Course summary

The BA Creative Arts and History of Art combined degree at SOAS University of London offers an immersive and interdisciplinary education that delves into the intersections between creative practices and art history, with a focus on Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This distinctive programme enables students to critically engage with both contemporary and historical visual cultures, developing a rich understanding of the art, aesthetics, and cultural significance of non-Western societies. In the Creative Arts component, students explore the visual, performing, and musical arts, alongside the wider cultural industries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The curriculum covers topics such as arts management, heritage conservation, cultural diplomacy, and creative entrepreneurship, encouraging students to understand the dynamic role of the arts in both local and global contexts. Through hands-on projects and close connections with industry partners, students gain practical skills in curation, project design, and consultancy, equipping them for a variety of creative careers. The History of Art component provides students with an in-depth foundation in art historical analysis, emphasising the visual and material cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Students engage with critical methods in art history, examining how art reflects social, political, and religious values and how it has evolved over time within specific cultural contexts. Key themes include representation, identity, and the impact of colonialism on visual culture. This component enables students to develop critical skills in visual analysis, research, and historical interpretation, fostering a nuanced appreciation of art's role in shaping cultural identities. By combining these two disciplines, the BA Creative Arts and History of Art programme offers graduates a distinctive skill set that blends creative insight with historical and cultural awareness. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for careers in the arts, curation, cultural heritage management, journalism, and consultancy, empowering them to engage meaningfully in global art and cultural sectors.