SOAS University of London champions a different kind of arts education. The School of Arts is one of a few global centres offering an education in art history, music, creative industries and digital media dedicated to the historical and contemporary worlds of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. What you’ll learn here at “The World’s University” is not only unique but also world-leading in how innovative and interdisciplinary it is. 

– Dr. Charlotte Horlyck, Head of the School of Arts

“The School of Arts is a forum for innovative interdisciplinary research and teaching, and also a vibrant and diverse community of researchers and students.”

If you want to study music from various perspectives – including ethnomusicology, anthropology, politics, and history, and engage with a wide range of Asian, African and transnational musical cultures – the Department of Music is the place to be. 

All students are trained in research methods, critical theories, fieldwork and ethnographic writing, sound recording, podcasting, and presentation skills. Performance is a big part of programmes, which often include opportunities to master a range of musical traditions, such as traditional ensembles to contemporary collaborations, through the department’s acclaimed public concerts that attract worldwide audiences and performers. 

The school’s central location in London provides an unmatched experience for those pursuing programmes in the Department of History of Art and Archaeology. Surrounded by museums, galleries and cultural centres, you’ll have the best base to witness the arts, archaeology, architecture and material cultures of Asia, Africa and the Middle East from ancient times to the present day. This being SOAS, you’ll learn to challenge traditional the prevailing paradigms of Western-centric art history, fostering alternative perspectives and opening up new vistas.

The department's goal is to empower students to meet the challenges of, and make a difference in, our changing world. Much of this is done by taking you beyond the classroom and campus. There are internships which vary from year to year. Previous examples include research projects at the Rietberg Museum Zurich and the SOAS gallery allowing first-hand exposure to how these institutions protect cultural heritage as well as high-profile fellowships like the Venice Architectural Biennale. 

The Centre for Creative Industries, Media and Screen Studies (CCIMSS) explores the dynamic relationships between cultural production, aesthetics, ethics, and cultural economies – with a focus on film and screen cultures. This is where you’ll get the world’s most profound understanding of the global reach of art, media, and culture and its impact and consequences, particularly in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and their diasporas.

Programmes here take an exciting approach that combines world-leading research with practical analysis of creative texts and media contexts. You’ll learn from and work with theorists, practitioners, and researchers, exploring cinema, social media, digital entrepreneurship cultural policy, and more.

They won’t be alone either – SOAS assists with UK visa processes through on-demand resources such as live webinars and virtual tours. Prospective students can connect directly with current students via platforms like Unibuddy and engage in discussions on forums like The Student Room.

Student support here carries far beyond just enrolment. You’ll work closely with respected programme leaders and educators, conducting hands-on research and projects that influence governments, industries and communities worldwide. The school has an exciting portfolio of degree programmes, all of which will prepare you for fulfilling careers in the arts, the creative economy, and other fields where a deep understanding of diverse cultures is highly valued.