months, with flexibility allowing participants to extend their study period according to research development and professional commitments. This structure makes the program particularly suitable for experienced professionals in architecture, academia, museum studies, conservation practice, and cultural policy who seek to deepen their research leadership and scholarly impact.

By integrating historical scholarship, architectural analysis, cultural theory, and original research, this doctorate study program prepares specialists capable of preserving, interpreting, and advancing Islamic artistic and architectural heritage within a contemporary global framework.