Universities must employ Muslim chaplains or advisers and join forces with Islamic schools to break down widening divisions between British society and its Muslim communities, according to a senior Government adviser.

In a wide-ranging review of Islamic university syllabuses and the support available to Muslim students in England, published today, Ataullah Siddiqui, will tell institutions that their teaching of Islamic studies is “out of date” and for years has been conducted “in isolation and probably in complete ignorance of the [Muslim] community”.

Courses should be more job-related, departments should link up with seminaries and madrassas to reflect Islam in Europe post-9/11, they should have more qualified staff and provide better pastoral support for Muslim students, according to Dr Siddiqui.

The failure to engage and address the needs of modern Islam could result in more extremism, radicalisation of Muslim students, as well as a growing mistrust between Muslims and secular society, the director of the Markfield institute of higher education claims.

The Government commissioned the Siddiqui report, entitled Islam at Universities in England, after becoming concerned about the narrow focus of some Islamic syllabuses and their lack of relevance to modern society, in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings. The courses were often out of touch and catered largely for white British students wanting to enter the Foreign Office, Dr Siddiqui says. He found little support for Muslims on campus – of the 100 or so universities in England, just 30 had a Muslim adviser.

Only one he spoke to was paid for his services, four were part-time and the rest were volunteers. They led prayers, but often had no formal training in counselling or communication. As a result, many vulnerable students turn to their peer groups for help.

The risk is that they can fall into the hands of extremists, who are keen to exploit their vulnerability. To prevent this, Dr Siddiqui says, universities should each employ a trained chaplain, who can be male or female. They should be appointed independently, not by the local Muslim community and approved by students.

Main points

— Islamic studies courses must be brought up to date, look beyond Middle East, and include modern day practice in Europe and Britain, involving Islamic scholars

— All universities should employ part or full-time male and female Muslim chaplains or advisers

— Islamic studies should be linked with job opportunities such as teaching, chaplaincy and Islamic banking

— Universities should offer add-on modules for all students to have the opportunity to study Islam

— Guidance should be given to all universities on Friday prayers, Ramadan and halal food

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