BA Languages and Cultures and History of Art

The BA History of Art (combined degree) is an unrivalled opportunity to study the visual arts, architecture and material culture of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The Department of History of Art and Archaeology has world-leading experts in Asian and African art history and archaeology, whose groundbreaking research informs and is informed by their teaching.

In the first year, you will be introduced to the art and archaeology of different regions. You will also receive theoretical and methodological training to prepare you for the study of Asian and African art. In subsequent years, students broaden and deepen their knowledge and have the chance to specialise in particular regions or themes. An emphasis is placed on training students in visual analysis, through the close study of images and objects. Students are also provided with a critical introduction to the creative and cultural industries.

Some two-subject programmes are completed in three years while others take four years and include a year abroad.

Why study BA History of Art (combined degree) at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)

Students in the School of Arts develop a ​​critical and theoretically informed approach to global arts and culture. In addition to an intercultural awareness and practical expertise, graduates gain a wide portfolio of transferable skills which are especially sought after in the creative and cultural industries.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

• Christie’s
• Christine Park Gallery
• Crisis
• Design Museum
• Hong Kong Museum Of Art
• India Foundation For The Arts
• Japanese Gallery
• Museum of East Asian Art
• Music in Detention
• National Gallery
• Pan Arts
• People Projects Culture & Change
• Roundhouse Trust
• Somerset House Trust
• Songlines Magazine
• Sotheby's
• South Asian Art UK
• Stratford Circus Arts Centre
• Taiwan Embassy
• The Alliance for Global Education
• The British Embassy
• The National Museum Of Korea
• The Royal Collection
• Victoria and Albert Museum

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