Course summary

The BA Creative Arts and International Relations combined degree at SOAS University of London provides an interdisciplinary education that explores the dynamic intersections between global creative industries and international political landscapes, particularly within Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This innovative programme enables students to engage critically with the cultural and political forces that shape creative expression, while developing skills relevant to both creative arts and global diplomacy. In the Creative Arts component, students study the visual, performing, and musical arts, alongside the broader cultural industries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The curriculum covers key topics such as arts management, cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and creative entrepreneurship, providing students with a global perspective on how the arts influence and reflect societal issues. With practical training in areas such as curation, project management, and consultancy, students gain industry-relevant skills and an understanding of how culture and creativity contribute to global discourse. The International Relations component offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, global governance, and international diplomacy, with a focus on the regions SOAS specialises in. Students examine key issues such as conflict and peace-building, development, human rights, and global inequality. Through the study of international relations theory and real-world case studies, students develop skills in political analysis, critical thinking, and intercultural communication, gaining insights into how global events and power structures influence cultural production and vice versa. By combining these two disciplines, the BA Creative Arts and International Relations programme provides graduates with a distinctive skill set that merges creative insight with political awareness. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for careers in arts management, cultural diplomacy, international organisations, journalism, and policy-making, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the intersection of culture and global affairs.