SOAS and Museums Commission launch joint Master's in Museum Studies at two Saudi universities
SOAS University of London and the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia have launched a joint Master of Arts in Museum Studies across two universities.
The programme builds on SOAS’s established postgraduate partnership with Effat University in Jeddah and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam, and introduces a new direct-entry Master of Arts at both institutions.
Bringing together the academic expertise of SOAS, Effat University and Imam Abdulrahman University, the programme combines international and locally rooted perspectives. Students are based in Saudi Arabia and undertake a study component at the SOAS campus in London.
The initiative supports the development of Saudi Arabia’s museum sector by strengthening local expertise and expanding access to academic study in museum practice and related disciplines.
This partnership is about supporting the next generation of museum professionals in Saudi Arabia
Professor Joanna Newman, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at SOAS said: "This partnership is about supporting the next generation of museum professionals in Saudi Arabia. SOAS’s internationally recognised expertise in museum, heritage and cultural studies combined with the opportunities created by the Kingdom’s growing cultural sector, offers a distinctive educational experience through a programme that integrates academic excellence, diverse perspectives, practical experience and research-led teaching.”
Eng. Abdullah Al-Hammed, Chief Executive Officer of the Museums Commission, said: “Building a world-class museum sector begins with investing in Saudi talent. Through our collaboration with SOAS University of London, Effat University, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, we are creating a long-term pathway for Saudis to shape the future of our museums.”
The programme combines academic study with applied learning in curatorship and museology, preparing graduates for roles across curation, collections management, archives, exhibition design and cultural programming. It places particular emphasis on research, digital practice and audience engagement.
Applications will close on 10 July 2026.
Image above: The Al Tayibat City Museum in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
