Course summary

The BA Creative Arts and Law combined degree at SOAS University of London offers a unique, interdisciplinary programme that examines the intersection of creative expression and legal frameworks, with a special emphasis on Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This programme enables students to explore how law influences the production, distribution, and protection of cultural and artistic works, providing insights into the legal dimensions of the creative industries. In the Creative Arts component, students engage with the visual, performing, and musical arts as well as broader cultural industries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The curriculum includes key topics such as arts management, heritage preservation, and cultural diplomacy, equipping students with practical skills in project design, curation, and arts consultancy. Emphasis is placed on understanding the global impact of cultural production, particularly from a legal perspective. The Law component provides students with a foundation in key areas of legal study, including contract law, intellectual property, human rights, and international law. Through case studies and legal analysis, students examine how laws influence creative practices and the cultural sector, from intellectual property protection to the regulation of artistic freedom. This component encourages students to think critically about the role of law in shaping cultural and artistic expression globally. By combining these two disciplines, the BA Creative Arts and Law programme prepares graduates for careers in arts management, intellectual property law, cultural consultancy, and human rights advocacy. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with the legal knowledge and creative skills to navigate the complex relationships between law and the arts in today’s global society.