The Effectiveness of an Integrated Curriculum: The Case of the International Islamic University Malaysia

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) was established in 1983 by the Government of Malaysia. Based on the recommendations of the First World Conference on Muslim Education held in Makkah in 1977, the university’s ultimate aim was to produce well-rounded professionals imbued with Islamic values and ethics who would develop the Muslim ummah and achieve progress that is in harmony with Islamic ideals. In order to achieve the stated objective, the IIUM adopts a unified philosophy of education approach of integration and Islamization of knowledge. Hence, teaching and education are related to the concepts of ta'dib, taclim and tarbiyyah, making the programs unique in its curriculum, syllabus, and pedagogy. After almost 27 years of its establishment, it is important to examine whether such an integrated curriculum has been able to achieve the University’s noble objectives. This study investigates the performance of IIUM graduates in terms of: (i) how well they are accepted by t