The BA History of Art (combined degree) is an unrivalled opportunity to study the visual arts, architecture and material culture of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In the first year, students are introduced to the art and archaeology of different regions. They also receive theoretical and methodological training to prepare them for the study of Asian and African art. In subsequent years students broaden and deepen their knowledge and have the chance to specialise in particular regions or themes. An emphasis is placed on training students’ visual memory through the study of images. Students are also provided with a critical introduction to the creative and cultural industries.
See Department of the History of Art and Archeology
On this two-subject programme, the study of the History of Art is combined with another subject:
Some two-subject programmes are completed in three years while others take four years and include a year abroad.
The Department of the History of Art and Archaeology contains some of the world’s leading experts in Asian and African art history and archaeology, whose ground-breaking research informs and is informed by their teaching. Students benefit from the unparalleled knowledge and enthusiasm of staff.
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: September
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
BTEC: DDM
Access to HE: Minimum of 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction
Scottish Highers: AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB
Irish LC: 340 points from 5 Higher level subjects at grade C1 or above
Advanced Placement: 4 4 5 (Two semesters - UCAS Group A) plus US HSGD with GPA 3.0
Euro Bacc: 80%
French Bacc: 14/20
German Abitur: 2.0
Italy DES: 80/100
Austria Mat: 2.0
Polish Mat: Overall 75% including 3 extended level subjects
Dr Simon O'Meara Convenor
Please see the Unistats data for the various combinations of this programme under the Combinations tab.
+ 4-year degree with (compulsory) one year abroad
Click on a combined programme to load KIS data
The structure of modules reflects the importance given to conceptual and methodological clarity, and to independent interests of students. Particular importance is given to the training of the student’s visual memory through the study of slide images. Special emphasis is given to the exploration of arts and artefacts as evidence in historical, religious and cultural studies of societies and cultures.
Occasionally the availability of optional modules changes as a result of staffing and other circumstances. Students who had signed up for such modules will be notified as soon as possible and given the opportunity to choose from available alternatives.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory and Method I | 154900190 | 15 | Term 1 |
Students will take the following compulsory module
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Works: art, films, literature, music | 158100003 | 15 | Term 2 |
30 credits from the following list of "Themes in the Art and Archaeology of…" modules
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Themes in the Art and Archaeology of the Near and Middle East | 154900101 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Themes in the Art and Archaeology of Africa | 154900155 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Themes in the Art and Archaeology of South and Southeast Asia | 154900156 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Themes in the Art and Archaeology of East Asia | 154900163 | 15 | Term 2 |
You can choose modules to the value of 60 credits from your second subject
Students will take modules to the value of 60 credits from list of Year 2/3 options in History of Art & Archaeology below
You can choose modules to the value of 60 credits from your second subject
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent study project in History of Art | 154900123 | 30 | Full Year |
Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from list of Year 2/3 options in History of Art & Archaeology below
You can choose modules to the value of 60 credits from your second subject
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Art | 154900110 | 30 | Full Year |
| Contemporary Korean Arts in East Asia | 154900150 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Chinese Contemporary Art | 154900174 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Museums and Museology | 154900178 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Mosque and Palace in the Muslim World | 154900187 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Islamic Art and Architecture of Medieval Iran and Central Asia (10th-13th centuries) | 154900188 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Collecting and Collections | 154900189 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Art and Empire in Early Modern India | 154900193 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Approaches to Modern and Contemporary Arts in Africa | 154900204 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Arts, Culture and Commodification: Themes in the Global Creative and Cultural Industries | 158100001 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Key Concepts in Cultural Theory | 158100002 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Curating Global Arts | 158100004 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Theory and Method II | 154900206 | 15 | Term 1 |
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
All first year modules involve a weekly lecture and tutorial. Iin the 2nd and 3rd year, where student numbers may be lower, a seminar may replace the lecture.
For most modules, assessment involves coursework and an unseen examination.
Year 1: In the first year coursework entails short, concentrated pieces of work.
Year 2 and 3: coursework emphasis shifts to longer papers.
Year 4: In the final year students are required to complete an Independent Study Project on a subject of their choice, and are also encouraged to undertake projects, supervised by members of staff, in the form of an essay-based advanced.
A 4-year combined degree involves a year abroad
All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of 120 credits per year, in modules of 30 or 15 credits. They are taught over 10 or 20 weeks. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.
As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study (see Approaches to teaching and learning at SOAS). It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. In the School of Arts, most undergraduate modules have a one- or two-hour lecture or seminar every week. Some, but not all, also have a 1-hour seminar or tutorial every week.
More information is on the page for each module.
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
Students in the School of Arts develop a critical and theoretically informed approach to global arts and culture. In addition to an intercultural awareness and practical expertise, graduates gain a wide portfolio of transferable skills which are especially sought after in the creative and cultural industries.
Recent School of Arts graduates have been hired by:
Find out more about our Careers Service.
Guillaume VandameI really wanted to study History of Art and I knew that was my calling. After research, I found out that SOAS was a prestigious school with notable alumni and also that I could study History of Art and Law as a joint degree, which is perhaps the only school in the world that offers this at the BA level.
If you still have questions about this programme or studying at SOAS get in touch.
Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS.