Course summary

The BA Creative Arts and World Philosophies combined degree at SOAS University of London offers a unique and interdisciplinary education that explores the relationships between creative expression and philosophical thought across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This innovative programme allows students to investigate the diverse philosophical traditions that have shaped artistic and cultural practices worldwide, while developing skills in creative arts and critical analysis. In the Creative Arts component, students study the visual, performing, and musical arts, along with the broader cultural industries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The curriculum includes topics such as arts management, cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and creative entrepreneurship, encouraging students to understand and engage with the arts from a global perspective. Emphasis is placed on practical training, including project design, curation, and arts consultancy, preparing students for careers in the creative and cultural sectors. The World Philosophies component provides students with a deep understanding of diverse philosophical traditions, including South Asian, East Asian, Islamic, and African philosophies. Students explore core themes such as ethics, metaphysics, aesthetics, and epistemology, examining how these ideas have informed cultural and artistic practices across different societies. By engaging with primary texts and critical interpretations, students develop skills in philosophical analysis, ethical reasoning, and intercultural understanding, gaining insights into how philosophical perspectives shape creative expression and cultural identity. By combining these two disciplines, the BA Creative Arts and World Philosophies programme offers graduates a distinctive blend of creative, analytical, and philosophical skills. This interdisciplinary approach equips students for careers in arts management, cultural consultancy, heritage organisations, education, and journalism, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully to global discussions on culture, creativity, and philosophical thought.