Courses which teach Islam to a deeper level or called Alim (for men) and Alimah (for women) courses. Traditionally they involved 12 years of intensive study with subjects including;
Maths
Science
Engineering
Astronomy
History
Medicine
This is according to Shayk Yusuf Motala, Rector and Senior Hadith Teacher at Darul Uloom Holcombe, Bury UK [Refer to Provisions for the Seekers 2nd Edition, translation by Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf, pg9].
However, as students are expected to learn the above subjects within schools and universities in Britain, thus, an abridged 6 year version has been created. It is crucial that one endeavours to complete the academic learning as part of the complete Alim/ah courses as one can only appreciate the unfolding of Scientific mysteries within the Qur'an if an individual has academic knowledge and understanding. Without a solid science background, would you know where within the Qur'an Allah hints upon the formation of nitrates within the soil, where within the Qur'an Allah tantalises us with the theory of relativity ... there are other secrets but without Academic advancement, we never quite connect with the personal, intimate, one to one whispers that exhilarate as you realise a secret has been unlocked to you alone.
Most Alim and Alimah courses within the UK involve learning only;
Arabic language
Arabic grammar
Tajweed (teaches Arabic pronunciation of letters)
Fiqh (Islamic Law)
Hadith (sayings of the prophet)
Seerah (explain the life of the prophet)
Within the first year, you may use the following books;
1. Arabic Course for English Speaking Students 1 written by Dr V. Abdur Rahim
2. Arabic Course for English Speaking Students 2 written by Dr V. Abdur Rahim
3. Arabic Course for English Speaking Students 3 written by Dr V. Abdur Rahim
4. Arabic Tutor Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 translated by Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan
5. Qasas Un-Nabieen published by Darul Kutub
6. Noorani Qaaidah published by Yahya Book Depot India
7. Provisions for the Seekers, Translation of Zad at-Talibin by Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf
It is possible to work through books 1, 2,3 and 4 independently although having a tutor makes things easier.
With regards Qasa Un-Nabieen (5), a dictionary is required to translate new Arabic vocabulary but if you visit the
Qasas page on this site, you will find a literal translation of the Arabic text within the book. However, the Arabic text itself is not included.
The Noorani Qaaidah (6) should be worked through with someone who knows how letters and words are pronounced in classical Arabic recitals.
The Hadith book, Provisions for the Seekers (7) can be worked through independently as you have to memorise approximately 4 - 8 hadith per week. This involves learning the Arabic pronunciation, writing the hadith in Arabic and translating the hadith into English.
There are many Alim/ah courses running within the UK, they usually start just after Ramadhan. Contact your local Masjid for more information. If you do decide to join an Alim/ah course, I wish you all the best.