Department of History of Art and Archaeology

The Department of History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS University of London offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees in the arts, archaeology, architecture and material culture of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, from ancient times to the present day.

Our research and teaching focus on objects of art and material culture from the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and their global diasporas. Alongside this regional expertise, we are deeply committed to thematic and theoretical investigations into art, archaeology, architecture and museology, fostering the critical thinking needed to understand and respond to the challenges of a changing world. In this respect our location in central London, surrounded by museums, galleries and cultural centres, contributes to an unforgettable and enriching student experience.

What is History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS?

History of Art and Archaeology examines the human culture, visual arts, architecture and material remains of past and present societies to understand how people have lived, interacted and expressed themselves over time.

At SOAS, we have a unique focus on societies across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, from antiquity to the present day.

Gain real museum and gallery experience

Students benefit from opportunities including internships at Museum Rietberg in Zurich and fellowships at the Venice Biennale, alongside Asian Art programmes run in formal association with the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Ranked among the world's best for History of Art

SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK and 24th in the world for History of Art, and top 15 in the UK for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings 2026).

Learn in central London

Our location in central London, surrounded by museums, galleries and cultural centres, contributes to an unforgettable and enriching student experience.

Strong research impact

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), the department was ranked 1st in the UK for its research environment and 6th overall nationally

One of the UK's most international universities

SOAS was ranked joint 1st in the UK for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2027), creating an international learning environment with academics from across the world.

Play video

The Department of History of Art and Archaeology is internationally unique in its broad coverage of the visual arts, architecture and material culture of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Spanning geographically from Japan to Morocco and chronologically from antiquity to the present day, our teaching and research bring together regional expertise with interdisciplinary approaches to understanding visual and material cultures.

At the department, you will explore several interconnected fields of study:

• Art: the visual arts and art history of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, spanning ancient sculpture to contemporary practice
• Architecture: buildings, urbanism and the built environment, including Islamic architecture and urbanism in North Africa
• Archaeology: material remains from antiquity to the present day
• Material culture: objects and their social, political and religious meanings
• Museology: the theory and practice of collecting, display and exhibition

Our research supports multidisciplinary research projects and the cultural output of major museums and galleries, as well as the conservation and understanding of cultures, arts and artefacts in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Graduates from the Department of History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS University of London go on to work as museum and gallery directors, curators, exhibition officers, conservators and fundraisers, as well as in auction houses, archives, academia and fashion design. Alumni include Associate Director and Head of Sale at Christie's Chinese Art Department, the Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, Curatorial Consultant at the Museum of East Asian Art, and the Founding Director of V&A East.