Course summary

The BA Creative Arts and Politics combined degree at SOAS University of London provides an interdisciplinary education that explores the ways creative expression and political movements intersect, particularly across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This innovative programme enables students to critically analyse how the arts reflect and influence political landscapes, offering insights into the role of culture in shaping political ideologies and social change. In the Creative Arts component, students study visual, performing, and musical arts, as well as the cultural industries within SOAS’s regional specialisms. The curriculum covers arts management, cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and creative entrepreneurship, emphasising practical training in project design and curation. Students gain a broad understanding of how the arts respond to and impact societal issues, with particular focus on political contexts. The Politics component introduces students to political theory, global governance, and social justice issues, with a focus on regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Students examine topics like nationalism, conflict, human rights, and international relations, learning to critically assess political power structures and the influence of art in political discourse. This component fosters strong analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of the cultural dimensions of politics. By combining these two disciplines, the BA Creative Arts and Politics programme equips graduates with a unique blend of creative and political knowledge, preparing them for careers in arts management, cultural diplomacy, political consultancy, journalism, and advocacy. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to actively contribute to global discussions on culture and politics.