Course overview
The BA Music combined degree is a unique opportunity to study the musical traditions of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and their global diasporas.
SOAS Music has an international reputation for providing a platform for musicians, industry specialists, and researchers from around the world. Students study music from a variety of perspectives, including ethnomusicology, anthropology, politics, and history, and survey a broad range of Asian and African musical cultures.
In years 2 and 3 they are encouraged to develop their own interests by focusing on specific regions and by considering cross-regional themes, from music and gender to the music business.
Performance is a central component of the degree. You will develop expertise in a great variety of musical performance traditions. The course combines academic and practical skills: students are trained in research methods, critical theories, fieldwork practice, sound recording, podcasting, presentation skills, and musical performance.
Some two-subject programmes are completed in 3-years while others take 4-years and include a year abroad.
Why study Music at SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- We're ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- SOAS Music is ranked 1st in the UK for research impact and 5th overall in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- We received 100% overall student satisfaction (NSS 2021).