Tasnim Ali

PhD thesis: Sacred Spaces in Secular Settings: A Critical Study of Muslim Student Experiences in British University Islamic Student Societies

My PhD research examines the tension between secularism and inclusion within British Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), focusing on how Islamic Societies (ISOCs) navigate and challenge these dynamics. Despite the Equalities Act (2010) promoting equal opportunities, Muslim students face significant Islamophobia, exacerbated by policies like the Prevent Strategy. This project investigates how ISOC members balance advocating for religious provisions and combating extremism stereotypes within elite universities. By exploring the sensory dimensions of Islamophobia and the "palatability" of Islamic practices, I aim to highlight barriers and enablers to inclusivity in HEIs. Utilising a creative, collaborative qualitative methodology, this study seeks to inform policy reforms for greater religious inclusion in educational settings.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

My pursuit of a PhD in Education is driven by calls to decolonise and diversify academic spaces, aligning with my identity as a headscarf-wearing Muslim woman. My personal experiences confronting educational institutions' biases inspire my research on inclusivity for Muslim students. My academic journey, from my BSc in Politics and Philosophy at LSE to my Distinction-awarded MPhil at Cambridge, has provided interdisciplinary skills and a critical perspective. I aim to make tangible impacts by addressing gaps in faith-based inclusivity and offering policy recommendations to create more welcoming environments for faith-minority students in higher education.