Course Overview

The Islamic Art and Archaeology (MPhil, MSt) at the University of Oxford is a prestigious graduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the art, architecture, and material culture of the Islamic world. The course focuses on the historical, cultural, and archaeological contexts of Islamic societies, spanning from the early Islamic period to the modern era. Students engage with primary sources, visual and material evidence, and critical methodologies to analyze the development and diversity of Islamic artistic traditions.

Unique features include access to world-class collections and resources, as well as the opportunity to study under leading experts in the field. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining art history, archaeology, and cultural studies, and offers tailored language training in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish as needed for research.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in academia, museum curation, cultural heritage management, and related fields. The rigorous training in research and analysis equips students for roles that require expertise in Islamic art and history, as well as positions in international cultural organizations.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program is supported by distinguished faculty within the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, including experts in Islamic art, architecture, and archaeology. Specific staff names are subject to change and can be found on the university's official department page.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from access to the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest university museums in the world, which houses an extensive collection of Islamic art and artifacts. Additionally, the university's Bodleian Libraries offer unparalleled resources for research in Islamic studies. Partnerships with international institutions and excavation projects provide opportunities for fieldwork and collaboration.