Course Overview

The BA History of Art and African Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London offers a unique interdisciplinary program that combines the study of art history with a deep focus on African cultures, histories, and societies. This course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of visual arts, material culture, and the socio-political contexts of Africa, while fostering skills in analysis and interpretation of artistic traditions across global and historical perspectives.

A distinctive feature of this program is its emphasis on non-Western art histories, drawing on SOAS's expertise in African and Asian studies. Students engage with a wide range of topics, from traditional African art to contemporary artistic expressions, and benefit from access to London's rich cultural resources, including museums and galleries.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in cultural heritage, museum curation, academia, international development, and the arts sector. The course develops transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and cross-cultural communication, which are highly valued in diverse professional fields.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program is supported by SOAS's renowned academic staff specializing in African studies and art history. Faculty expertise includes areas such as African visual cultures, postcolonial theory, and museum studies, though specific names are subject to change and can be found on the university's official department page.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

SOAS offers access to specialized library collections, including rare materials on African art and history. The university's location in central London provides unparalleled access to world-class institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, with which SOAS maintains strong connections for research and learning opportunities.