MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia at SOAS University of London is a distinctive and specialized postgraduate program that explores the artistic and archaeological traditions of East Asia, with a strong emphasis on China, Japan, and Korea. This program is designed for students who wish to gain a deep understanding of East Asian visual culture, spanning from ancient artifacts to contemporary art practices. With its unparalleled focus on non-Western perspectives, this MA offers critical insights into the cultural, historical, and religious contexts that shaped the development of art and material culture in East Asia. The program is ideal for those seeking careers in museums, academia, art curation, heritage conservation, or cultural consultancy.
Curriculum: The curriculum is both rigorous and flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests within the broad field of East Asian art and archaeology. Core modules provide a strong theoretical foundation in art historical methods, visual analysis, and archaeological practices, while optional modules allow for specialization in topics such as Buddhist art, court and elite cultures, ceramics, painting, calligraphy, temple architecture, and East Asian museology. Students are encouraged to engage with visual and material sources firsthand through study visits and access to London’s leading museums and collections. The culmination of the program is a dissertation project, where students conduct independent research on a chosen topic related to East Asian art or archaeology, supported by expert faculty supervision.
Research Focus: SOAS is internationally recognized for its excellence in the study of Asia, and the MA program is closely linked to the university’s dynamic research environment. The program fosters a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating history, religion, anthropology, and cultural studies to examine the evolution of visual culture across East Asia. Students are encouraged to explore themes such as the transmission of artistic traditions across borders, religious symbolism, and the political significance of material culture. Faculty members are leading researchers in their fields, often contributing to cutting-edge projects and international conferences. Students benefit from access to rich academic resources, including SOAS’s renowned library collections and digital archives focused on East Asian studies.
Industry Engagement: One of the key strengths of the program is its active engagement with the art and heritage industries. Located in central London, SOAS provides unique opportunities for students to connect with major cultural institutions such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and British Library, all of which house exceptional East Asian collections. Students often participate in museum internships, fieldwork projects, and collaborative exhibitions. Guest lectures and seminars with curators, archaeologists, and art market professionals provide practical insights into the field and open doors to professional networking. These real-world connections enhance employability and offer students hands-on experience in the curation, conservation, and interpretation of East Asian artifacts.
Global Perspective: The MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia embodies SOAS’s commitment to global perspectives and decolonial scholarship. Students are encouraged to critically examine traditional Western art historical narratives and to consider the cultural contexts and indigenous interpretations of East Asian visual culture. The program highlights the transcultural dynamics that have shaped East Asian art—from ancient Silk Road exchanges to modern artistic dialogues. With a student body and faculty drawn from across the globe, the learning environment fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Graduates emerge with a nuanced appreciation of global art history, prepared to work in international settings where cultural literacy and historical depth are essential.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia from SOAS University of London are uniquely positioned to pursue a variety of career paths that engage with East Asian art, culture, and heritage. The program’s in-depth focus on East Asian art and material culture equips students with specialized knowledge that is highly sought after in both academic and industry sectors. Whether in museums, cultural heritage management, academia, or international organizations, the skills developed during the program offer graduates opportunities to contribute to the preservation, study, and interpretation of East Asian cultural and artistic heritage on a global scale.
Museum and Gallery Curator: One of the most popular career choices for graduates of this program is working as a curator in museums and galleries that focus on East Asian art and culture. Graduates may find roles in prominent institutions like the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, or specialized collections that house Chinese, Japanese, or Korean art. Curators are responsible for selecting artworks for exhibitions, researching collections, writing catalogues, and designing educational programs. Their expertise in East Asian art history allows them to provide context for artifacts and design exhibitions that engage the public with the rich history and culture of East Asia.
Art Conservation and Heritage Management: With their knowledge of the material culture of East Asia, graduates can pursue careers in art conservation or heritage management. This includes preserving and restoring artworks, artifacts, and archaeological sites from East Asia. Professionals in this field work with museums, galleries, government agencies, and private organizations to protect cultural heritage for future generations. They might also be involved in fieldwork conservation at archaeological sites or in managing heritage resources across East Asia. This profession requires specialized training, and graduates of SOAS are equipped with a strong understanding of East Asian art and conservation techniques.
Archaeologist and Field Specialist: Those with a passion for archaeology can become professional archaeologists or field specialists. The MA program provides a thorough grounding in the archaeological methods used to uncover and interpret ancient East Asian sites. Graduates may work on excavation projects across East Asia, unearthing ancient pottery, architectural remains, or religious artifacts. They may be employed by universities, archaeological research institutes, or government agencies involved in heritage preservation. Additionally, some may work on cross-cultural or interdisciplinary projects that explore the connections between East Asia and other regions in terms of trade, culture, and technology.
Academic and Research Careers: Many graduates of the MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia choose to continue their studies by pursuing doctoral research (PhD), contributing to academic scholarship in the field of East Asian art and archaeology. With a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical research, graduates are well-prepared for careers as university professors, researchers, or postdoctoral scholars. They may focus on specialized topics such as Buddhist art, imperial court culture, East Asian ceramics, or the impact of cross-cultural exchanges in East Asian art history. Graduates can also contribute to academic journals, conferences, and teaching within universities and research institutions.
Cultural Heritage Consultant: Cultural heritage consultants with expertise in East Asian art and archaeology are in demand for advising museums, cultural organizations, governmental bodies, and private institutions on heritage preservation and cultural programming. Graduates can help develop projects that address issues like the ethical handling of cultural artifacts, cultural property law, and the restoration and interpretation of artifacts. They may also advise on cross-cultural exhibitions and international collaboration, ensuring that the presentation of East Asian art and culture is both accurate and culturally sensitive.
Exhibition and Event Organizer: Graduates of this program can work as exhibition organizers or event managers for museums, galleries, cultural festivals, and exhibitions dedicated to East Asian art. They can be involved in organizing and curating exhibitions, coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and engaging with artists and curators. Their expertise in East Asian art history and cultural understanding allows them to design exhibitions that resonate with both specialist audiences and the general public. Graduates may also work on creating educational programs or public outreach events to enhance visitor engagement with East Asian cultural heritage.
Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations: Graduates can pursue careers in cultural diplomacy, working for international organizations such as UNESCO, cultural attachés, or governmental organizations that manage cultural exchanges between East Asia and other regions. This can involve organizing cultural events, facilitating cross-cultural communication, and promoting East Asian art and cultural heritage abroad. Their knowledge of East Asian cultures and languages makes them ideal candidates for roles that bridge the gap between diplomatic and cultural engagements, particularly in contexts that involve cultural soft power.
Art Auction Houses and Art Market Professionals: Graduates with an interest in the global art market can work for art auction houses such as Sotheby’s or Christie’s, specializing in East Asian art. Art market professionals assess the value, provenance, and historical significance of artworks and cultural artifacts. Graduates can also work for art galleries, private collections, or art advisory firms, advising collectors, investors, and institutions on East Asian art acquisitions. Their understanding of East Asian art history, material culture, and market trends provides them with a competitive edge in this highly specialized field.
Media, Journalism, and Cultural Criticism: With expertise in East Asian art and culture, graduates may choose careers in cultural journalism or art criticism, writing for international publications, art magazines, or news outlets. They can cover topics such as museum exhibitions, contemporary art trends in East Asia, and archaeological discoveries. Graduates may also work in documentary filmmaking or producing content for television and digital media, offering expert analysis on East Asian art and cultural heritage. Their background allows them to offer informed perspectives on the intersection of culture, politics, and the global art market.
Tourism and Educational Outreach: Graduates can also work in the tourism industry, focusing on heritage tourism or art-focused travel in East Asia. They may work as tour guides, developing educational materials, or curating immersive experiences for tourists interested in the rich cultural and artistic traditions of China, Japan, and Korea. Educational outreach programs in museums or galleries can also be an avenue, where graduates design and implement programs for schools, universities, or the public, helping them engage with East Asian art and archaeology in meaningful ways.
