School of Arts
MA in Museum Studies (Joint Degree with Effat University): Sponsored by the Saudi Museums Commission
You are viewing:
Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 1 year
- Start of programme
- 30 August 2026
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and SOAS University of London, UK
- Fees
-
£26,728
- Course code
- PGTF0289
- Entry requirements
-
UK 2:2 or above, or international equivalent (for Saudi Arabia: 70%, 3.0/5.0 or 2.7/4.0).
Course overview
The role of museums in society is continually evolving, shaped by shifting cultural values and new technologies.
The MA in Museum Studies blends theoretical and practical training, inviting students to explore the world of curation and museology while developing the critical and creative tools needed to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of museum practice.
Sponsored by the Museums Commission in Saudi Arabia, this unique programme offers insight into museum studies and contemporary curatorial practice. It builds an understanding of current museum approaches while developing essential skills for interpreting collections, creating meaningful narratives, and designing engaging displays. Drawing on real-world case studies, the programme deepens students’ understanding of how art, culture and society intersect within curatorial work.
Teaching takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and London, UK, connecting two vibrant cultural centres. The programme includes a two-week period of teaching at the SOAS campus in Bloomsbury, surrounded by major museums and galleries, enabling students to experience London’s dynamic cultural scene. It also features online components, including dissertation workshops and supervision sessions, which support students as they work towards submitting their dissertation at the end of the programme.
Why SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked 24th in the world for History of Art (QS World University Rankings 2026).
- SOAS is ranked among the global top 100 for Arts and Humanities (THE World University Rankings 2026).
- SOAS has five subjects ranked in the global top 40 and 13 in the global top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2026).
- SOAS is ranked 2nd in the UK for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- SOAS is unique: our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.
- SOAS is home to one of the UK’s five National Research Libraries, specialising in the rich collections of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- The SOAS History of Art research environment was rated 100% 4* in REF 2021.
- School of Arts modules frequently score top across SOAS in teaching, academic support and student voice.
Why Effat?
- Growing global reputation: ranked in the 851–900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026.
- A pioneering institution: the first non-profit private university in Saudi Arabia, offering an American-style liberal arts education that emphasises critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
- Leadership-focused education: Effat prepares students to become effective global leaders through innovative teaching and strong core values.
- Dynamic learning environment: a culture of inquiry, intellectual engagement, and real-world impact.
How to apply
Please apply by completing the online application form. The application deadline is 28 June 2026.
To apply for this programme, select: 'MA in Museum Studies - Effat University'. As part of the application, you must provide a:
- copy of your passport
- academic transcripts and degree certificate
- SOAS-recognised English language test with a 2-year validity (if applicable)
- personal statement (500 to 1,000 words)
English language requirements
All applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course. Students need a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in sub scores (or equivalent from other recognised English Language tests).
SOAS accepts the following online English tests:
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- IELTS Academic Online
- IELCA Home (Academic) online
- Password Skills Plus
- DuoLingo
Travel requirements
This programme includes mandatory study periods in both Saudi Arabia and the UK. To participate, students must obtain the appropriate visa or travel authorisation before the start date of the semester they intend to study in Saudi Arabia/the UK.
We recommend that you check the visa eligibility requirements for both countries (UK/Saudi Arabia) before applying to the programme. SOAS and Effat cannot accept any responsibility and/or liability if a student is unable to undertake the mandatory mobility study element of the programme due to visa refusal or delays.
Visas
You may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and request your Standard Visitor visa on arrival in the UK, or you may need to apply for your Standard Visitor visa before travelling. The process you need to follow will depend on your nationality and whether you have a current UK immigration status that allows study. You can find out more about what you need to apply for and the application process on our Standard Visitor visa page.
Please ensure to check the visa requirements and your eligibility for a visa for the UK before applying to this programme. SOAS cannot accept liability for failure of a student to obtain a valid UK visa for the programme.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
If you’re a national of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates you can get an ETA to travel to the UK. You can apply for an ETA via the GOV.UK website.
If you are a national of another country, please see information on the Standard Visitor visas and how to apply.
Structure
Students enrolled on the MA will take six modules, including dissertation in semester 3. The course is taught at Effat University in Saudi Arabia and at SOAS in London, with some online components. Please note that teaching dates are subject to change.
Semester 1
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 30 Aug to 3 Sep | Effat campus |
| 6 Sep to 10 Sep | Online |
| 27 Sep to 1 Oct | Effat campus |
| 4 Oct to 17 Oct | Online |
| 29 Nov to 3 Dec | Effat campus |
| 6 Dec to 17 Dec | Online |
Semester 2
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 4 Jan to 15 Jan | SOAS campus in London |
| 17 Jan to 28 Jan | Online |
| 11 Apr to 6 May | Online |
Semester 3
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 30 May to 5 Aug | Online workshops and supervision |
Teaching and learning
Programme learning outcomes
- Develop an ability to critically evaluate how museums, galleries, exhibition spaces, public art, online platforms/digital curating, and other display contexts create and communicate meaning.
- Be able to critically analyse the role of museums and galleries in the production of meaning and value to objects via practices of collecting, display, interpretation and conservation.
- Become familiar with the methods, practices and key issues surrounding the ways in which museums care for, communicate, and develop their collections.
- Acquire in-depth knowledge of the specific requirements of various museum roles, including curation, interpretation, learning, exhibitions, and collection management.
Fees and funding
Scholarships
All participants who are Saudi nationals may be automatically considered for a limited number of full or partial tuition fee scholarships, generously provided by the Saudi Museums Commission.
Where fees are paid by a sponsor, funding or government body, final responsibility for the payment and liability for fees remains with the student. Where the sponsor, funding or government body fails to make the requirement payment(s), the student becomes responsible for the payment of fees. If no payment is received, the student will be withdrawn from the programme.
Flights and subsistence are not included in the sponsorship and are the responsibility of the student.
Fee increases
The tuition fees are for the 2026/27 academic year only and may increase by up to 5% in later years of your programme. You’ll need to budget for these increases as well as fluctuations in your own currency.
